Yorkshire Water plans to be an industry leader in bioresources as it looks to “drive innovation and efficiency” within the wider water sector.
The company outlined its ambitions at its second market engagement event, which took place earlier this year.
The supplier day in April, which Yorkshire recently revealed details of, aimed to provide “further clarity” to the market on the services Yorkshire Water is looking for help delivering. It also offered a chance for interested companies to discuss areas for collaboration.
Yorkshire Water said it is looking for different “ideas and approaches” to help it reach its ambitious goals. This includes within thickening and dewatering services, the provision and management of efficient sludge treatment capacity and the outsourcing of biogas management.
The day included discussions on the current thinking on these services and provided an opportunity for attendees to challenge the norm.
Ben Roche, head of energy & recycling at Yorkshire Water, said: “It is a hugely exciting time for our team as bioresources has a huge role to play in reducing customer bills and helping to protect the environment.
“Working differently with our partners will provide new opportunities and help us deliver innovative approaches which will lead to long term benefits.
“Collaboration days are vital, as we can see what each company can do and importantly how they would work together and with us.”
As well as working with SMEs and larger companies, Yorkshire Water will also work with other water companies.
Donna Rawlinson, commercial manager at Northumbrian Water, who attended the event, said: “Collaboration with Yorkshire Water at this event and through our ongoing relationship allows us to further explore the synergies between our organisations and to build upon the work we already do together, where Northumbrian Water occasionally provides a biosolids treatment service to Yorkshire Water through our Bran Sands regional sludge treatment centre on Teesside.”
Bioresource services include wastewater sludge transport, treatment, recycling and disposal.
Yorkshire Water has previously said it will “embrace” the sludge market, which is estimated to be worth up to £1.6 billion in the UK.
Ofwat has stipulated that water companies should share bioresources market information.
The regulator says the trading of bioresources could be a “real breakthrough economically and environmentally”.