1

Why the project matters

The energy that is consumed (and the respected funds) for the management of sewage sludge in central wastewater treatment facilities (CWTF), the pollutants (mainly of organic nature) that are distributed through the existing soil application of sewage sludge and the emerging concern that this creates, the energy (heat and power) that could be potentially produced when dried sewage sludge is used as a fuel, the energy that could be saved when biochar produced from sewage sludge could be used locally as a soil amendment and finally the carbon that is sequestrated (removed) from the atmosphere within that same biochar are the challenges that the Sludge2Energy project aims to tackle.

2

What it aims to achieve

• To establish and optimize a method combining solar drying and pyrolysis, turning sewage sludge into biochar and renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting climate change mitigation.
• To protect soil, crops, and water by reducing direct sludge application, preventing pollutants like pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria from entering the environment.
• To retain valuable nutrients, especially phosphorus, in biochar produced from sludge, supporting safer reuse and helping address Europe’s phosphorus shortage.

 

3

Expected change

• Enhanced operational capacities through installing and running 3 new pyrolysis units in wastewater facilities in Cyprus, Jordan and Türkiye and integrating them with an existing unit in Greece, to identify optimal operation for local conditions.
• Improved understanding of environmental risks from current sludge disposal practices, based on extensive field studies measuring pollutants and evaluating biochar quality as a safer soil amendment.
• Increased awareness and stronger policies by sharing project findings, encouraging informed decisions and the adoption of safer, more effective sludge management regulations.

 

4

What the project delivers

• 3 pilot pyrolysis units installed in Cyprus, Jordan, and Türkiye to convert solar-dried sewage sludge into energy and biochar, each processing 75–100 kg/hour and over 200 tons annually under real conditions.
• 18+ months of continuous operation data from all pyrolysis units, determining optimal performance parameters, maximize the energy recovery across different conditions and sludge characteristics
• 2,000+ data sets from soil, crops and water bodies analysis comparing traditional sludge application methods with new pyrolysis-biochar approach
• 3 studies for scaling up, economic evaluation, and environmental and social impact (including Life Cycle and Social-Life Cycle Assessments).
• 1 full set of control field trials with produced biochar to test its effectiveness as a soil amendment and assess risks like heavy metals and residual contaminants

 

5

Who benefits

• 10,000 of citizens benefiting from upgraded sludge management using pyrolysis and renewable energy
• Local communities experiencing improved water and soil quality
• Consumers of agricultural products benefiting from cleaner, biochar-treated soils replacing untreated sludge.
• Wastewater treatment operators and authorities (in Cyprus, Jordan, Türkiye, and Greece) improving sludge management performance through pyrolysis and biochar production.
• Policymakers and environmental regulators using project data and findings to inform evidence-based decisions, regulations, and incentives promoting sustainable sludge reuse practices
• Public health stakeholders supported by reduced pollutants like pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and antibiotic-resistant bacteria.