TreaTech opens first major waste treatment unit in Vaud

TreaTech has brought to market innovative technology that uses catalytic hydrothermal gasification to convert a broad range of waste streams into reusable resources, such as methane-rich renewable gas, in a circular and cost-efficient manner. Ecorecyclage was selected as a partner based on the ability to directly inject the renewable gas captured through the VISTA technology into the natural gas network of their parent company, Holdigaz Group, who invested in TreaTech's Series A funding round earlier in 2023.

Ecorecyclage’s site is able to process 35,000 tonnes of organic waste matter annually and is capable of producing 15 million kWh of energy, 11,000 tonnes of compost and 10,000 tonnes of high-value liquid fertiliser each year, making it the largest waste-to-energy site in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. TreaTech’s waste treatment solution is positioned to treat up to 200kg of waste per hour and is equipped to treat Ecorecyclage's waste streams as well as other waste from third parties. 

With continued population growth and economic development putting greater pressure on existing waste disposal processes, there is an increased need to develop sustainable solutions that can extract the maximum value from all waste streams. Countries across the globe are striving for energy independence and seeking to invest in waste treatment solutions, like TreaTech, to create local and sustainable supplies of renewable gas. TreaTech’s technologies offer an alternative to traditional incineration used to dispose of waste that releases a considerable amount of CO2 into the atmosphere and doesn’t recover water.

Although incineration is often the most convenient waste treatment solution available, significant energy potential is lost. If the industrial and municipal liquid waste produced each year in the EU was treated using TreaTech’s technology, approximately 800 TWh of synthetic methane-rich gas could be generated, or approximately 20% of the total inland demand for natural gas in Europe in 2022.

TreaTech’s technology also emits up to 94% less CO2eq when compared to incineration and has the added benefit of capturing renewable gases, as well as recovering minerals that can be transformed into fertiliser and clean water which can be re-used on- or off-site.

Large scale validation

Frédéric Juillard, CEO of TreaTech SA, said: “We are extremely encouraged by our partnership with Ecorecyclage and the opportunity to validate our technology at one of Switzerland’s leading organic waste treatment facilities. This means our circular waste technology will be directly contributing to the grid network and contributing the circular economy. We are excited to see the results of the project and use this momentum to continue to grow our business and waste treatment capabilities.”

(PR - ES)