Sewer blockages are a major concern in the UK, with an estimated 200,000 occurring annually, and fat, oil and grease (FOG) cited as the cause in around 75% of cases.

These blockages can cause serious disruptions to wastewater systems, leading to overflows and environmental damage. Yorkshire Water, a leading UK water utility, is making significant strides in tackling this issue by partnering with EcoClarity, an engineering technology company, to establish a cutting-edge FOG Recovery Hub at its wastewater treatment works in Hull.

The company says it has been grappling with thousands of preventable blockages each year, incurring substantial costs for maintenance and repairs.

The EcoClarity FOG Recovery Hub seperates FOG from wastewater - recovering a valuable energy resource for biodiesel production while returning clean 'fat free' water to the environment.

Boasting up to a 87% reduction in greenhouse gases, biodiesel contributes to climate change mitigation and could be used to power tankers transporting wastewater - creating a tight circular economy of value.

"This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to environmental sustainability," said James Gudgeon, waste services manager at Yorkshire Water. "By reducing FOG-related issues and harnessing the potential of renewable energy, we're making a positive impact on our operations and the environment."

“We are working with EcoClarity towards the potential nirvana of being able to harvest the FOG from our sewer network and turn it into biodiesel that fuels our vans. That's the end goal,” added Gudgeon.

The EcoClarity system has a multitude of benefits for Yorkshire Water and the wider community, including:

• Reduced sewer blockages: Fewer blockages mean less disruption to customers and lower maintenance costs.
• Environmental protection: FOG is kept out of sewers and waterways, reducing the risk of pollution.
• Renewable energy: The recovered FOG is transformed into biodiesel, a sustainable fuel source.
• Cost savings: By reducing maintenance costs and generating revenue from biodiesel, Yorkshire Water can lower operational expenses - positively impacting customer bills.

As Yorkshire Water expands its network of FOG Recovery Hubs, it's paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient water infrastructure.

This innovative solution demonstrates how even the most challenging waste streams can be turned into valuable resources.