A PIONEERING project which generates gas power by turning sewage into fertiliser has secured a £1million grant.

United Utilities' treatment site in Cuerdale Lane, Samlesbury, is the first full-scale plant in the country to offer the technology, which converts waste-water sludge into a soil conditioner.

The process also generates biogas, which can be used as fuel to generate electricity. Enough gas is produced at the waste-water works to supply 1.5 megawatts of energy -- enough to power 1,000 homes.

The EU grant will enable United Utilities to complete the £8million project and the company is now looking to offer the technique to commercial operators across the UK.

The Samlesbury site was chosen as the new system could be built on to existing sludge machinery.

Shanthi Rasaratnam, programme manager for United Utilities said: "Sludge is the by-product you have left after cleaning society's waste water.

"Traditional sludge treatment is known as digestion, and it actually works like an artificial stomach, breaking down organic material with enzymes and bacteria.

"The new technology works like a mouth -- it begins to break down the food before it gets to the stomach, making the process more efficient."

The project was one of 10 to receive grants under the EU LIFE scheme -- which champions new technology and approaches to protect the environment.

Steve Whipp, waste-water standards manager at United Utilities, said: "We are delighted that EU LIFE scheme has recognised the significance of this breakthrough.

"It has the potential to transform what was previously considered waste into a valuable commodity."