Klaipeda wastewater treatment plant, serving Lithuania's third-largest city and main seaport, handles wastewater for 350,000 population equivalent. Located near the Baltic Sea adjacent to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the facility was operating close to maximum capacity, with effluent quality approaching permit limits of 10 mg/l total nitrogen over recent years. This case study explores how the implementation of Hubgrade digital twin led to 180k€ savings per year thanks to operational costs cuts.
The Challenge
At Klaipedos Vanduo, the drive to optimize operations and cut costs was more than just a goal, it was a necessity.
Facing the dual challenge of keeping expenses in check while ensuring top-notch effluent quality, the team set their sights on smarter, more resilient wastewater treatment. Wet weather events, which often strain plant operations, became a particular focus. The ambition was to keep the Klaipeda WWTP running smoothly and efficiently, no matter the weather.
To make this vision a reality and minimize risks along the way, Klaipedos Vanduo searched for a partner willing to stand behind their solutions with a Performance Guarantee Contract. This ensured that the results would not just be targeted, but truly delivered.
A step towards innovation
In 2019, Klaipėdos Vanduo took a decisive step toward innovation by partnering with Hubgrade to bring real-time optimization to the Klaipėda WWTP. With this collaboration, the plant embraced Hubgrade Wastewater Plant Performance, a solution renowned for its digital expertise and ability to fine-tune operations across the wastewater treatment process.
By leveraging advanced digital tools and real-time data, Hubgrade empowered the Klaipėda team to make smarter, faster decisions, unlocking new levels of efficiency and performance for the plant.
180k€ saved on energy consumption
The implementation of Hubgrade Performance delivered impressive results in operational efficiency and cost savings for the Lithuanian facility.
👉 180,000 € annual savings on energy and external carbon dosing
👉 1,180 tonnes of CO2-equivalent reduction per year
👉 Maintained compliant effluent despite increased BOD/TN loading
👉 Reduced environmental impact through lower total nitrogen in effluent
👉 Significant reduction in operational expenses for energy and chemical consumption
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As noted by K. Bereišienė, Head of wastewater treatment service: “Innovative digital solutions, like Hubgrade Performance, are a sustainable, cost-effective way for us to continuously improve our WWTP operational processes.”
Key takeaways
⭐ Digital optimization can deliver substantial cost savings while maintaining or improving treatment performance
⭐ Real-time data utilization is key to achieving operational excellence
⭐ Digital solutions offer sustainable approaches to wastewater treatment optimization
⭐ Performance guarantees can help utilities minimize implementation risk
Author | Hubgrade Performance Team
The Hubgrade Performance Team is composed of process engineers and technical experts dedicated to improving the wastewater industry thanks to digital.
