Aquafin for water purification succeeds in producing gas from sewage water | the interior

The modernization unit at the Aquafin site in Antwerp ensures that the biogas is cleaned to the same quality as natural gas. Bio-methane is a gas with a similar composition to natural gas, with a different green origin. “It’s made from household wastewater rather than fossil fuels,” says Margoline Wimais, Aquafin’s director of innovation. In our country, the conversion of biogas into biomethane has been going on for some time. And the fact that it is now also happening with sewage is a first Belgian. Bio-methane is a very pure gas and can be placed directly on the Fluvius grid.

Flemish Environment and Energy Minister Zuhal Demir (N-VA) was present at Thursday’s opening ceremony: “When it comes to renewable energy, everyone thinks first of all of green electricity from wind and solar power. But waste can also be a great source of green energy. Domestic production of green gas also offers significant advantages. We need to import fewer fossil fuels, often at high prices, from abroad. At the same time, we ensure that less waste is burned, which leads to additional emissions of carbon dioxide and air pollution.”

It is not yet a ready substitute for natural gas. The money we make here is enough to provide heating and gas for 250 families. A small part of the total number, but any contribution to the greening of the natural gas network is welcome.” Aquafin will evaluate the project soon and if all goes well, it will expand to five more sites.