PlasmaScale: Economic feasibility study for a demonstration plant of plasma reactivation of activated carbon

Project partners: Besca AB, Uppsala Vatten & Avfall AB, IVL Svenska Miljöinstitutet AB

Grant: SEK 600,000

Project duration: 2025-11-15 to 2026-10-01

Contact person: Adam Dahlquist, Besca AB

Purpose and objectives

The project aims to investigate the possibilities of establishing a demonstration plant in Sweden for plasma-based reactivation of activated carbon. The aim is to develop a robust basis for decision-making by evaluating the technical and economic conditions together. The feasibility study will show how the technology can contribute to more resource-efficient, circular and sustainable water treatment solutions.

Expected impacts and results

The project is expected to lead the way towards a new standard for activated carbon management in water treatment. A local plasma-based process can reduce energy consumption, transportation, reduce climate impact and strengthen security of supply compared to current fossil-intensive alternatives. By combining reactivation with PFAS destruction, the technology also contributes to safer water supply. The results of the feasibility study will form the basis for a decision on a demonstration plant and create the conditions for future national and international dissemination.

Planned approach and implementation

The project is run by Besca in collaboration with IVL and Uppsala Vatten. Besca is responsible for concept development and analysis, IVL contributes with independent expertise and testing, and Uppsala Vatten provides user data and materials. The work is organized in four work packages: conceptual design, testing and analysis, techno-economic evaluation, and business model and demonstration plan. The implementation provides an overall picture of the potential of the technology and the way forward towards a demonstration plant.

The text on this page was written by the project team. The content has not been reviewed by our editors.