Energy-Neutral Sludge Treatment Plant Advancing Sustainable Wastewater Management in Türkiye
The SANLIURFA Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in southeastern Türkiye stands as a model sludge treatment and energy recovery facility, integrating innovative biological processes and renewable energy solutions. Designed and executed by WABAG under an EPC model, this sludge treatment and energy recovery plant supports efficient wastewater recycling while generating clean energy through biogas utilization.
Advanced Wastewater Treatment Integrating Sludge Digestion for Energy Recovery
The plant treats municipal wastewater using mechanical, biological, and UV disinfection technologies while incorporating an advanced anaerobic sludge digestion system. This enhances the overall efficiency of wastewater treatment and significantly supports energy-neutral operation—positioning this facility as one of Türkiye’s most sustainable wastewater infrastructure assets.
Sludge Treatment and Energy Recovery System Delivering 75% Energy Self-Sufficiency
A key highlight of the SANLIURFA facility is its sludge treatment system, which transforms waste sludge into renewable biogas through controlled anaerobic digestion. This biogas is then utilized for electricity generation, allowing the plant to meet up to 75% of its total energy demand internally. The facility also includes one of the world’s largest solar drying beds, maximizing sludge stabilization while reducing carbon footprint.
A Benchmark Sludge Treatment Plant Supporting Circular Economy Practices
The SANLIURFA plant represents the future of sustainable wastewater management, integrating circular economy principles through water reuse, biogas generation, and resource recovery. With its combination of advanced treatment processes and a high-efficiency sludge digestion system, the facility strengthens Türkiye’s commitment to climate-friendly wastewater treatment solutions.
EPC Scope of the Sludge Treatment and Energy Recovery Facility
The EPC scope included design, engineering, mechanical equipment supply, construction, installation, and commissioning. Built for an initial capacity of 144,833 m³/day and expandable to 165,136 m³/day, the wastewater treatment facility serves a population of over 700,000 residents. Co-financed by the European Union, the project ensures reliable, efficient, and future-ready wastewater treatment.
Wastewater Treatment and Sludge Digestion Technology
The facility combines mechanical pre-treatment, advanced biological treatment for carbon removal, and UV disinfection to ensure high-quality treated effluent. The sludge treatment component features:
- Advanced anaerobic sludge digestion
- Biogas-based electricity generation
- Solar sludge drying using exhaust air treatment
- Stabilization processes for safe biosolid reuse
Together, these systems maximize energy recovery and reduce dependency on external power sources.
Renewable Energy Integration Driving Operational Efficiency
The plant utilizes biogas to generate a significant portion of its electricity needs, enabling cost-effective and sustainable operations. Solar drying technology further reduces energy consumption, making the sludge treatment process more efficient and environmentally friendly.
Sustainable Impact on Türkiye’s Environmental Goals
The SANLIURFA sludge treatment and energy recovery plant sets a benchmark for large-scale, energy-neutral wastewater management. By converting sludge into green energy and producing safe, reusable biosolids, the facility reduces carbon emissions, enhances resource recovery, and supports agricultural irrigation with treated water—contributing significantly to regional sustainability objectives.
Leadership Among Global Wastewater Treatment and Sludge Digestion Companies
Through the SANLIURFA project, WABAG reinforces its position among leading wastewater treatment companies delivering high-performance sludge digestion systems. This facility demonstrates how modern wastewater infrastructure can meet rising population needs while driving climate-responsible urban development.