From the sewage treatment plant to the power plant: E = mc² = f(CH₄, CO₂, H₂, heat, electricity)
On April 10, 2025, the 4th regional get-together of the Young DWA (JDWA) Allgäu/Swabia/Lake Constance took place at the Kempten/Lauben group sewage treatment plant. The 30 or so participants were able to see for themselves that modern sewage treatment plants do far more than just treat wastewater – they are key components of a climate-neutral and resource-saving future.
To kick things off, Frank-Steffen Schmid (Jedele und Partner GmbH) gave a technically sound and entertaining presentation on the numerous special features of the plant: high-load aeration stage, trickling filter system, deammonification and sludge drying. A special highlight: the low-temperature sludge drying plant from SDS/Michel GmbH, which will go into operation in 2024. In this context, Schmid spoke of “nothing less than a sensation”.
Thomas Spielmann, Sales Engineer at Michel, then presented the technology and functionality of the drying plant and explained its role in the overall concept of energy optimization at the site. Sankey diagrams were used to illustrate how material and energy flows are to be controlled in future so that the wastewater treatment plant becomes a “climate-positive” power plant – i.e. binds more CO₂ than it emits.
This requires more than traditional wastewater treatment technology: gas separators, H₂ reformers, electrolysers and heat and electricity storage systems are used, as well as infrastructure to transfer surplus energy to external consumers. The vision: environmentally friendly, economically viable and technically innovative wastewater treatment of the next generation.
The presentations were followed by a tour of the company premises, including a visit to the sludge drying plant. At the end, Michel GmbH invited the guests to a joint dinner – an opportunity for in-depth professional and personal discussions in a relaxed atmosphere.
Many thanks to the speakers, the operating staff on site and the SDS/Michel team for their openness, insights and lively discussion.
