Conservas Friscos wastewater plant, Spain

What is it? An anaerobic granular sequential batch reactor serving Conservas Friscos, a fish processing company based in Galicia, Spain. It is the first full-scale application of anaerobic granular sequential batch reactor technology. The process features energy recovery from the biogas produced in the process, gives a high-quality product water, and, without the need for a gas-solids separator or a feed distribution system, the capital cost of the project was 30% lower than competing anaerobic systems.

Who is responsible? aqualia developed and patented the technology, with the support of the Centro Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas, and funding from the Spanish Ministry of Industry and the Andalucía Regional Government.

Why has it been shortlisted?

• The anaerobic granular sequential batch reactor replaces an energy-intensive process with one which is a net producer of energy.

• The combination of the small footprint and lower costs makes the technology an attractive option for companies struggling to meet European wastewater regulations.

• The plant is the result of a major public-private research collaboration.