In order to tap into this potential, a thorough market analysis and feasibility study had to be carried out. This report summarises the results of AVA’s research regarding sewage sludge production levels and common disposal methods in the main EU28 producers of sludge (Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands, France and the UK). Based on these results, the report identifies promising potential markets for the promotion of HTC as a sewage sludge treatment method and discusses possible market entry obstacles (legal or economic) and the likelihood of success in the penetration of these markets. After a short background into the characteristics of sewage sludge and general information on sewage sludge disposal in the EU (chapter 2), detailed information about target regions and clients are presented in chapter 3, 4 and 5. Finally, an internal analysis of AVA CO2 is conducted in chapter 6, presenting highlights of the company’s business plan.
Production levels of sewage sludge differ considerably between different European countries, depending on the population, the percentage of households connected to the sewer system and the treatment methods used at WWTPs. Per capita production also differs, with the mean value in the EU at ~55 g/(P.E. × d) . The total sludge production from urban WWTPs in selected European countries has been identified and described.
The main sewage sludge producing countries – and hence large potential markets for application of HTC – include Germany, Switzerland, the UK and Scandinavian countries. Depending on the legal framework for sludge disposal in these countries and the market shares of competing technologies, the potential for widespread market uptake of HTC has been determined. Not only do the generated amounts of sludge produced differ largely among Member States, but the disposal methods applied show a large variety across countries. The treatment and disposal methods chosen in each country may depend on economic, political or legal, environmental and/ or logistic (e.g. agricultural land availabilities nearby) factors, but often also on the lack of suitable technologies and an underdeveloped market for more efficient and sustainable disposal methods.
By 2020, sewage sludge reuse in agriculture and sewage sludge incineration are expected to be the dominant practices in EU-27 . The report provides a short overview of advantages and disadvantages of both disposal methods: agricultural utilization vs. incineration (co- and mono-inicneration).
