The request is part of the call for aid to promote innovation projects within the ‘Innovative Territories’ Impulse Plan for the 2026 fiscal year. The action, named ‘Benidorm Bioboost’, has a budget of 149,956.32 euros and aims to improve the production and quality of biogas generated at the facility, as well as the dewaterability of the sludge.
“"It is about making the entire process more efficient, as the optimization of the sludge line constitutes a key lever for both the economic efficiency and environmental sustainability of the WWTP."
The councillor noted that the facility has been subject to continuous optimization studies, which have shown that there is still potential for improvement in the sludge line. In this regard, anaerobic digestion and dewatering have been identified as treatment stages to act upon to increase the WWTP's energy self-sufficiency, reduce the amount of sludge produced, and improve its quality.
González de Zárate explained that one of the WWTP processes is to remove sludge from wastewater. This is done through processes that gradually remove water from the sludge until it becomes solid. For it to become inert material, the digestion process is carried out, which generates biogas used as fuel in the WWTP itself. The improvements to be incorporated are in line with the energy neutrality and environmental sustainability objectives established by European regulations. The councillor affirmed that the project is aligned with the Benidorm Strategic Innovation Plan, the Smart Specialization Strategy of the Community, and the UN SDGs.
The project involves the dosing of iron nanoparticles that will favor the sludge digestion process, thereby increasing biogas production. Additionally, to monitor this entire process, sensors will be installed along the sludge line to measure dewatering using computer vision technology. With actions like this, the City Council reaffirms its commitment to advancing towards a more efficient, sustainable, and intelligent integrated water cycle management model.
The proposed project also responds to the challenges established in the new European directive on urban wastewater treatment regarding energy neutrality of treatment plants, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, improved sludge management, and control of emerging pollutants. The implementation of ‘Benidorm Bioboost’ will not only increase biogas production and quality but also reduce energy consumption and improve the quality of the final discharge and compliance with regulations.
