Bolnhurst: A New Chapter in Nature-Based Wastewater Treatment
The Bolnhurst Nature-Based Treatment Plant in Bedfordshire marks a major step forward in demonstrating how sustainable, low-energy wastewater treatment can be delivered at scale in the United Kingdom. Developed in partnership with Anglian Water and the @one Alliance, the project represents one of the first integrated applications of ALGAESYS’ phototrophic treatment technology in the UK water sector.
The Bolnhurst ALGAESYS plant
Designed to meet increasingly strict environmental standards while reducing the operational footprint of traditional wastewater treatment, the Bolnhurst plant uses algae, bacteria and other phototrophic organisms as the core engine of its treatment train. This biological process enables the plant to produce high-quality effluent with minimal energy use, no harmful chemicals, and significantly reduced carbon emissions.
Construction of the plant was completed by Anglian Water’s alliance partners, with ALGAESYS providing the treatment process design, biological know-how, and commissioning support. With the physical build now finalised, the project has entered its hydraulic and biological commissioning phase, where flows are introduced and the ALGAESYS phototrophic micro-habitat is established and optimised.
Once fully operational, the system is expected to:
Significantly reduce operational energy use compared to conventional treatment
Lower lifecycle carbon emissions through natural, phototrophic processes
Deliver resilient, high-quality treatment outcomes even under varying seasonal conditions
Demonstrate a scalable model for nature-based treatment across rural and peri-urban communities
The Bolnhurst plant is part of Anglian Water’s wider commitment to exploring low-carbon, future-ready treatment technologies as the UK transitions towards more sustainable water infrastructure. For ALGAESYS, it represents a milestone in proving the capability of decentralised, nature-based wastewater treatment in a major national utility context.
We are proud to support Anglian Water in delivering this innovative project and look forward to sharing further updates as commissioning progresses.
Read Anglian’s independent report here.