Project partners: Käppalaförbundet, IVL Swedish Environmental Institute, Växjö Municipality, Syvab AB, Mälardalen University, Cambi Group AS, Ramboll, VASyd for the Swedish Nutrition Platform
Grant: SEK 5 377 900
Project duration: 2026-06-01Y to 2028-08-31
Contact person: Jesper Olsson, Käppalaförbundet
Purpose and objectives
The purpose is to enable Swedish municipal utilities to transform sludge from a disposal problem into a configurable resource hub supporting resilient, low-impact water services. Modular sludge disintegration configurations will be tested using pilots and full-scale data to quantify effects on biogas production, internal carbon supply, nutrient recovery, micropollutants, dewatering and greenhouse gas emissions. Based on this, plant-wide models, business cases and implementation guidance will be developed to reduce investment risks and provide practical decision support for utilities of different sizes and conditions.
Expected impacts and results
By 2028, system-integrated sludge disintegration concepts will have been tested and documented with quantified impacts/potential on biogas yields, internal carbon supply, nutrient recovery, micropollutant, dewatering and greenhouse gas emissions. The project will deliver plant-wide models, business cases and implementation guidance. This is expected to increase energy self-sufficiency, reduce fossil chemical use, decrease sludge volumes and transport, clearer pathways for safe nutrient products and improved PFAS and pharmaceutical control. Together, these effects strengthen the resilience of wastewater services and support wiser use of resources in the urban water cycle while reducing pollutant loads to the environment.
Planned approach and implementation
The project combines technical testing, system analysis and implementation support. Partner utilities and researchers will first map sludge lines, needs and constraints and design modular disintegration configurations. Käppalaförbundet will install and operate a near full-scale pilot, while process effects, resource recovery and micropollutant behaviour are characterised using this pilot, Växjö’s thermal hydrolysis line and data from Syvab and other plants. Mälardalen University and IVL will develop calibrated plant-wide models and business cases quantifying climate and cost impacts. In collaboration with Ramboll, Svenskt Vatten and the nutrient platform, the project will also develop governance approaches, procurement templates and stakeholder dialogue to prepare utilities for stepwise full-scale implementation.
The text on this page was written by the project team. The content has not been reviewed by our editors.
Goals and tasks
- Resilient supply and management of water in society
- Ensure good drinking water quality
