The National Centre for Research and Development, POLNOR 2019,  
agreement number: NOR/POLNOR/SIREN/0069/2019

The SIREN project applies to two topics Bio-based Innovation Systems and Circular Systems. The overall objective of the project, in line with the circular economy concept and sustainable development, is to integrate innovative processes into the traditionally operated municipal wastewater treatment systems to make a transition towards water resource recovery facilities. Specifically, innovative, cost-effective technologies will be developed with respect to the recovery of inherent resources, i.e. energy, nutrients and organic substances (humic acids) as well as generation of valuable products, i.e. hydrogen and biopolymers. As a result, it is expected to enhance the biogas production by >10% and harvest >80% of nutrients. The complex approach will be applied comprising laboratory tests (process understanding) and pilot tests at the two collaborating plants (proof of concept). The implementation potential will be evaluated with the advanced tools. A unique metagenomic model will be developed for the system control. Furthermore, the plant-wide computer model will incorporate the new evaluation criteria for the sustainability concept. The complex carbon footprint analysis and life cycle assessment will be carried out for different scenarios. To enhance market uptake potential of the products recovered, suitable applications will be identified and recovered products will be monitored for potential contamination. The main short-term outcomes of the project comprise the support of careers of early stage researchers, joint publications and project applications. In the long-term perspective, results of the project will help in the transformation of wastewater treatment plants from the end-of-pipe philosophy towards a responsible natural resource management.

The National Centre for Research and Development, POLNOR 2019,  
agreement number: NOR/POLNOR/SIREN/0069/2019

Duration: 01/10/2020 – 01/10/2023

Project leader: Poznan University of Technology - PUT (PL)

Principal investigator: dr hab. inż. Zbysław Dymaczewski, prof. PP

Project partners: Aquanet S.A - AQ (PL), Gdansk University of Technology – GUT (PL), Silesian University of Technology – SUT (PL), University of Warmia and Mazury - UWM (PL), Norwegian Institute for Water Research - NIVA (NO), Vestfjørden Avloepsselskap - VEAS (NO)

Total budget: 6 789 722.31 PLN (1 549 457.39 EUR)
Grant amount: 6 361 593.56 PLN (1 451 755.71 EUR)
Budget of Polish Entities: 4 895 222.31 PLN (1 117 120.56 EUR)
Budget of PUT: 1 128 875.00 PLN (257 734.02 EUR)

More infomation: www.siren.put.poznan.pl