Wase, led by Thomas Fudge, is pioneering a groundbreaking approach to wastewater treatment, focusing on biogas production as a valuable resource. Traditionally, wastewater from breweries and food processing plants requires costly offsite treatment. However, Wase offers an on-site solution that not only treats water but also generates free energy, reported Tech Crunch.
Extracting methane from organic waste to produce electricity or heat is a known practice, aiming to extract value and reduce carbon footprints. What sets Wase apart is their unique system, claiming to yield about 30% more methane from sludge compared to traditional anaerobic digesters, with a reduction in organic waste volume by 30% to 50%.
Their breakthrough lies in electro-active microbes. These bacteria, ubiquitous in various environments, thrive in Wase’s system due to the specially designed electrodes. By providing the necessary conditions, Wase ensures optimal bacterial activity, even under a wider range of temperatures and pH levels.
The company’s system promotes faster growth and more efficient breakdown of organic compounds. The colonies of bacteria constantly evolve and adapt, ensuring consistent performance over time.
Wase is developing a sophisticated control system to monitor and optimize bacterial activity in real-time, providing operators with valuable insights for maintenance and performance management.
Recently securing an £8.5 million ($10.74 million) seed round, Wase is gearing up to pilot its system on a dairy farm in Wales and collaborate with breweries.
While Wase’s approach shows promise in reducing the carbon footprint of wastewater treatment, further assessments are needed. Currently, the methane produced is burned onsite to limit emissions. However, as the EU pushes for increased biogas production, Wase may find itself playing a significant role in shaping the future of sustainable waste management.
