Project partners: Käppalaförbundet, IVL Svenska Miljöinstitutet, Växjö kommun, Syvab AB, Mälardalens universitet, Cambi Group AS, Ramboll, VASyd för Svenska Näringsplattformen
Funding awarded: 5 377 900 kronor
Project period: 2026-06-01Y till 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 outcomes
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.
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Goals and tasks
- Resilient supply and management of water in society
- Build and manage society in harmony with the waters
- Ensure good drinking water quality
- Thriving and healthy waters
- Prevent and reduce the spread of hazardous substances
- Reduce negative impact on water ecosystems
- Wise use of water
- Recycle and reuse water and its resources
