The world’s only sewage sludge pyrolysis plant reached half a decade of continuous operation on January 10, 2026 – a milestone for efficiency, reliability, and climate-positive heat supply. In the process, large quantities of phosphorus were successfully recycled, significant amounts of CO₂ permanently bound, and valuable resources returned to the circular economy. The first scheduled shutdown of the plant is planned for spring 2026.

In the “Wärmeverbund Maisprach” project, modern biomass pyrolysis technology is being used to provide sustainable municipal heat supply. The facility is operated by the energy utility IWB (Industrielle Werke Basel) and has been in operation since December 2025. A biomass pyrolysis plant, in combination with a wood-fired boiler, feeds heat generated from regional biomass into the district heating network of Maisprach. In addition to renewable heat, biochar is produced, contrib