BVK Launches New Sludge Treatment Project at Brno-Modřice WWTP

Brno Waterworks and Sewerage Company (BVK), a joint venture between the City of Brno and SUEZ, has officially begun construction on a new sludge treatment line at the Brno-Modřice wastewater treatment plant (WWTP).

The ambitious project involves the construction of new buildings and the integration of advanced technologies for sludge thickening, anaerobic digestion, dewatering, and drying. This state-of-the-art treatment process aims to optimize the energy potential of the sludge, generating biogas that will be converted into heat and electricity, covering approximately 65% of the plant’s energy requirements. Solar panels will also be installed to contribute another 5% of the plant’s energy consumption.

To enhance sludge recovery from wastewater treatment, a new drying process will be implemented, significantly reducing sludge volumes by up to 60%. The dried sludge will be repurposed to generate energy for cement production in local industries. This on-site treatment will also reduce the number of truck trips needed to transport sludge from the plant by 60%.

The total investment for this project amounts to €140 million (CZK 3.5 billion). Financing has been secured through long-term bank loans from the European Investment Bank, the Council of Europe Development Bank, and Komerční banka a.s., complemented by a subsidy from the State Fund for Environmental Protection and contributions from SUEZ.

Paul Bourdillon, CEO of Europe and Central Asia at SUEZ, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “We are thrilled to have laid the foundation stone for this new sludge treatment line at the Brno-Modřice wastewater treatment plant. With over 30 years of operation in Brno, this project exemplifies the strong partnership we have developed with the city. BVK stands out as a benchmark in water management in the Czech Republic, demonstrating high operational performance and customer satisfaction. This partnership reflects SUEZ’s commitment to helping our clients create value throughout the lifecycle of their assets.”