Large-scale demonstration – R-Rhenania

The company Emter GmbH has successfully integrated the R-Rhenania thermochemical process into its existing mono-incineration plant in Altenstadt (Bavaria). This plant can now produce up to 15,000 t/a of R-Rhenania product for phosphate fertilizer production.

Background on the project

Description of the plant

Emter GmbH has technically expanded its existing sewage sludge mono-incineration plant at the Altenstadt site in order to be able to integrate the R-Rhenania thermochemical process into the incineration process in a very energy-efficient manner. In the so-called R-Rhenania process, the sewage sludge is now thermochemically treated in the grate furnace with the addition of sodium additives. The R-Rhenania product has a high fertilizing effect and is then converted into phosphate or multi-component fertilizer.

Implementation status

The thermochemical process was successfully integrated into plant operation in summer 2024. Final work is currently being carried out on the plant peripherals, meaning that the complete conversion will be completed by the end of 2024. The production capacity for the R-Rhenania product is 15,000 t/a.

Outlook

The R-Rhenania product will be converted into a marketable fertilizer and sold in the agricultural sector. The high fertilizing effect of the R-Rhenania product has already been confirmed in container and field trials. The operation of this first large-scale plant will be permanently accompanied by scientific studies as part of the R-Rhenania joint project. At the end of the project, the plant in Altenstadt will be an important production site for sustainable fertilizers.