Marubeni Corporation has decided to purchase shares via a third-party allotment in AquaGreen, a Danish firm specializing in technology that dries and pyrolyzes wet biomass, including sewage sludge produced during wastewater treatment, to generate biochar.
Sewage sludge, an organic byproduct of sewage treatment, has typically been managed through composting or landfilling, either directly or after incineration (referred to as “conventional sewage sludge disposal”).
However, recent years have seen a reevaluation of treatment methods in various countries due to rising sludge disposal costs, concerns over health risks from PFAS in sewage sludge, and the need to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
In Japan, the Ministry of the Environment’s Plan for Global Warming Countermeasures aims to cut GHG emissions in the sewerage sector by 2.08 million tons by FY2030 (relative to FY2013 levels) through improved sewage sludge treatment and enhanced energy conservation and generation strategies.
AquaGreen is the first company globally to successfully create and commercialize technology that enables the drying and pyrolysis of sewage sludge using only its calorific value.
Among the various sewage sludge treatment technologies, drying and pyrolysis stand out as a promising method that can eliminate harmful substances like PFAS, microplastics, and heavy metals while also reducing GHG emissions by sequestering carbon in the resulting biochar.
Despite this potential, the technique has not been widely adopted due to the high moisture content and low calorific value of sewage sludge, which necessitate auxiliary fuel, thus lowering cost efficiency. AquaGreen has pioneered technology that allows for drying and pyrolysis solely using the energy from sewage sludge without auxiliary fuel, achieving an approximate 80% reduction in GHG emissions and significant operating cost savings compared to traditional sewage sludge disposal methods.
AquaGreen has already initiated sales in Europe, particularly in Northern Europe, where it has a proven track record. Marubeni will now assist in promoting AquaGreen’s technologies primarily in Japan, Asia, and Oceania, aiming for broader adoption as an alternative to conventional sewage sludge disposal practices.
Marubeni has extensive experience in water supply and wastewater management projects in Portugal, the Philippines, and Chile; seawater desalination initiatives in Saudi Arabia and Chile; and water recycling efforts in South Africa, providing services to around 16.6 million people worldwide.
By joining forces with AquaGreen, Marubeni aims to expand its expertise in sewage sludge treatment, enhancing its range of water services and contributing to addressing societal challenges such as environmental issues and decarbonization.
Source :Marubeni
