All-Streams HTO
Transforming bioresources management in the water industry.
Exploring the possibility of novel circular economy product streams whilst enabling Net Zero.
Project stats:
April 2026
The vision/goal
In recent years, the water industry has faced a seemingly growing level of concern about its approach to land application of bioresources. To move to an alternative, there needs to be a thorough understanding, through scenario testing and technology evaluation, of the most feasible alternatives.
Two recent reports: (i) Developing a long-term strategy for bioresources in England, by Water UK, July 2023, and (ii) UK Government’s Biomass Strategy report, August 2023, highlight the role that Advanced Thermal Conversion (ATC) processes could have in making bioresources an important part of the UK’s energy resilience and Net Zero strategy.
Through the development of a small-scale demonstration plant (Fig.1), that includes Hydrothermal Oxidation (HTO), followed by physical separation for phosphorus recovery, ammonia recovery, and valorization of the organic fraction as bio-methane, the project will explore the value proposition of HTO as an alternative bioresource strategy for the water industry in England & Wales.
The first evaluation of Hydrothermal Oxidation (HTO) and downstream refinery processes in England & Wales for municipal bioresources recycling, this project will provide insights into its wider benefits:
For customer
HTO provides opportunities to help lowering customers’ bills, due to its high potential for resource recovery, revenue generation and reducing operational costs.
For society
HTO has the potential to contribute positively to societal
circular economy and self-sufficiency outcomes, enabling maximum renewable energy production (expected to be +40% above current best performing AD processes) and nutrient recovery.
For the environment
HTO stands out as being a highly attractive proposition for the water industry being both a wet process that doesn’t required energy intensive drying, and an oxidative process that doesn’t produce biochar.
As an alternative to sludge-to-land, HTO would reduce or eliminate agricultural pollution risk, reduce energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions, whilst also reducing road transport resulting in lower costs and further greenhouse gas emission reductions.
What is Hydrothermal Oxidation?
Hydrothermal Oxidation (HTO) is an Advanced Thermal Conversion (ATC) process, – see Fig.2 below – that seeks to replicate the conditions deep under the earth’s surface. Under conditions of high pressure (~100-150 bar) and temperature (200-300oC) water acts as a solvent, breaking down large complex molecules to their simpler forms that can then be recovered as valuable products
Key milestones/reports to come throughout the project
For more information on this project please contact Innovation Project Manager David Inman – dinman@anglianwater.co.uk. To learn more about our partner Cetogenix, Cetogenix Website