Joint forces to revolutionise Phosphorus Recovery from Sewage Sludge Ash
18.09.2023In a collaborative effort, MSE Mobile Schlammentwässerung, GELSENWASSER AG, and EasyMining Germany have joined forces to pave the way for phosphorus recovery from sewage sludge ash, marking a significant milestone for sustainable resource management in Germany.
From left: Dr. Dirk Waider GELSENWASSER, Dr. Christian Kabbe EasyMining, Martin Braunersreuther Phosphorgewinnung Schkopau, Dr. Agnes Janda GELSENWASSER, Leo Homann MSE, and Tim Bunthoff GELSENWASSER
© GELSENWASSER AG
On September 12, 2023, a cooperation agreement was signed between MSE Mobile Schlammentwässerung, GELSENWASSER, and EasyMining, solidifying their commitment to advancing phosphorus recovery, particularly in the Southwest region of Germany This partnership includes the establishment of a second Ash2Phos plant in the region of South-West Germany.
“Phosphorus is a vital element for agricultural and industrial applications, and its circular management is crucial for food security and a sustainable future. Our Ash2Phos process offers a cutting-edge solution that will enable us to utilise essential resources repeatedly in a clean and save way,” says Christian Kabbe, Managing Director at EasyMining Germany.
The Ash2Phos technology efficiently extracts the phosphorus as calcium phosphate (RevoCaP™) from renewable mineral ash, providing a versatile pure material for phosphorus-based products, including high-quality fertilisers. Simultaneously, the process removes harmful pollutants, such as heavy metals, from the food chain, ensuring environmental sustainability.
The Ash2Phos process has an exceptional efficiency. It showcases a phosphorus recovery rate exceeding 90 %, with a utilisation rate of over 95 % of the ash. This high efficiency is achieved by the production of valuable co-products, which have applications in various industries, including wastewater treatment and construction, contributing to an overall circular economy.
The collaboration will also contribute to the implementation of the first Ash2Phos plant in Germany by pooling resources for ash acquisition, which is crucial for the demonstration before the rollout can commence.
In Schkopau, Saxony-Anhalt, the permitting process is currently underway for the first-of-its-kind phosphorus recovery facility. This facility is being constructed through a joint venture between EasyMining and GELSENWASSER, known as Phosphorgewinnung Schkopau GmbH, with commissioning scheduled for the end of 2026.
“Together, we aim to play a pivotal role in closing the loop on clean phosphorus circulation in Germany, ensuring a brighter and more sustainable future for generations to come,” says Christian Kabbe.
MSE Mobile Schlammentwässerung, GELSENWASSER AG, and EasyMining Germany are all sharing the guiding principles of the German initiative Sauberer Phosphor 2029 (Clean Phosphorus) that advocating for phosphorus recovery and recycling in Germany that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.
