What is it?

Dual fuel engines, gas-fired boilers and gas engine-driven blowers have been used in
various sewage treatment works in Hong Kong. To enhance the total energy management at sewage treatment works, a 330kW CHP was installed at the SWH STW. The CHP utilizes biogas as fuel for the generation of renewable energy in the form of electricity and hot water.

How does it work?

The electricity generated by the CHP supplies power for the facilities within the sewage treatment works, while the recovered thermal energy supplies heat for the sludge digestion process via recirculation water.

CO2 Emissions Reductions

Biogas offers substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and its use in this CHP system has avoided around 2100 tCO2 in emissions.

Costs

The capital investment of the CHP is HK$7 million.

Next steps

With the successful experience, more CHPs are going to be installed in other sewage treatment works in Hong Kong. Additional biogas generators of about 600kW are planned to be installed at Tai Po STW and SWH STW in 2008 and 2009 respectively. This will make better use of the biogas generated by sewage treatment processes, and improve the efficiency of electricity and heat generation. Moreover, these new biogas CHP installations will contribute towards reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in Hong Kong.