The Bulgarian wastewater treatment plant transforms waste into energy and products

The Kubratovo wastewater treatment plant in Bulgaria, operated by Sofiyska Voda, part of the Veolia group, converts waste into biogas, electricity, and heat. It covers more than 100% of its energy needs, reducing CO2 emissions by 70,000 tons annually.

The plant has received the Gold Standard certification and is expanding its biogas production and installing photovoltaic panels. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) states that wastewater treatment can achieve net-zero emissions.

Euronews and the European Commission are collaborating on the Water Wise campaign to promote water awareness. Across Europe, facilities like Kubratovo are aiming for net-zero emissions in the water industry.

The Bulgarian water plant generates 24,000 MWh of electricity and heat each year, enough to power 2,300 homes. The plant is also commissioning a new facility to increase biogas production and installing photovoltaics to inspire other facilities to achieve net-zero emissions.

The Water Wise campaign and the 'Water Matters' series aim to raise awareness about sustainable water management.