Catalysing a NET-ZERO future

Competition: Breakthrough 2: Catalyst

Amount awarded: £762,447

Led by: Severn Trent

Partners: Microvi Biotechnologies, Cranfield University, Jacobs, Anglian Water

Estimated completion date: October 2026

Water cycle tag: Waste water treatment

One of the biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) from the water industry is nitrous oxide – 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide. It’s produced by bacteria that plays a vital role in removing toxic ammonia from wastewater. If ammonia isn’t removed, it damages aquatic life. Recently researchers have identified naturally occurring bacteria that can remove ammonia without producing nitrous oxide but these don’t ordinarily thrive in treatment plants. This project will develop innovative techniques for capturing these game-changing bacteria and putting them to work in our existing treatment processes.

“Reducing our carbon footprint and achieving net-zero emissions is hugely important to the water sector. This innovative approach, that retains the use of our existing treatment assets while driving down emissions using innovative biology and technology has the potential to deliver truly significant environmental and economic benefits for our customers”.- Pete Vale, Carbon Architect, Severn Trent

—

Update from the team (October 2025):

We have successfully executed the Site Trial Agreement contract covering the trial equipment and methodology. We are now scheduling importing of the biocatalyst, delivery of the pilot plant, modifiying the trial facility and installing required ancillary equipment. . Meanwhile research at Cranfield has been continuing successfully.