Kent Bioresources

Description

Background Southern Water currently treats approximately 6 million m³ of sewage sludge per year across its wastewater treatment network, operating 16 sludge treatment centres (STCs) supported by a large transport and recycling operation. In Kent, the current system comprises seven STCs processing around 42,000 tonnes dry solids (TDS) annually. A combination of ageing infrastructure, evolving regulation, and tightening environmental standards — including restrictions on landbank use, air-emission limits, and emerging contaminants such as PFAS — necessitates a shift toward advanced, centralised treatment solutions. Project Vision The Kent Bioresources Project proposes to consolidate seven existing sludge treatment centres into three new “super-sites” that will employ Advanced Anaerobic Digestion (AAD), CHP biogas utilisation, or biomethane upgrading for grid injection. The indicative preferred sites are: • Ashford STC (South Kent) • Ham Hill STC (North Kent) • Motney Hill WTW (Medway) Sites are expected to require full redevelopment, including new reception, digestion, dewatering, and energy recovery infrastructure. We also have commenced feasibility studies for plants in Hampshire and Sussex to be upgraded to AAD too. We have conducted 2 rounds of market engagement and intend to continue our engagement period into Spring 2026 with new townhall event and bi-lateral discussions with interested DBFOM consortia and their supply chains. Please find contact details below and we will continue to engage the market through this portal until we issue the tender anticipated Spring/Summer 26.