PBJ Engineering Services Ltd
Finham Advanced Anaerobic Digestion & Thermal Hydrolysis Plant
(left) Boiler checks and (right) water testing - Courtesy of PBJ Engineering
Severn Trent’s Finham Sewage Treatment Works (STW) has had a major upgrade in recent years, boosting its ability to process wastewater more efficiently while also generating renewable energy. The £35m project introduced a thermal hydrolysis process (THP) and a gas-to-grid (G2G) system, which means the site can now turn wastewater sludge into biogas and supply up to 9,000 homes with renewable gas. With the UK pushing for cleaner energy and better wastewater management, projects like this are a big step forward.
Where PBJ Engineering features
PBJ Engineering provided specialist support to Severn Trent throughout key stages of the project, stepping in to ensure smooth operations and compliance with critical safety standards. Our team:
- Provided operational support for the steam boiler, stepping in when Severn Trent’s operators were on leave.
- Helped with boiler shutdowns – handling cold start procedures and supporting the Part 2 annual tests alongside insurance inspectors.
- Supplied boiler testing equipment and managed stock resupply to keep operations running smoothly.
- Designed and supplied a complete boiler house logbook, ensuring best-practice record-keeping and compliance across multiple sites.
- Provided 24/7 operational support for a full week – giving Severn Trent cover when they didn’t have their team available.
In addition to our work at Finham, PBJ Engineering has also provided logbook creation and compliance support at three other Severn Trent sites, reinforcing best practices in boiler operations.
Keeping Finham’s upgrade on track
The new THP and G2G systems at Finham represent a significant step toward greater energy self-sufficiency and sustainability in wastewater treatment. With these upgrades, the site can extract more energy from sludge, reduce emissions, and improve overall efficiency.
By providing targeted operational support, PBJ Engineering helped ensure a smooth transition, minimising downtime and maintaining reliability during critical periods.
As the water industry moves towards more energy-efficient and sustainable processes, having expert support in place is essential to keeping projects on track and maximising long-term benefits.
One thing to note: While PBJ Engineering weren’t contracted as the THP operator on this project, it’s a service we offer. If that’s something you’re considering for your next project, get in touch to discuss your requirements.
