Wastewater

Methane filtering technology improves potable water quality for Dutch water company

March 19, 2014

A new method that filters methane from water in a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly way has recently been developed by Royal HaskoningDHV.

AMERSFOORT, THE NETHERLANDS, March 19, 2014 -- A new method that filters methane from water in a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly way has recently been developed by Royal HaskoningDHV, an international engineering and project management consultancy. Water supply company Vitens was the first in the world to install this vacuum degassing system in its drinking water production plant in Spannenburg, a neighborhood in northern Netherlands. Once extracted, the gas is easy to use as a clean source of energy.

Methane gas storage facility at WSP Spannenburg in the Netherlands (Photo credit: Royal HaskoningDHV)
Wastewater and drinking water often contain high concentrations of greenhouse methane gas, especially in peat lands like the Spannenburg area. Until recently, this groundwater was responsible for 30 percent of Vitens' total CO2 footprint. The new degassing plant, however, significantly reduces this footprint in a single stroke. "Our calculations show that we will save almost €500,000 (US $691,135) per year with this plant due to the 'free' energy it produces," said Oege Hoekstra, project manager at Vitens. "These earnings are primarily due to the use of this gas as an energy source." Further, Vitens has decided to burn the gas to produce electricity. It is also possible to refine the gas into a natural gas grade or liquid gas for use in cars. Royal HaskoningDHV developed the business case for Vitens, as well as the plant' design and supported the water company in constructing the plant.About Royal HaskoningDHV Royal HaskoningDHV is an independent, international engineering and project management consultancy with more than 130 years of experience. Backed by the expertise and experience of 7,000 colleagues all over the world, our professionals combine global expertise with local knowledge to deliver a multidisciplinary range of consultancy services for the entire living environment from 100 offices in 35 countries. For more information, visit royalhaskoningdhv.com.

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