The heat exchanger has been installed at the site’s Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plant, which captures bio-gas created during the treatment process.

The gas, which would otherwise have been burnt off in a flare, is used to produce renewable energy with any surplus exported to the National Grid.

The heat exchanger recovers heat from the engine and exhaust systems using water which is then used to warm the treatment tanks, helping speed up the bacterial digestion of the waste.

Southern Water project manager Morné Cloete said: “This new heat exchanger means we are able to recover even more energy from the wastewater treatment process.

“I’m sure people in the Portsmouth area will be delighted that they are helping us minimise the environmental impact of our business, dealing with their business – by generating electricity with poo power.”

Conor McGlone

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