Cambi signs large THP contract for Blackburn bioresources hub in Lancashire, UK
Cambi ASA has entered a large contract with Kier Integrated Services Limited to supply two thermal hydrolysis process (THP) systems for the Blackburn BIO Treatment Centre in Lancashire, United Kingdom.
United Utilities is consolidating ageing sludge treatment assets and investing in modern treatment hubs to reduce methane emissions and support compliance with the Industrial Emissions Directive. The project forms part of the company's long-term programme to modernise sludge treatment and increase renewable energy production across the region, through a new Enterprise delivery model alongside other partners, including Kier Integrated Services Limited.
Thermal hydrolysis will expand the BIO centre's role as a regional digestion hub by enabling the treatment of sludge from additional sites, with more than half of the planned sludge throughput expected to come from other sites.
United Utilities intends to recycle the high-quality biosolids product to land. Thermal hydrolysis improves dewatering, reducing biosolids volumes by about 35%. A dryer biosolids product also enhances long-term flexibility amid regulatory changes. Compared with conventional digestion of the same sludge volume, THP is expected to increase biogas production by 20%.
Per Lillebø, CEO of Cambi, remarked: "Blackburn and Ellesmere Port, which we announced earlier this week, are twin projects under United Utilities' long-term bioresources programme. A matched delivery scope and timeline support efficient execution and reinforce thermal hydrolysis as a practical and flexible solution for modernised hub sites. Cambi appreciates the opportunity to work with Kier in supporting United Utilities."
United Utilities provides water and wastewater services across north-west England and operates an extensive bioresources network serving over seven million people and thousands of businesses. Blackburn wastewater treatment works serves a population equivalent of about 400,000 and has operated sludge digestion with biogas recovery for many years.
Equipment delivery is scheduled for late 2027, with operations starting in 2028.
For more information, please contact: - Per Lillebø, CEO, per.lilleboe@cambi.com, +47 918 88 365 - Per Olav Collin, Acting CFO, per.olav.collin@cambi.com, +47 986 48 572
Note on contract value: Category Large NOK million 100-200
About Cambi Cambi is a global supplier of biogas technology and solutions for wastewater treatment plants and anaerobic digestion facilities. Since 1992, Cambi has maintained market leadership through continuous innovation and a robust portfolio of proven and patented technologies. With strong project delivery and customer support capabilities, the company has delivered more than 100 well-performing installations in 28 countries on six continents.
Cambi's thermal hydrolysis process increases renewable energy output, improves dewatering, reduces operating costs, and minimises greenhouse gas emissions. The technology is suitable for both new and existing anaerobic digestion sites and compatible with all biosolids outlets, including land application and downstream thermal processes such as drying, pyrolysis and incineration. Thermal hydrolysis is robust to regulatory changes and supports compliance with legal requirements for biosolids and waste treatment.
Cambi is listed on Euronext Growth Oslo, a multilateral trading facility in Euronext, Europe's largest stock exchange platform. Find out more at cambi.com.