From Pilot To Practice: Vivimag's Next Step At Nieuwveer

Together with Brabantse Delta Water Authority, we are preparing the next phase of ViviMag: a demonstration-scale application at the Nieuwveer wastewater treatment plant in Breda.

Earlier this year, Haskoning acquired the patent for ViviMag and announced plans to bring the technology into its next stage of development. We are now taking an important step towards that ambition. Haskoning and Brabantse Delta Water Authority have signed a cooperation agreement to jointly prepare a demonstration-scale ViviMag installation at the Nieuwveer wastewater treatment plant.

Returning to where the journey began
This collaboration builds on a long-standing development journey involving several partners. Following the initial research by TU Delft and Wetsus, Brabantse Delta contributed to the development of ViviMag at an early stage by hosting a pilot installation at Nieuwveer. Subsequent pilot projects led by Kemira further expanded knowledge of the technology. Haskoning joined the development program during later pilot activity and is now working with Brabantse Delta to prepare the next phase at Nieuwveer.

Returning to the same location for the intended demonstration phase provides a valuable opportunity to build on the experience gained during those early trials and further develop the technology under day-to-day operating conditions.

Moving from pilot testing towards demonstration is a significant milestone for any emerging water technology. The demonstration phase will help provide practical insight into how ViviMag can be integrated into existing treatment processes, how it performs over longer periods and what is required to operate the technology reliably and efficiently at a larger scale. During the demonstration period, there will also be room to optimise the ViviMag technology further and continue research into the valorisation of the recovered vivianite.

A partnership built on complementary expertise
For the demonstration phase, Haskoning contributes technology and project expertise, while Brabantse Delta brings detailed operational knowledge of the Nieuwveer wastewater treatment plant and the realities of operating wastewater treatment facilities every day. Together, these complementary strengths provide a strong foundation for assessing the technology in a practical operational environment.

This collaboration brings innovative water technology into practice. With Brabantse Delta, we can test ViviMag under real conditions and gain insights for wider implementation- Maartje Wise-HoevenaarsDirector of Water Technology at Haskoning.

Supporting circular wastewater treatment
ViviMag enables the recovery of phosphorus and iron from sewage sludge, creating opportunities to retain valuable resources. The project supports wider European ambitions to recover phosphorus from wastewater and sewage sludge. Recognised by the EU as a critical raw material, phosphorus is increasingly seen as a resource that should be recovered and reused wherever possible. ViviMag also creates the possibility to reuse iron applied in the phosphorus-removal process.

The partnership also supports the ambition of Dutch water authorities to operate fully circularly by 2050. With this demonstration-scale installation, Brabantse Delta is taking a practical step towards a more circular and future-proof water system in which valuable materials are preserved and returned for beneficial use wherever possible.

A carefully considered route to implementation
During the coming period, the project team will work together on the design of the installation, required permits, value case development and site preparations at Nieuwveer. The remaining technical choices will also be assessed and finalised. This work will provide the basis for a future decision on construction and commissioning of the demonstration-scale installation.

The cooperation agreement therefore represents an important step towards implementation rather than the end of the development process. By addressing technical, operational, regulatory and economic considerations together, the partners aim to establish a robust foundation for ViviMag's demonstration at Nieuwveer and its potential future application elsewhere.

For us, this is how innovative water technology progresses: through close collaboration with forward-looking water authorities, tested against real operational needs and developed with a clear focus on practical application and long-term value.

The next phase at Nieuwveer brings ViviMag one step closer to routine application in the water sector.