The upgrade, expansion, and modernisation of the Thiva Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) constitutes a project of strategic importance for environmental protection and the sustainable development of the region. The project’s objective is to maximize environmental safeguarding through the integration of cutting-edge innovative technologies and the potential for reuse of treated water, contributing to the rational management of water resources, enhanced resilience to climate change, and the strengthening of the circular economy, in line with the directives of the European Water Strategy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The project concerns the provision of services to the resident population within the territory of the Municipality of Thiva.

The modernisation and operation of the Thiva WWTP began in 2024 and has an implementation time horizon of 32 months.

The upgrade, expansion, and modernization of the Thiva Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) constitutes a project of strategic importance for environmental protection and the sustainable development of the region. The project’s objective is to maximize environmental safeguarding through the integration of cutting-edge innovative technologies and the potential for reuse of treated water, made possible by the installation of tertiary treatment.

The Thiva WWTP has been operating continuously for more than 20 years, and with the current upgrade, Greece has, for the first time, incorporated the Membrane Aerated Biofilm Reactor (MABR) – a combined suspended and attached biomass reactor with membranes. This pioneering technology offers:

• Significant reduction in energy consumption and operational costs.
• A lower carbon footprint, supporting the targets for climate neutrality by 2050, as set out in the European Green Deal.
• Stable and high effluent quality, even under conditions of sudden variations in flow or organic load.

The upgrade also includes the replacement of the old electromechanical equipment with new, high-performance, energy-efficient systems, aligning the plant’s operation with the most advanced European standards.

The original WWTP was designed for an equivalent population of 40,000 inhabitants, with two biological treatment lines. With the new expansion and the addition of a third line, the plant now has the capacity to serve up to 50,000 population equivalents, meeting the growth needs of the local community and economy.

Today, the project operates with high environmental performance and low energy consumption, fully complying with the strict effluent quality standards and environmental conditions set by current legislation and the Environmental Terms Approval Decision (AEPO). At the same time, the capacity for treated water reuse contributes to the rational management of water resources, resilience to climate change, and the promotion of the circular economy, in line with the European Water Strategy.

Furthermore, the Thiva WWTP upgrade is aligned with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

• SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: ensuring access to safe and high-quality water resources through recycling and reuse.
• SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: delivering resilient infrastructure and improved quality of life.
• SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: advancing circular resource management.
• SDG 13 – Climate Action: reducing the carbon footprint and strengthening adaptation to climate change.

The upgrade of the Thiva WWTP stands as a model of integrated environmental intervention, combining technological innovation, social benefit, and strategic sustainability, making a tangible contribution to national and European goals for a greener and more sustainable future.

The project is being implemented exclusively by the company ‘N&K Goliopoulos S.A.’ on behalf of the Municipal Water and Sewerage Company (DEYA) of Thiva, capitalising on the use of cutting-edge technologies and the company’s long-standing experience.

The successful implementation of the project was the result of the dedication and professionalism of the company’s entire workforce. Specialized engineers, experienced technicians, and skilled workers collaborated in a coordinated and responsible manner to ensure that every stage was carried out in the best possible way. The teamwork and expertise of all involved proved to be the key to the flawless and successful completion of the project.

The project regards the treatment of wastewater from the Municipality of Thiva.

The project actively contributes to the promotion of the circular economy, through the in-depth modernization of the wastewater treatment facilities, the reduction of operating costs, the high and stable quality of the facility's effluent and the reuse of the treated wastewater. The environmental benefits are obvious for the local community but also more broadly by improving national and European goals for a greener and more sustainable future.

The reduction of operating costs, the stable and high-quality effluent and the reuse of treated wastewater are obvious benefits for Municipal Water and Sewerage Company (DEYA) of Thiva.