Press information / March 2014
Extract from the World Water Report: Water and energy are closely interconnected and highly interdependent. Water and energy have crucial impacts on poverty alleviation as a number of the Millennium Development Goals depend on major improvements in access to water, sanitation, power and energy sources.
Water & Energy: Combine them both…and it will push growth! The Swiss- based company Trunz Water Systems developed an entrepreneurial-driven business model, a so-called NEXUS Center Concept, that delivers safe drinking water and electricity at affordable prices to low-income rural consumers in developing and emerging countries. Idea The idea is to install a network of “off-grid” water and energy hubs, named/called NEXUS Centers, with water treatment systems and solar power centers at their core in remote areas. Due to additional revenue generation possibilities beyond safe drinking water, such as refrigeration, charging of electronic devices, space for medical treatment and small businesses, access to internet, hygiene products, etc. The NEXUS Center will become a true “one-stop” retail and infrastructure facility that aggregates community members, helps to promote local development and creates employment opportunities. The modular approach allows to tailor services and products towards the specific community needs and offers interesting partnership opportunities with telecommunication providers, micro-finance institutions and other local businesses. Partnerships Leveraging the expertise of different partners is critical to establish a successful business at the BoP (Base of Pyramid). In the first instance, the NEXUS Centers will be installed, managed and operated in collaboration with four partner entities: a local partner enterprise, an investor, Trunz Water Systems and a locally embedded NGO. Advantages
ECONOMIC IMPACT
SOCIAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Recovers investment and operational costs
Access to safe drinking water and basic necessities
Energy supply through renewable energies
Modular approach: tailored towards community needs
Education on adequate safewater & hygiene practices
Sustainable management of local water resources
Diverse revenue streams
Improved standard of living
Reduction of emissions
Creation of local jobs
Community engagement
Reduction of logistics costs
Technology The Trunz technology will be a key component of the water and energy hubs. The innovative and environmentally friendly technology produces clean energy and safe drinking water from contaminated fresh and salt water with solar and/or wind energy. It removes all viruses, bacteria, chemical contaminants and salts without requiring toxic chemical treatment. Know-How Trunz Water Systems AG is a Swiss-based company which develops, manufactures and distributes water purification and desalination as well as energy supply systems. The company, which was awarded with the Swiss Export Award in 2012, is dedicated to develop sustainable projects in collaboration with its partners in the following core areas: rural villages, schools, disaster relief, oil & mining, hotels and military.
Reference: Cross-sector collaboration project in India People living in the villages of Dosti Nagar & Baunamau (District Unnao in Uttar Pradesh, India) were forced to consume fluoride contaminated water, causing Fluorosis and other water-borne diseases. Thanks to a successful cooperation between different partners the inhabitants of the villages do now have access to safe and healthy drinking water. Safe drinking water is a basic human necessity and is essential for sustainable development and prosperity. The Water Shop, an entrepreneurialdriven model, delivers safe water at an affordable price to low income rural consumers in India. Using solar-powered Trunz Water Systems technology, the Water Shop purifies locally sourced water to the same level as bottled water without the costs associated with sealing or transporting this water. Registered customers are able to dispense water into clean jerry cans, which are provided by the operator managing the Water Shop. Facts & Figures Equipment models used Cost of 20 liters of water ø amount of people served Jobs created ø amount of produced water/day Water source Common contamination in raw water Energy supply Payment mechanism
TWB 300 and TBL 100 INR Rs 10.00 5,000 6 FTE 10,000 liters Borehole Organic, Iron, Fluoride Solar power Prepaid rechargeable RFID cards
http://www.trunzwatersystems.com/fileadmin/dam/tws/references/India/elea_projekt/Case_Study_India.pdf
Contact Trunz Water Systems AG Technologie Center Amanda Ammann / Project Manager Ahornstrasse 1 CH- 9323 Steinach Phone: +41 71 447 85 45 E-Mail: a.ammann@trunz.ch www.trunzwatersystems.com
The World Water Development Report Energy for water Energy is required for two components of water provision: pumping and treatment (before and after use). Access to water and sanitation In 2011, 768 million people did not use an improved source of drinking-water and 2.5 billion people did not use improved sanitation. Access to electricity More than 1.3 billion people still lack access to electricity, and roughly 2.6 billion use solid fuels (mainly biomass) for cooking. Wind power Wind power is the most sustainable source of renewable energy, mainly because of its low greenhouse gas emissions and water consumption. Financing water For developing countries alone $103 billion per year are required to finance water, sanitation and wastewater treatment through 2015. Waterborne transportation Waterborne transit is one of the most energy efficient. Inland towing barges are more than 3 times more energy efficient than road trucks and 40% more efficient than rail.
World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources www.worldwaterday.org.