Pioneering Project to Reduce Micropollutants and PFOS At Køge-Egnens Wastewater Plant Supported by Danish Environmental Protection Agency Compliant with New EU Directive

SUEZ is proud to be part of the groundbreaking CERO MP project at Køge-Egnens Wastewater Treatment Plant, which marks a major step forward in improving water quality by reducing pharmaceutical residues, industrial chemicals and environmental pollution in wastewater. The project involves upgrading of the central treatment plant with the aim of reducing pharmaceutical residues and industrial chemicals more than 80% (Predicted Non-Effective Concentration), while reducing PFOS levels by around 40%. The project is also supported by the Danish Environmental Protection Agency as it will help show the way forward for advanced wastewater treatment in Denmark to meet the EU Directive requirement.

As part of a large-scale environmental strategy, the project at Køge-Egnens Renseanlæg is pivotal in setting new standards for wastewater treatment in Denmark. SUEZ, in collaboration with Envidan and KLAR Forsyning, is designing and building a new fourth treatment stage specifically to address pharmaceutical contamination in wastewater, which includes contributions from both private households and larger facilities like the Sjællands Universitetshospital (SUH) in Køge.

This project represents a significant milestone for SUEZ globally, as it marks the first-ever full-scale implementation of both the integrated ozonation (SUEZ’s Bio3 solution) and activated carbon filtration (SUEZs’ Carbablue® Up technology) equipped with 3D fluorescences. Even more groundbreaking is the combined application of these two solutions, making it the first reference in the world for this innovative dual approach. The simultaneous introduction of these technologies emphasises the project’s pioneering role in advancing wastewater treatment technology.

A Unique Collaboration for a Sustainable Future
The addition of the fourth treatment step at Køge-Egnens Renseanlæg will ensure that the wastewater from both the hospital and local households is treated for pharmaceutical residues and other harmful chemicals. This new solution is a prime example of how advanced technologies can be utilised to protect water resources and improve the quality of life for local communities.

SUEZ is especially excited about this project as it will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of two advanced technologies—integrated ozonation (Bio3) and activated carbon filtration (Carbablue® Up)—used together to achieve improved purification results with optimised operation costs and carbon footprint. These methods will play a critical role in reducing environmental pollutants in wastewater, setting a benchmark for similar projects across the Danish water sector and beyond.

 We are thrilled to contribute to this important initiative. The CERO MP project represents a fantastic collaboration with KLAR Forsyning and Køge Municipality. By working together, we demonstrate that chemical pollution from both households and industries can be significantly reduced, and done so at a cost that is manageable for all. It is inspiring to know that the residents, businesses, and hospitals in Køge will be among the first in the world to actively clean up chemical contamination.

Per Kroyer Christensen , CEO of SUEZ Denmark

A Beacon Project for the Industry
The CERO MP project has been designated as a beacon project by the Danish Ministry of the Environment, receiving DKK17 million (EUR2.3 million) in funding from the MUDP (Environmental Technology Development and Demonstration Programme). Beacon projects represent efforts that go beyond current legal requirements to drive innovation in environmental practices.

The collaboration between SUEZ, Envidan, and KLAR Forsyning positions this project as a leader in wastewater treatment, with the potential to inspire similar initiatives across the globe. As SUEZ works with these partners to implement the fourth treatment step, we look forward to sharing the findings and outcomes, which will contribute valuable knowledge to the global effort to reduce environmental contamination.

Looking Ahead
The construction of the new fourth treatment stage is scheduled to begin in August 2025, following the tender process in the spring. The treatment system is expected to be operational by the end of 2026, with a year-long optimisation phase to refine and report on its performance in collaboration with Aalborg University and the technological partners.

Through this initiative, SUEZ is committed to advancing environmental sustainability, protecting water resources, and contributing to the global efforts to combat chemical pollution. The Køge project stands as a milestone in its ongoing commitment to building a cleaner, more sustainable future.