Lancaster, Rick

Rick Lancaster is a Global Bioresources Director with Atkins.

Titles from this speaker

National Bioresources Strategy for the England

Abstract

Introduction to Project The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) were commissioned by WaterUK to develop a bioresources strategy for England to 2050. The Atkins Bioresources team were competitively selected as the Technical Advisor for the development of the strategy. Atkins have also teamed up with world-class academics Cranfield University and Kenviro Consulting Ltd, the former president of CIWEM as a critical reviewer, to deliver this critical piece of research for the water industry. This project has brought together the English water industry, environmental and economic regulators and other key stakeholders to collaborate and co-create a long-term strategy for the safe and sustainable management of bioresources through to 2050. The engagement activities of this project underpin the collaborative development of a long-term strategy for bioresources with support from the technical Project Steering Group (PSG) and a Project Advisory Board (PAB). The PSG comprises senior managers of several key UK water companies, the UK environmental and economic regulators who provide technical input and review the detail of the project outputs. The PAB, independently Chaired by Baroness Anne McIntosh (ex-chairman of the Environment Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee), provides strategic, high-level input into the direction of the project, this comprises senior Directors/managers from relevant organizations with authority to represent the organization they work for. Both groups represent a cross-section of the organizations responsible for the management of sludge and bioresources. Why is a national Bioresources strategy required for England? Globally, water utilities are seeing increased risks associated with application of biosolids to land. These risks are coming from various factors: -Constrained Land Bank soil quality, regulatory uncertainty, farmer acceptance and public acceptance are or could impact the amount of biosolids that can be applied to land -Emerging Contaminants PFAS, microplastics, anti-microbial resistance, endocrine disruptors to name a few -Water Quality risks associated with nutrient run off into water courses -Air Quality risks associated with diffuse emissions of air pollutants such as NOx and NH3 -Climate Change risks associated with diffuse emissions of greenhouse gases CO2, N2O and CH4 These risks surrounding biosolids application to land are emerging at the same time as the industry faces challenges around Net Zero Carbon aspirations, circular economy targets and self-sufficiency agendas. Whilst biosolids pose a challenge to manage, there is also incredible potential value in the output. An overview of global issues, risks and opportunities is shown in Figure 1. In the UK, the vast majority of sewage sludge is treated through anaerobic digestion processes and the biosolids digestate is applied to agricultural land (>90% of biosolids). The UK Water Industry is now at a critical juncture considering the cumulative impact of key sustainability challenges (e.g., Net Zero Carbon target ambitions), market challenge, supply chain resilience and the potential for opportunities around improved environmental outcomes. The English water industry decided that a national strategy bioresources was required. They sought to review the country's approach to biosolids management and to develop a strategic roadmap that will enable the industry to confidently invest in infrastructure that can effectively manage biosolids now and in the future. The objectives of this project are to: 1.Engage with key stakeholders that are involved in, or impacted by the lifecycle (or end to end) management of bioresources and obtain their input on the development of the strategy. 2.Undertake a literature review and engagement to understand the drivers for change and opportunities that can influence bioresource management within England. 3.Consider the research/technological and regulatory needs to support a long-term strategy for bioresources including any AMP8 enhancement investment drivers and the mechanisms for their inclusion in Price Review 2024 business plans. 4.Propose a long term (2050) strategy with adaptive pathways for bioresources with an appropriate regulatory roadmap and timeline. The Method Atkins have deployed their global bioresources strategic master planning framework (as used on project such as the NEOM biosolids strategy development). This process involves developing a situational awareness, developing strategic directions and assessing each strategic direction using multicriterial assessment and stress testing. The research involved a comprehensive review and analysis of literature, including technological research and regulation, to encapsulate the drivers, risks, uncertainties and opportunities impacting the future of bioresources management. Stakeholder engagement was at the heart of developing the national bioresources strategy. Our team know that stakeholder buy-in from every industry and organization that is or could be touched by biosolids is paramount in delivering a successful strategy. Our stakeholder list extends far beyond water utilities we included farmers and the national farmers union (NFU), regulators such as the Environmental Agency (EA), the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), technology providers, product off-takers, academics and more. We used the various stakeholder engagement techniques throughout the project including online surveys, interactive workshops using innovative online platforms, panel discussions with a range of global experts at the European Biosolids Conference in November 2022, in-depth interviews and more. Drivers for Change To understand the drivers for change several exercises were carried out. Four strategic themes were devised, and a Political, Environmental, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental (PESTLE) assessment was carried out over them to identify risks and opportunities (Figure 2). (red / yellow = risks, green = opportunity, blue = mix of risks and opportunities) Based on initial stakeholder engagement, six key Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for a national bioresources strategy were devised: -Risk based approach to bioresources outlets, protecting human health and minimizing environmental impact -To ensure the safe and sustainable management of all bioresources in the context of the circular economy / reduces waste -To realize Carbon benefits and contribute to Net Zero ambitions of the industry -Enable investment certainty/confidence and be affordable to customers -Protect bioresources quality -Supports the UK self-sufficiency agenda An Environmental Policy Framework was created to show the relationships between policy/strategies and CSFs to highlight where there are potential gaps or challenges ahead (Figure 3). Developing Future State Scenarios Over ten strategic options were identified including incineration, advanced thermal conversion options, energy maximization, full resource recovery options and continued biosolids to land. Each strategic option can be categorised as a 'recycle recover' strategy, 'resource products' strategy or 'disposal' strategy. The global trends associated biosolids management strategies are shown in Figure 4. An extensive multicriteria assessment of strategic options was carried out to determine the options that could meet the critical success factors. Conclusions The final strategic roadmap is due to be published in January 2023. This roadmap will show adaptive pathways and help the UK water industry make least regrets investment decisions, moving towards a more sustainable biosolids management solution. It is also hoped that global water utilities can learn from the UK's national strategy as we believe that world-wide collaboration is the key to unlocking the full potential value is biosolids management. During this session we will present our methodology, our key findings and the UK's strategic roadmap to 2050.

