We are FCC Nº23

The Lleida wastewater treatment plant increases its energy self-sufficiency to 50% with the installation of photovoltaic panels The improvements made during 2021 have involved an investment of over 650,000 euros The 705 solar panels have been installed and activated on the roofs of the buildings and annexed surfaces of the treatment plant, with a power of 355 kWp Installation of photovoltaic panels at the Lleida Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Lleida wastewater treatment plant is moving towards its goal of self-sufficiency by improving the energy monitoring network, intelligent control systems, biogas production and control of emissions and odours. To this end, 705 solar panels have been installed and activated on the roofs of the buildings and adjacent areas of the treatment plant, with a power of 355 kWp, which will increase the plant’s energy self-sufficiency by more than 50%. In addition, the ener - gy monitoring network, the intelligent control systems (applying artificial in - telligence (AI) tools), biogas produc - tion and the control of emissions and odours have also been improved. The works have involved an invest - ment with a budget of 653,086 euros and have been commissioned by the City Council to the concessionary company Aqualia, once approved and financed by the ACA (Replacement and Improvements 2021 programme). Efficiency measures In addition to these actions, impro - vements are being carried out at the treatment plant in secondary treat - ment, consisting of the replacement of diffusers to increase energy effi - ciency, the elimination of nitrogen and control systems to favour biologi - cal processes and the elimination of phosphorous. Finally, other actions are also being carried out with the aim of improving the efficiency of sludge treatment, which will increase biogas production, both for use in cogeneration and for vehicle biomethane. The WWTP has also been equipped with greater effi - ciency and capacity in the separation of waste, such as wet wipes and mas - ks, given the increasing extraction of this waste. I N N O V A T I O N 56 I N N O V A T I O N