Question 1

Who is bionrec?

Accepted Answer

bionrec is an environmental biotechnology company that develops and delivers bacteria-based decontamination systems for oil-filled cables, contaminated soil, and industrial structures.

Question 2

What is the difference between the ODB, SDB and MDB Systems?

Accepted Answer

ODB treats oil-filled cables, SDB treats contaminated soil, and MDB treats industrial structures and materials — all using the same bacteria-based biodegradation principle.

Question 3

How is bionrec different from TIBIO?

Accepted Answer

TIBIO is bionrec's Swiss biotechnology partner and co-developer of the underlying Oil Degradation by Bacteria technology. bionrec delivers and operates the ODB, SDB and MDB Systems for clients.

Question 4

Where does bionrec operate?

Accepted Answer

Primarily in the Netherlands, the Nordics (Sweden, Finland, Denmark), the UK, and Europe in general with deployments on grid infrastructure including National Grid and Statnett.

Question 5

Is bionrec's process regulated or compliant?

Accepted Answer

The process is fully biological, uses no toxic chemicals and produces no environmental pollutants. The technology is patented. All results are certified by external ISO 17025 laboratories. The verification is also underlying the ISO 14034 Standard on Environmental Management.

Question 6

How long does ODB System decontamination take?

Accepted Answer

16 weeks on average from first injection to final verification sampling. Depending on the complexity and altitude profile of the cable route.

Question 7

Does the cable need to be excavated?

Accepted Answer

No. The entire process happens in situ — bacteria are injected into the cable's oil channel while it remains in the ground.

Question 8

What removal efficiency can be expected?

Accepted Answer

Over 95% of dielectric oil removed from the paper matrix of the cable, confirmed at National Grid and other grid operators on live decommissioning projects.

Question 9

What voltage range does the ODB System support?

Accepted Answer

Modules have been tested and upgraded for use up to 420kV, including on subsea cables.

Question 10

Is the process safe for surrounding soil and groundwater?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The process is bacteria-based, uses no toxic chemicals, and produces no environmental pollutants. The bacteria consume the oil and produce only water, CO₂ and biological soaps.

Question 11

Does SDB require excavation?

Accepted Answer

No. Bacteria are delivered directly into the soil column and groundwater via surface application or injection wells — surface structures, roads and hardstanding stay intact.

Question 12

What contaminants does SDB treat?

Accepted Answer

Petroleum hydrocarbons across the fuel-oil, diesel and lubricant range, plus dielectric-oil residues around substations.

Question 13

Where is SDB typically deployed?

Accepted Answer

Around substations, depots, legacy industrial land and brownfield sites.

Question 14

Does MDB require demolition?

Accepted Answer

No. Structures stay in place; bacteria are applied to the contaminated surfaces where they are.

Question 15

What structures can MDB treat?

Accepted Answer

Buildings, wood, containment structures, sumps and decommissioned industrial installations that hold residual oil contamination.

Question 16

Can MDB replace hazardous-waste disposal at scale?

Accepted Answer

For a large share of residual oil contamination, yes — bacterial degradation eliminates the hazard from the waste, enabling to shift the handling into a regular waste stream.

Frequently asked questions.

General

ODB System

SDB System

MDB System

Have a site or a cable that needs to come clean? Tell us the scope — we'll tell you the timeline.