The University of South Wales (USW) and Dwr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) are advancing a ground-breaking approach for wastewater treatment known as the OxyHyWater system. This innovative system combines pure oxygen use and membrane-based biomass retention to enhance process efficiency and can potentially decrease energy costs, sludge production, and the carbon footprint of wastewater treatment. The system is also intended to reduce NOx emissions, which contribute to global warming. With funding from the ERDF RICE project, a pilot scale, containerised system has been developed and is ready for field trials. The project aims to conduct these trials, evaluate process performance, and investigate options for system advancement.

This initiative will have a far-reaching impact across regional clusters due to the distributed nature of wastewater treatment plants. It promotes collaboration on decarbonisation between industries and aids in transitioning to a net-zero economy. The OxyHyWater system, if successful, can be used not only for municipal wastewater treatment but also for other industrial waste waters, contributing significantly to the UKs decarbonisation targets. The project, thus, promises significant environmental, economic, and societal benefits on a national and global scale.