Royal nod for doctor of sewage sludge
Wednesday 26 September 2012
A Thames Water innovator, working with the University of Surrey and supported by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, has been awarded a prestigious Industrial Fellowship in recognition of his engineering doctorate in energy from sewage sludge.
The Royal Commission of 1851, established to promote innovation in industry, will support Nick Mills, Thames Water's Sludge and Energy Innovation Manager, in his quest to maximise Britain’s production of energy from sewage. His project, 'Optimising sustainable energy production within the water industry,' focuses on developing the UK's huge, but as yet under-developed, potential to generate sustainable energy from waste by-products left over from the sewage treatment process.
Nick, who is based at Reading sewage works, is carrying out his project in collaboration with experts from the University of Surrey.
He comments: "I'm very proud that the Royal Commission recognises the value of sewage sludge to the UK. Their support will enable me to use my research to influence policy makers to unlock the full potential of energy from sewage waste, helping make a significant contribution to the UK's future renewable and carbon reduction targets.
"Sewage sludge is the main energy-rich by-product from the wastewater treatment process. It has a similar calorific value to woodchip and coal. But right now only 10% is converted into useful energy, typically electrical power. This must increase. Sewage sludge is a near limitless resource for generating renewable energy. There is no reason why the water industry could not be responsible for delivering up to 7% of the UK's 2020 renewable energy target."
The 1851 Royal Commission support will maximise the impact of the project by allowing Nick to engage key people and organisations across the UK.
Chris France, Professor of Environmental Technology at the University of Surrey, said: “Although only 2 years into a 4-year research programme this work has already shown the huge benefit that sludge can bring to the UK’s renewable targets. For the true benefit to be realised the excellent science and engineering will need to be complemented by an active engagement with policy makers to ensure that the incentives are in place to realise the benefits to the UK: the Commission’s support will allow this to happen.”
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