Metro Vancouver's new wastewater-to-fuel plant nearing construction completion
The Annacis Island Hydrothermal Liquefaction facility in Delta will convert wastewater sludge into biocrude fuel, with equipment arriving this fall and commissioning expected mid-2027.
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Metro Vancouver is moving forward with a Hydrothermal Liquefaction (HTL) demonstration facility on Annacis Island in Delta that will convert wastewater sludge into biocrude—a low-carbon transportation fuel.
The regional district recently issued a request for proposals for operations and maintenance services for the new plant. The facility will transform wastewater sludge into biocrude instead of producing biosolids, which can then be refined into low-carbon transportation fuels.
Last year, Metro Vancouver's board approved a contract for site preparation, installation, tie-in connections, and commissioning. The region wants to evaluate the emerging technology before recommending a subsequent scale-up for permanent implementation.
The quantity of biosolids generated in the region will increase substantially due to upgrades to secondary wastewater treatment and population growth. Metro Vancouver is evaluating HTL to diversify options for managing growing biosolids quantities while reducing associated costs and risks. A Metro report notes the business case for HTL has been positive, showing lower life-cycle costs compared to traditional solids management.
The demonstration facility is currently under construction. Equipment is being fabricated off-site and is expected to arrive at Annacis Island this fall. Commissioning is scheduled for mid-2027.