First Contract Signed For Delivery Of Sewage Sludge Ash For Phosphorus Recovery

Marking a significant step in their commitment since September 12. 2023, MSE Mobile Schlammentwässerung (MSE) and Phosphorgewinnung Schkopau GmbH (PGS), a joint venture company of GELSENWASSER and EasyMining have signed an ash delivery contract.

The ash will originate from Southwest Germany, setting the stage for the implementation of phosphorus recovery through the Ash2Phos technology in this region. This signifies the successful finalisation of the inaugural multi-year ash delivery contract, representing a noteworthy advancement in the phosphorus circular market.

For us, the conclusion of the contract is a clear commitment to recovering cleaner phosphorus from sewage sludge ash and a decisive step towards implementing the sewage sludge regulation, says Leo Homann, Managing Director at MSE.

In Schkopau, Saxony-Anhalt, the permitting process is currently underway for the first-of-its-kind phosphorus recovery plant build on the Ash2Phos technology. This facility, built by the joint venture, Phosphorgewinnung Schkopau GmbH, between EasyMining and GELSENWASSER, is on track for commissioning at the end of 2026.

This ash delivery agreement marks the inaugural step in our collaboration, driving the realisation of the first Ash2Phos plant in Germany. It is a critical phase, pooling resources for ash acquisition, and serves as a crucial demonstration before the rollout can commence, says Christian Kabbe, Managing Director at EasyMining.

The Ash2Phos technology efficiently extracts phosphorus as calcium phosphate (RevoCaP) from renewable mineral concentrates like ash, offering a versatile pure material for phosphorus-based products, including high-quality fertilisers. Simultaneously, the process mitigates environmental risks by removing harmful pollutants, such as heavy metals, from the food chain.

With exceptional efficiency, the Ash2Phos process shown a phosphorus recovery rate exceeding 90 percent, utilising over 95 percent of the ash. This high efficiency is attributed to the production of valuable co-products, contributing to various industries, and fostering a circular economy.

- In the future, these projects will make a significant contribution to the closed-loop circulation of clean phosphorus in Germany. MSE, Gelsenwasser, and EasyMining are working in line with the guiding principles of the German initiative Sauberer Phosphor 2029, advocating for environmentally friendly and sustainable phosphorus recovery and utilisation in Germany, says Martin Braunersreuther, Managing Director at PGS.

MSE Mobile Schlammentwässerung, GELSENWASSER AG, and EasyMining Germany remain steadfast in their commitment to the guiding principles of the German initiative Sauberer Phosphor 2029 (Clean Phosphorus), advocating for environmentally friendly and sustainable phosphorus recovery and recycling in Germany.