The contractor is progressing design development, surveys, ground investigations, enabling works and site preparation at Blackburn Wastewater Treatment Works ahead of a decision on the main construction phase.
The scheme is being developed through United Utilities’ Enterprise delivery model. This brings together the water company’s operational, design and construction teams with specialist suppliers from an early stage.
Subject to planning permission and final approval, the project will include new thermal hydrolysis and advanced anaerobic digestion facilities.
The upgraded plant will be capable of treating around 45,000 tonnes of dry solids each year. It will also have additional capacity to handle seasonal demand and population growth.
United Utilities expects the new process to increase renewable biogas production by around 20% compared with the conventional anaerobic digestion system currently used at Blackburn.
Once completed, the facility is expected to produce around 127,000 MWh of renewable biogas energy each year.
United Utilities already operates the technology at its Davyhulme wastewater treatment works in Manchester. There, biogas is used to generate renewable electricity and biomethane.
Kier Infrastructure managing director for water Andy Lingham said: “Our £29m package is progressing the design and early works while United Utilities continues through the planning and approval process.”
The scope and timing of the main construction phase will be confirmed once planning permission and final project approval have been secured.
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