Cambi has signed a contract with J. Murphy and Sons to deliver two thermal hydrolysis process (THP) systems to United Utilities' Ellesmere Port bioresources treatment centre in Cheshire, England, with the technology expected to raise biogas production by around 20% compared with conventional digestion.
The contract forms part of United Utilities' AMP8 programme to build centralised regional treatment hubs across the north-west of England, delivered through an Enterprise model alongside partners including Murphy.
Thermal hydrolysis works by breaking down sludge more effectively before anaerobic digestion, improving both gas yields and dewatering performance. At Ellesmere Port, biogas is primarily upgraded for grid injection as biomethane, with net additional output sufficient to heat around 400 homes a year with renewable gas. The process will also reduce biosolids volumes by approximately 35%, with United Utilities intending to recycle the material to land while retaining flexibility to route it to thermal outlets if required.
Around two-thirds of the planned throughput at Ellesmere Port is expected to come from other sites, reflecting United Utilities' broader strategy of concentrating sludge treatment at fewer, larger modern hubs to reduce methane emissions across its network and support compliance with the Industrial Emissions Directive at anaerobic digestion facilities.
Per Lillebø, CEO of Cambi, said: "United Utilities is a longstanding and important client for Cambi in the UK. The Ellesmere Port project forms part of United Utilities' AMP8 bioresources investment programme, supporting a move to larger, modern hubs in response to regulatory requirements at digestion sites. We appreciate the trust placed in Cambi and look forward to collaborating with Murphy on delivery."
United Utilities provides water and wastewater services across north-west England, operating a large bioresources network serving over seven million people and thousands of businesses. The Ellesmere Port works is also undergoing wider modernisation to accommodate population growth and increased loads, including from industrial effluent linked to the nearby Stanlow refinery.
Equipment delivery is scheduled for late 2027, with operations expected to begin in 2028.
