immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Abwasserreinigung

  • Modernised wastewater treatment plant enhances water protection and energy efficiency

    Modernised wastewater treatment plant enhances water protection and energy efficiency

    The refurbishment and expansion of the Basel Wastewater Treatment Plant have been completed. The wastewater treatment plant was officially inaugurated on 17 April. One of the region’s most important infrastructure facilities had been thoroughly modernised and expanded whilst remaining in operation since 2019. It is now one of the most modern facilities of its kind in Europe. Over the weekend of 18 and 19 April, the public can see it for themselves during the open days.

    According to a statement from the Canton of Basel-Stadt, the aim of the project was to significantly improve treatment performance, adapt the plant to future requirements and make a long-term contribution to water protection. It is now state-of-the-art and ensures legally compliant operation for several decades. It is designed to have a capacity sufficient for 520,000 residents until 2050. It can also receive pre-treated industrial wastewater from the ARA Chemie.

    Following the modernisation, the Basel WWTP is now also equipped for nitrogen removal and features a treatment stage for reducing micropollutants. This is complemented by sludge digestion and photovoltaic systems. Furthermore, biogas is produced from sewage sludge digestion and more waste heat is fed into the district heating network.

    The operator of the Basel wastewater treatment plant is Prorheno AG. The parliaments of the two Basel cantons approved CHF 325.1 million for the plant’s refurbishment. The final accounts are not yet available.

  • Energy future in the Limmat Valley

    Energy future in the Limmat Valley

    The Limeco regional plant in the Limmat valley is facing a project of the century. A new waste recycling plant is to be built by 2034, followed by the reorganization of wastewater treatment by 2050. This will ensure that waste and wastewater from the Limmat Valley will continue to be processed in an environmentally friendly manner and used as a source of energy.

    The existing waste incineration plant will be replaced by a new building further to the west. A larger WWTP is to be built at the existing site to meet the needs of the growing Limmat Valley in the long term. The current WWTP will be decommissioned by 2050. It is located in a nationally protected nature and bird sanctuary.

    A project with vision
    The Limmattal Energy Center is a prime example of the transformation in the waste disposal and energy sector. From pure waste recycling, a multifunctional energy hub is being created that provides heat, electricity and gas – resource-conserving, locally anchored and climate-neutral.

    Design plan sets out framework
    A cantonal design plan forms the basis for planning law. It defines in a binding manner how the plants are to be phased, developed and embedded. Specifications on building plots, environmental and water protection, natural areas and public green spaces create planning security.

    An environmental impact assessment is being carried out in parallel. It examines the impact of the construction and operating phases on the environment, local residents and ecosystems. The aim is to create an energy center that combines climate and resource conservation. This includes electricity, district heating and gas production from renewable sources as well as concepts for the direct capture of CO₂ emissions.

    Participation and information
    The design plan will be open to the public for 60 days from January 20, 2026. Citizens, associations and authorities can comment on the draft during this time. The submissions will be examined by the cantonal authorities and documented in an objection report.

    On Wednesday, January 21, Limeco is hosting a public information event at which representatives of the canton and the company will present details of the project and answer questions. Information about the event can be found at www.lez.ch/gestaltungsplan.

    The complete documents are available at www.zh.ch/raumplanung and can also be viewed at the municipality of Dietikon and the Cantonal Office for Spatial Development.