Review on Sludge Management in Beijing from 2010 onwards: Strategy and Planning, Design and Bidding, Construction and Operation, and Future Perspectives

Liao, Z., Zhang, R., Ge, Y., Huang, O.

2021

Abstract

In this short review, we present the history of wastewater and sludge treatment in China in general and in Beijing in specific, illustrating the challenges faced until 2010. In 2010, China investigated international practice and conducted study on sludge management strategy with ADB support,
leading to thermal hydrolysis advanced anaerobic digestion (AAD) for Gaobeidian and eventually other projects in Beijing.

Beijing Drainage Group subsequently formulated its sludge management strategy based on consultancy from governmental departments and international experts and chose thermal hydrolysis advanced anaerobic digestion for its biogas and biosolids to land application strategy. Five (5) projects in Beijing have been implemented since 2014 and all are in operation now. The performance in 2020 has shown good achievement in facility function, biogas production and utilization, and final biosolids utilization in various land application. Future perspectives include optimization of performance and pursuing net-zero energy wastewater treatment facilities to achieve water and biosolids recycling with minimal use of energy. This will also contribute to national political goals in carbon emission peaking in 2030 and carbon neutralization by 2060. The practice of thermal hydrolysis advanced anaerobic digestion in Beijing has provided a solid example of sludge management, with its Huaifang plant awarded IWA’s Gold Awards (2018) for project innovation awards in the Category of Exceptional Project Execution and Delivery.

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