Ammon News - The Ministry of Water and Irrigation and Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ) are looking into the prospect of using treated sludge to generate electricity and will launch power projects at sewage treatment plants, Minister Muhammad Najjar said Tuesday.

He explained that the move is part of a larger drive towards renewables and energy efficiency. The minister made the remarks at a workshop dedicated to discussing a KfW-EU-funded project designed to enhance energy efficiency and use in the Kingdom's wastewater treatment stations.

The €69-million project, which targets 10 sewage treatment plants across the Kingdom, envisions the introduction of an aerobic sludge digestion system to produce biogas and generate energy using electric and thermoelectric generators by 2040, said Bashar Batayneh, WAJ's Secretary-General.

Germany's KfW Development Bank will pump €49 million into the project, which will be carried out in the Ajloun, Madaba, Karak and Tafila governorates, while the European Union will provide €20 million.

He pointed out that previously selected plants were subjected to a comprehensive evaluation and strict criteria, adding that the project will kick off in three plants; one west of Jerash and two others in Amman, with an estimated cost of €44.8 million.

An economic feasibility study will be carried out, in cooperation with local and international consultants, and the necessary designs for the project will be developed according to the best international standards and the best public safety standards to protect and develop the local environment.

The project, Batayneh indicated, is part of the WAJ's and the ministry's plans to keep abreast of the advanced and modern environment-friendly systems, introduce alternative and renewable energy systems, enhance energy independence, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, cut the cost of water and wastewater treatment, and slash operation and maintenance costs.