Green gas from sewage will now be used to heat and power homes in West London with the successful commissioning of SGN’s gas-to-grid project at the Mogden Sewage Treatment Works (STW) in Isleworth.
The collaboration between SGN and Thames Water will see biomethane created from sewage exported through the gas network as the plant ramps up to full capacity in the coming weeks and months. Six million cubic metres of methane is expected to be produced annually – enough to heat 4,000 homes in the area.
As the UK looks to transition to net zero by 2050, all parts of the energy and utilities sector are looking into new and innovative ways of achieving a cleaner, sustainable future that remains fair and affordable for consumers. This ambitious project will help to offset over 8,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide every year.
The successful commissioning of the Mogden biomethane plant is another important step towards a net zero future. SGN would like to thank all the Thames Water stakeholders and respective teams involved in the Mogden project for their invaluable input and support, it really has been a team effort.
We hope that these projects highlight the potential that exists to capture and upgrade low carbon biomethane from wastewater to the benefit of the local community.
Alan Midwinter
SGN Senior Project Manager for Mogden
The Mogden STW is one of the largest wastewater treatment works in the UK, serving over two million customers. As an urban site, it is particularly congested and accommodating the gas-to-grid plant was always going to be a challenge. SGN’s ability to overcome these challenges whilst maintaining high levels of system resilience was recognised by the Thames project team.
On the Mogden biomethane project, the SGN Team has worked tirelessly to overcome significant technical, physical and programme challenges in order to keep the project on target. We are particularly impressed by the way the team have worked with all of our stakeholders to provide innovative solutions to meet our essential asset standards.
Chloe DeBanks-Hirst
Senior Project Manager. Thames Water Major Projects
The new biomethane gas-to-grid plant follows a similar SGN installation at Thames’ Deephams STW site in 2021 which delivers green gas to 3,500 homes in Enfield.
Biomethane is a green and sustainable alternative to natural gas that can be used in the same way. It’s generated from biogas that is produced by microorganisms during the anaerobic digestion of organic matter, such as crop residues, sewage sludge and other organic waste.
SGN is a pioneer in the advancement and use of biomethane, from the first UK prototype facility and commercial gas-to-grid plant to the world’s first biomethane injection hub. The Mogden plant will offer Thames Water a new level of flexibility as they strive to maximise the carbon benefit of this renewable fuel. Operators on site have had a chance to input into the design, celebrating the experience and know-how of SGN’s gas sector experts.
The new scheme also showcases the power of strategic collaboration between gas networks and utilities companies, with Thames Water, SGN and Cadent gas network all contributing to the successes at Mogden. As is the case at Deephams, SGN will continue to support Thames Water with operation and maintenance of the Mogden plant, helping to ensure safe and efficient performance going forward.
