The Water Treatment Plant as Energy and Raw Materials Factory
- WWTP of Circular Future -

The Dutch water boards no longer consider waste water as a waste product, but as a source of sustainable energy, raw materials and clean water. This fits in with society's transition to a circular economy. The water boards are working on this in the network organisation Energy and Raw Materials Factory. The Energy & Resource Factory is a sanctuary of practical idealists from the water board world and beyond.

The Energy & Resource Factory (EFGF) mobilises and concentrates the will, knowledge, skill and strength to overcome obstacles. A number of concrete examples of using wastewater as a raw material and energy carrier can be seen at the Amsterdam West sewage treatment plant. These technical highlights are shown in the tour of the plant, after first being explained in a presentation. The presentations also explain the "circular" application of Phosphate. Deploying a raw material labelled with the word waste is not that simple. The legal challenges of enabling Phosphate (Struvite) for reuse are clearly explained.

Briefly some commentary on speakers:

  • George Zoutberg works at Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier and is an innovation technologist.

  • Paul Vriend works at Waternet and is an environmental expert

Both are active participants in the Energy and Raw Materials Factory.

Programme
13:00 Reception and registration participants
13:15 Introduction to physical chemical purification (including supercritical water gasification)
14:00 Welcome and explanation of Energy - and Raw Materials network organisation
14:15 Legal process around Struvite (from waste to raw material)

15:00 Pause - changing clothes

15:30 PM Site tour ; water purification of the future
16:45 PM Short discussion and evaluation
17:00 PM Closure and drinks

16:45 Short discussion and evaluation
17.00 Closing and drinks

Cost
The cost is €10.00 for KIVI and VVM members and €35.00 for non-members (including 2 months' KIVI donor membership). Admission for students is free. Max. 25 participants.

Safety
The site of a WWTP is considered a biologically contaminated environment. This means that adapted hygiene regulations (w.o. washing hands, smoking (outside only), eating, etc.) apply. Participants with, for example, asthma or other lung conditions should take this into account. For the tour of the company, long trousers and long sleeves are mandatory. In addition, safety shoes or boots (S3) are compulsory. This safety equipment is not provided by the RWZI. Overshoes will be made available.

Accessibility
The RWZI Amsterdam-West is easy to reach by public transport (urgently recommended) from NS station Amsterdam Slotervaart with bus 382 (every 15 min.) The site is also easy to reach by car (exit 3 of the A5 motorway); there is very limited parking around the site. There is no parking on the premises, only designated for service vehicles.

Contact details
Leon Urlings, Sustainable Technology, e. l.urlings@chello.nl, t. 06-11266215.

Information links
https://www.agv.nl/onze-taken/schoon-water/schoonmaken-van-vuil-water/
https://www.agv.nl/onze-taken/klimaatproblemen-aanpakken/struviet-uit-urine/
https://www.efgf.nl/

https://www.afvalcirculair.nl/onderwerpen/afval/toetsing-afval/