This paper was presented at the WEF/IWA Residuals and Biosolids Conference, May 16-19, 2023.

SpeakerLancaster, Rick

Presentation time

8:30:00

9:00:00

Session time

8:30:00

11:15:00

SessionSession 19: Resource Recovery

Session number19

Session locationCharlotte Convention Center, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA

TopicCase Studies/Lessons Learned

Author(s)

R. Lancaster

Author(s)R. Lancaster1, P. Shaffer2, E. Piechozcek3, G. Strange4, P. Talboys5, R. Wilson6, S. Westlake7, E. McAdam8, Y. Bajon Fernandez9, K. Shapland10,

Author affiliation(s)Atkins1; CIWEM2; Cranfield University3; Kenviro Consulting4

SourceProceedings of the Water Environment Federation

Document typeConference Paper

PublisherWater Environment Federation

Print publication date May 2023

DOI10.2175/193864718825158780

Volume / Issue

Content sourceResiduals and Biosolids

Word count7

NEOM Biosolids Strategy

Abstract

NEOM: Developing a world leading biosolids strategy for the greenfield city. NEOM is a bold and audacious giga project in the northwest of Saudi Arabia. It is a semi-autonomous region built around helping to solve some of the challenges facing the world today in the face of unchecked urban development and climate change. NEOM will be a destination and a home for people who want to be part of building a new model of sustainable ecosystems at a time when the world needs fresh thinking and new solutions. NEOM is a central element of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 which seeks to diversify the Saudi economy and reduce its dependency on hydrocarbons. NEOM plans to build a 170km long urban development 'The Line'. A revolution in urban living, The Line will utilise technological innovation in all sectors to create unmatched liveability, sustainability, and environmental protection (Figure 2). The need to manage Biosolids in a sustainable and beneficial way is a key pillar of a region's circular economy. NEOM ambition is to be a global leader in Biosolids Management and Resource Recovery from wastewater. NEOM provided Atkins with a unique 'once in a lifetime' opportunity to influence Biosolids strategies in the region and globally. Starting with a blank slate, together we have opened our minds, pushed the boundaries, and embraced the 'art of the possible'. Atkins' Strategic Master Planning approach provided NEOM with a clear understanding of their 'drivers for change' and the 'ideal state Biosolids strategy' for their environment. It has challenged their ambition, defined critical success factors (Figure 3), embraced, and challenged global best practice. NEOM's aim is to provide a robust, dynamic and industry leading Biosolids strategy to pave a roadmap for effective management over the next decade. Situational awareness of their unique environment was developed, and any constraints or opportunities identified. Atkins, in collaboration with key stakeholders from across NEOM, developed technical papers devised to provide a full understanding of the potential to manage Biosolids within NEOM's environment: - Biosolids Quantification - Biosolids production projections were estimated using a bespoke model to allow for a rapidly changing input criteria. - Biosolids based fertilizer to land study & The viability and sustainability of alternative outlets is key in assessing the feasibility of potential strategic solutions. In order to assess the outlet Atkins utilized their land bank assessment model, created to demonstrate the potential capacity for recovery of Biosolids to varying outlets, and to enable the ability to apply sensitivity analysis and to stress test future state scenarios, for example a more stringent regulatory framework or an increase in competition for the outlet. - Biosolids energy potential and demand - NEOM's unique environment will be powered by the region's vast supplies of wind and solar energy, meaning that energy from biosolids is not as beneficial in NEOM as it is in other places in the world. A review of energy vectors from typical biogas CHP to novel processes such as syngas and green hydrogen was carried out. - Co-digestion Study - Biosolids and other organic wastes are synergistic and benefit from being considered collectively. Atkins assessed and explored the opportunity to leverage these synergies in characteristic, operation and treatment technology through co-location, co-treatment, and co-management. As NEOM is a greenfield project, there is promising potential to collaborate with other sectors to minimize investment, optimize operations and maintenance and create mutually beneficial arrangements. - Biosolids product standards & an international review of biosolids regulations and practises was undertaken to provide NEOM with a basis for their own regulatory framework. Deployment of the strategy requires technology to be implemented. In order to determine potential strategic directions and transformational delivery two comprehensive reviews of technology were undertaken: - Technologies for Treatment of Biosolids & over 50 process