Operational Progress of Cold-Climate Water Treatment Demo in Finland
The NAMOR project has released a detailed overview of its Finnish demonstration case, showcasing the ongoing technical work and implementation strategies at the Mikkeli Wastewater Treatment Plant. In a newly published interview, project partners from LUT University and Operon Group Oy provide insight into the operational framework of the Low-Temperature Algae-Bacteria System (LTABS) designed for decentralized water treatment in Northern Europe.
The Finnish demo case serves as a key site for testing the integration of biological systems with digital monitoring in extreme environments. By focusing on a modular algae-membrane photobioreactor, the project team is demonstrating how specific Nordic algae strains, which are naturally adapted to local conditions, can be utilized to maintain treatment efficiency. This approach is specifically tailored to handle the low temperatures and significant seasonal light variations characteristic of the region.
Professor Amit Bhatnagar of LUT University, who leads the preparatory activities for the project’s various demo sites, explained that a primary goal is to illustrate that these decentralized solutions can function reliably across diverse climatic conditions. He emphasized that the work in Finland is not only focused on the treatment of wastewater but also on the long-term potential for resource recovery and biomass valorization, moving toward a more circular water economy.
A significant portion of the technical work at the Mikkeli site involves addressing the complexities of nitrogen removal in cold water. Jussi Mikkola, Business Development Manager at Operon Group Oy, noted that the facility is located underground within the bedrock, presenting unique environmental parameters. The team is currently exploring how the algal-bacterial co-cultures can enhance nutrient removal in these cold-water conditions, which remains one of the most critical challenges for wastewater treatment in the Nordic context.
To support the physical infrastructure, the NAMOR project is implementing a comprehensive digital layer. This involves the use of real-time sensors to monitor water quality and biomass density, alongside a Digital Twin model. This digital replica allows the team to simulate cold-weather dynamics and utilize an AI-powered Decision Support System to optimize energy consumption and operational control based on site-specific environmental data.
Watch the full interview on YouTube.
