Boilers enable 'virtually energy-neutral' sewage works

NEM is the only Dutch manufacturer of steam generators for use in power stations and industry. The two boilers generate steam from residual heat released when the sludge is incinerated, driving a turbine that in turn generates enough electricity to supply almost all of SNB’s needs. The plant also produces low-pressure steam that is used for pre-drying the sludge and for reclaiming raw materials.

After a year’s preparation, technicians began assembling the boilers at the SNB facility in September 2014. That required the existing installation to be partially shut down twice during the process.

Marcel Lefferts, Director, SNB, commented: “You could compare it to open-heart surgery. NEM was able to remove two existing boilers one after the other and replace them with the new boilers while the plant remained operational. That meant that the project had to be completed as quickly as possible, and NEM proved that they were up to the challenge.”

Gerard Van Dijk, CEO, NEM, added: “This project is a perfect example of what our company stands for. We operate at the limits of what is technically possible. We are also second to none in managing complex projects like this one. At its peak, 250 people were on-site working on the project.”

With the boilers, SNB will increase its production of green energy by a factor of nine, saving costs and helping the environment. This will contribute to abiding by the Climate Accords agreements entered into, including one to cut energy consumption by 30% between 2005 and 2020.