NEWCASTLE WASTEWATER TECH GETS THAMES WATER TRIAL

The technology replaces century-old methods that pump oxygen through sewage tanks, a process still used globally despite high energy demands. Newcastle's system uses microbes and electrodes to break down waste more efficiently. The process yields ammonia that can be recovered and sold as fertilizer, creating an additional revenue stream. Thames Water, the UK's largest water company, is running the trial as part of efforts to reduce operational costs and environmental impact. The shift reflects growing pressure on water utilities to modernize infrastructure and improve sustainability. If successful at scale, the technology could represent a significant shift in how wastewater treatment operates across the UK and internationally. The trial will measure energy savings, treatment effectiveness, and the commercial viability of ammonia recovery against conventional methods.