Norrslam AB to Launch Sweden’s First Full-Scale Sludge Incineration Plant at Umeå Eco Industrial Park

Norrslam AB to Launch Sweden’s First Full-Scale Sludge Incineration Plant at Umeå Eco Industrial Park

(IN BRIEF) Norrslam AB plans to establish Sweden’s first full-scale sludge incineration plant at Umeå Eco Industrial Park to address the country’s wastewater treatment by-products. This innovative project will incorporate mono-incineration technology, using liquid sludge as a fuel source, and contributing to resource circulation while meeting EU regulations. The energy produced during the process will support district heating and electricity generation, while AFRY conducts the initial investigations and ensures safety. The project represents a significant step towards a more sustainable future for Sweden’s waste management sector.

(PRESS RELEASE) SOLNA, 9-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Norrslam AB, a joint venture, has announced plans to establish Sweden’s first full-scale sludge incineration plant at the Umeå Eco Industrial Park. This innovative project marks a significant step in Sweden’s transition to more sustainable and responsible waste management practices. AFRY has been appointed to conduct the initial investigations to ensure the project’s success and the early identification of any potential risks.

Sewage sludge, a by-product from the treatment of municipal and industrial wastewater, has traditionally been deposited in landfills. However, EU regulations now require more sustainable handling of this waste. The planned incineration method, which has been successfully implemented in countries like Germany, aims to meet these stringent regulations while contributing to resource circulation.

Jörgen Bergqvist, Project Manager at Norrslam, commented: “Through Norrslam, and Sweden’s first plant for mono-incineration, we are not only meeting environmental requirements but also contributing to resource circulation. We are thrilled to have completed the procurement process and are eager to utilize AFRY’s expertise to advance this important project.”

The process of mono-incinerating sewage sludge prevents hazardous substances such as heavy metals, pharmaceutical residues, PFAS, and microplastics from contaminating the environment via landfills. The energy generated during combustion will be used to produce electricity and district heating, contributing to local sustainability efforts.

Additionally, the incineration ash will be recycled, with phosphorus being recovered to reduce dependence on finite resources. This effort supports the green transition and helps ensure a sustainable future by promoting the circular economy.

Robert Kronblad, Head of Thermal and Renewables at AFRY, added: “We are proud to contribute our expertise to this pioneering project. By integrating proven technologies with innovative solutions, we enable the circular recycling of sewage sludge, returning valuable resources safely to the cycle. This marks a significant step towards a more resource-efficient and circular future.”

Norrslam is a collaborative initiative supported by EU funding, with partners including Umeå Energi, Vakin (municipalities of Umeå, Vindeln, and Nordmaling), and Miva (the municipality of Örnsköldsvik).

For more information, visit norrslam.se.

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Media Contact:

Maria Rothzén, PR and PA Manager, AFRY
+46 72 566 19 28, maria.rothzen@afry.com

SOURCE: AFRY