Client
Delhi Jal Board (DJB)
Location
New Delhi, India
Capacity
91,000 m³/d
Sustainable Sludge Treatment & Biogas Energy Recovery at Pappankalan WWTP, New Delhi
The Pappankalan municipal wastewater treatment plant in New Delhi is one of India’s flagship facilities integrating sludge treatment and energy recovery. Developed under a Design-Build-Operate (DBO) model for the Delhi Jal Board (DJB), this wastewater treatment plant processes 91,000 m³/day and incorporates a modern sludge digestion system to convert organic waste into renewable biogas for green energy generation.
Wastewater Treatment Facility with Advanced Sludge Digestion System
The plant follows a robust treatment train combining mechanical screening, biological nutrient removal, dual-media filtration, and advanced disinfection. The heart of the facility is its anaerobic sludge digestion system, where biogas produced from digested sludge is channelled into a 2.8 MW cogeneration plant—a major step in transforming Delhi’s wastewater infrastructure into an energy-efficient ecosystem.
Sludge-to-Energy Solution Supporting New Delhi’s Sustainability Goals
With four anaerobic digesters (2,288 m³ each), optimized sludge thickening and dewatering, and a complete gas-handling system, the Pappankalan WWTP sets a benchmark in circular wastewater management. The integrated energy recovery system reduces dependency on grid electricity while supporting Delhi’s long-term sustainability commitments through green energy generation.
Resource-Efficient Wastewater Treatment Plant Enhancing Environmental Performance
Beyond energy generation, the facility ensures high-quality wastewater treatment that protects local water bodies and reduces pollution loads. Dewatered sludge is converted into organic manure, contributing to agricultural reuse and improving the environmental footprint of the plant.
DBO Scope of the Pappankalan Wastewater Treatment Plant
The full DBO scope includes design, engineering, electromechanical supply, construction, installation, start-up, commissioning, and an 11-year operation & maintenance contract, ensuring performance continuity and operational efficiency across the plant’s lifecycle.
Key Treatment Processes for Efficient Wastewater Management
- Mechanical Treatment: Screening, aerated grit chambers, primary settling
- Biological Treatment: Activated sludge with nutrient removal, phosphorus removal
- Tertiary Treatment: Dual-media filtration, disinfection
These processes ensure compliance with stringent effluent norms and deliver reliable wastewater treatment for New Delhi’s growing population.
Sludge Treatment with Advanced Digestion for Energy Recovery
- Sludge thickening and conditioning
- Anaerobic digestion system (4 × 2,288 m³ digesters)
- 8 MW biogas-based cogeneration plant
- Gas storage (2 × 1,200 m³)
- Dewatering via belt filter press
- Production of organic manure from stabilized sludge
This closed-loop system maximizes sludge stabilization, energy recovery, and safe reuse.
Environmental & Community Impact
The Pappankalan WWTP contributes to cleaner waterways, reduced pollution loads, and improved sanitation in New Delhi. The biogas-to-power system supports renewable energy goals, while stabilized biosolids promote agricultural reuse. This facility stands as a model for wastewater treatment companies advancing circular economy and energy-positive wastewater solutions.
A Benchmark in Sludge Digestion Systems and Wastewater Treatment Solutions
With its integrated sludge digestion system, renewable energy generation, and sustainable sludge reuse practices, the Pappankalan WWTP reinforces WABAG’s leadership in developing next-generation wastewater infrastructure for resilient, energy-efficient cities.