Nereda N2O reduction project continues making progress at Panheel

Addressing N2O head on 

Initiated in 2022, our Nitrous Oxide trial is still well underway at Waterschapsbedrijf Limburg (WBL)’s wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Panheel. 

To comply with more stringent regulations for effluent water quality, the Panheel WWTP from 1984 had to be replaced. WBL selected Nereda as the technology of choice for Panheel together with their own Verdygo® concept for building WWTPs flexibly, efficiently and more sustainably. In contrast to traditional construction methods with buried concrete basins, Verdygo installations consist of compact, above-ground modules that are linked together in a 'plug and play' approach. The modules are easy to replace and transport and can be easily scaled up or down.

Operational since 2021, the Panheel WWTP treats the wastewater of around 38,500 people. Since November 2022, the plant has participated in trials around measuring and minimizing nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. While data to date shows that the Nereda technology performs well relating to low N2O emissions, this project focuses on how to optimize process controls to further limit nitrous oxide emissions.

This approach allows for measuring N2O in the gas phase and offers a better understanding of when and how much N2O is produced in the liquid phase during the treatment process. This information is vital for determining necessary process changes that could potentially lead to lower N2O emissions and assist in identifying and reducing its N2O production, ultimately contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The setup uses Unisense sensors for measuring N2O in the liquid phase, custom-made floating hoods to capture the off-gas provided by Royal HaskoningDHV, and the gas analyzer setup provided by TU Delft. In addition, Hach added their NT3200 sensor which measures both nitrate and nitrite.

Beginning this year, Royal HaskoningDHV, WBL, and TU Delft have been  implementing several process control changes to study the influence on N2O production and emissions.

The data, together with performance trend data of the wastewater treatment plant and estimated emission factors from the measurements performed are available for all parties involved via an online dashboard. So far, the research has yielded very interesting insights into N2O emission and optimization, with the plant seeing comparable emission results to the seven-month research done in Dinxperlo in 2021, which saw an average EF of 0.33 % based on the total nitrogen concentration in the influent. 

Monitoring N2O Emissions at Panheel

In addition to reducing GHG emissions, our intensive monitoring and implementation of various process control strategies have led to better insights on how to further optimize process operations. By addressing N2O emissions, we not only reduce the environmental impact but also enhance the overall efficiency of the plant. 
 
The research collaboration between WBL, TU Delft, and Royal HaskoningDHV holds exciting prospects for reducing GHG emissions. As we continue to make progress, we will share further updates on our findings. This project highlights the importance of cooperation across disciplines to achieve sustainable solutions for a greener future.  

Royal HaskoningDHV’s work around N2O does not stop there. If you’d like to learn more about our other offerings and projects on reducing N2O emissions at wastewater treatment plants: