The Next Step: Commissioning our newest UK Plant

A big congratulations to our ALGAESYS colleagues in Europe on reaching a major milestone of a major project in the UK - the completion of construction of the ALGAESYS wastewater treatment plant for Anglian Water, developed in collaboration with the @one Alliance. The project now moves into the hydraulic and biological commissioning phase, where the algae bioremediation process will begin its work. This is a significant achievement for ALGAESYS and a powerful demonstration of how our nature-based, decentralised treatment technology continues to scale and deliver real-world impact across diverse regions. We couldn’t be prouder of the team’s efforts ad the growing recognition of ALGAESYS as an effective wastewater treatment solution for major municipal regions.

Here’s an overview of how the project is developing from the European team.

This week marks an exciting milestone for ALGAESYS as commissioning officially begins at the Bolnhurst wastewater treatment site. With wet testing completed and the algae now seeded, the system is entering its first phase of biological operation.

The commissioning process is being led by two of ALGAESYS’ key figures: John Fagan, inventor of the ALGAESYS technology and CEO, and Dr Mahshid Sedghi, microbiologist and COO. Together, they are overseeing the transition from construction to operation, bringing their combined expertise in engineering and biology to ensure the system performs to its full potential.

Commissioning represents a major turning point in any project. It is the stage where design, engineering, and biology converge – when theory becomes reality. At Bolnhurst, this process will validate the performance of the ALGAESYS system, ensuring every component works in harmony to achieve high-quality water treatment and resource recovery.

The Bolnhurst project, developed in collaboration with Anglian Water’s @one Alliance, is among the UK’s pioneering applications of algae-based circular water technology. Once fully operational, the system will remove nutrients, persistent organic pollutants, and pathogens, protecting Bedfordshire’s wetlands and supporting healthier local ecosystems.

In this early stage, the focus is on stabilising biological activity, monitoring system performance, and fine-tuning operating conditions. The use of algae as a natural treatment agent allows the system to clean water efficiently while promoting resource recovery and reducing carbon emissions.

CEO John Fagan at the new plant for commissioning!

Bolnhurst is more than a treatment site; it represents the next generation of sustainable water management. The combined leadership of John and Mahshid underscores ALGAESYS’ commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship, ensuring that the commissioning phase lays the groundwork for long-term success.

As the system moves toward full operation, the project will demonstrate how nature-based technologies can meet the growing demand for sustainable, decentralised water treatment, setting a precedent for future projects across the UK and beyond.