technologies and numerous configurations were assessed which ranged from established, well known technologies such as solar drying and mesophilic anaerobic digestion (AD) to more novel processes such as pyrolysis, post AD Thermal Hydrolysis and Hydrothermal Carbonization. A bespoke optioneering matrix was devised using criteria and weightings unique to NEOM and was used to assess and rank each process technology. - Technologies for Resource Recovery - Global interest in production of resources has significantly increased, supporting a drive towards zero waste strategies and circularity. The interest has driven increasing levels of research, market interest, and technology development. SWOT analysis and quantification of potential economic benefit for a variety of bio-resources was carried out. Examples include water reuse, phosphorus, nitrogen, cellulose, green hydrogen, and biopolymers. NEOM's aspiration to be at the vanguard of Bioresources Production has led them to include an innovation centre in their first regional Biosolids treatment facility (RBTF). Atkins undertook a global call for innovation and technology, to aid NEOM in devising the best fit combination for their needs. The review was undertaken due to recognition of the vast array of technologies in the market, the potential for innovative configurations and resource recovery opportunities that could be researched at the innovation centre. The Biosolids strategy also informed the selection of the main treatment process in the RBTF which is planned to be commissioned in the second half of 2023. 11 potential strategic directions were identified, through Atkins tried and trusted industry leading Bioresources Strategic Master Planning (SMP) approach, deployed to develop NEOM's immediate and future strategic plans. The SMP approach is specifically designed to challenge the norms, push the boundaries of the possible, open our imagination and ask the simple questions like 'why' and 'what if'. Our desire was to develop a purpose-built Strategic Master Plan for NEOM that truly meets their needs, ambitions, and sets new best practice for the industry. NEOM's Ultimate Biosolids strategy is focused upon Bio-resource production, maximizing the potential for resource extraction from Biosolids. The strategy drives innovation, modularity, and resource production to enable self-sufficiency and sustainable solutions for Biosolids management. As NEOM is a developing environment, their immediate strategy is a hybrid of agriculture and Bio-resource production. The immediate strategy will be focused upon provision of a high-quality agricultural product with no regret's investment. The immediate approach aligns with NEOM's self-sufficiency drivers, providing nutrients for land remediation, agriculture, and sufficient energy to off-set wastewater demand whilst enabling time for local markets and technology to develop to fully deploy the 'Bio-resource production' strategy. The strategy enables flexibility, with the opportunity to respond to changing demand / environmental drivers. In addition, providing the ability to pause or accelerate within the hybrid phasing zones as needs and markets change. The strategy enables future proofing as needs evolve or when new opportunities arise as technology / markets develop. The hybrid strategy provides the right balance between ambition and risk mitigation and will put NEOM at the vanguard of Global and Regional Biosolids management (see Figure 4). Atkins created a road map for NEOM to follow to implement their desired strategy. The comprehensive 10-year road map, featuring complimentary roadmaps for processes, systems and people gives NEOM an all-encompassing direction incorporating decision points and KPIs to determine when and if the strategy needs to adapt (see Figure 5). One of the key lessons to take away from this project is that there is not a global 'one size fits all' solution to Biosolids management. Globally, there will always be a need to manage Biosolids in an effective and sustainable way. However, the optimum solution for any given region massively depends on their local environment. During this project, the team had to move away from a European / American centric view of Biosolids management and understand NEOM's environment in the context of their location in Saudi Arabia. With NEOM's Biosolids strategy defined, and masterplan set out, NEOM are now at the beginning of their exciting journey of implementing their innovative and world leading Biosolids management plan. NEOM's culture of innovation, sustainability, and environmental guardianship with regards to Biosolids management will act as a template for global water utilities to take inspiration from.

This paper was presented at the WEF Residuals and Biosolids Conference in Columbus, Ohio, May 24-27, 2022.

SpeakerLancaster, Rick

Presentation time

13:30:00

14:00:00

Session time

13:30:00

17:00:00

Session number02

Session locationGreater Columbus Convention Center, Columbus, Ohio

TopicCircular Economy, Roadmap, Strategic Plan

Author(s)