TreaTech announces first circular waste treatment unit in Lavigny

TreaTech will install its first waste-to-energy unit, VISTA, at Ecorecyclage’s Lavigny site in Q3 2024, converting diverse waste streams into renewable gas for the natural gas network.

TreaTech, an engineering company based in the canton of Vaud, will install its first waste-to-energy plant, VISTA, at the Ecorecyclage treatment site in Lavigny in the third quarter of 2024. This unit is designed to convert various industrial, agricultural and municipal waste streams into renewable gas that can be immediately injected into the natural gas distribution network. This installation is an important step in validating TreaTech’s ability to treat organic waste continuously in a waste management facility.

The VISTA plant, which utilizes catalytic hydrothermal gasification technology, is designed to convert a wide range of waste streams into reusable resources such as methane-rich renewable gas. This innovative solution is both circular and cost effective. Selected for its ability to inject the captured renewable gas directly into the natural gas network of its parent company, Holdigaz Group, Ecorecyclage partnered with TreaTech following Holdigaz’s investment in TreaTech’s Series A funding round in early 2023.

Ecorecyclage’s Lavigny site processes 35,000 tons of organic waste per year, producing 15 million kWh of energy, 11,000 tons of compost and 10,000 tons of high-quality liquid fertilizer. This makes it the largest waste-to-energy facility in French-speaking Switzerland. The TreaTech plant will treat up to 200 kg of waste per hour and will handle both Ecorecyclage’s waste streams and additional waste from third parties.

94% less CO2 than incineration

In the company’s press release, Frédéric Juillard, CEO of TreaTech SA, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, saying: “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 to 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.”

Vijay Manthripragada, President & CEO of Montrose Environmental Group and TreaTech Board Member, also voiced his support: “We are thrilled with the progress made by the TreaTech team. Montrose is focused on helping communities convert waste into valuable resources, and we believe the TreaTech technology and team are among the most innovative and compelling. We don’t want waste to be wasted. Our hope is to further support energy access and community development in a more environmentally sustainable way.”

TreaTech’s technology is a promising alternative to traditional incineration, which releases significant CO2 and does not recover water. If applied to the EU’s industrial and municipal liquid waste, TreaTech’s technology could generate approximately 800 TWh of synthetic methane-rich gas, meeting approximately 20% of Europe’s domestic natural gas demand in 2022.

With the ability to emit up to 94% less CO2 than incineration and capture renewable gases while recovering minerals for fertilizer and clean water, TreaTech’s approach is positioned to support global efforts toward energy independence and sustainable waste management.