Amane currents: Fall 2023 by amaneadvisors

Fall 2023

Volume 4. Issue 4

amane currents

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educe ecover euse eplenish egenerate

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IN THIS ISSUE

Volume 4, Issue 4 | Fall 2023

Features 5

Outside the fence: The case for collaborative action on water Water challenges cannot be solved in isolation. We’ll explore the benefits of taking a ‘basin-centric’ approach in order to realize the full benefits of water initiatives – and how to ensure projects are set up for success. By: Ida Johansson and Mairi Dean

WtEvolution: Exploring three growth pathways for the waste-to-energy sector

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A combination of geographic, demographic, and regulatory factors has resulted in significant variations in waste-toenergy adoption globally. We’ll look at how those differences may impact the sector’s growth trajectory. By: Amedeo Vaccani and Edmund Fleck

Bloom or bust: Unpacking the growth potential of the algae market Algae is known for its ability to grow quickly but is the market for algae-based solutions growing as fast? We’ll look at current and emerging applications. By: Chloé Wen Hu

...nature naturally regenerates and recycles water in the hydrologic cycle of the planet, constantly circulating, clean, and reusing water. Human systems can do the same thing... - Dr. Peter Gleick Discussing his new book The Three Ages of Water Interview with Dr. Peter Gleick

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Explained:

Making Waves

Replenish & restore: Understanding managed aquifer recharge

Celebrating the growth of recent participants in the Ocean Exchange Awards

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Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is emerging as a critical solution to bolster water resources in the face of increasing scarcity. We’ll explain the basics and highlight MAR projects from around the world.

Event Radar

Amane leads discussions on urban water recycling and reuse at IWA’s Efficient 2023

Amane joins a crosssection of leaders in ‘rethinking water’ to solve America’s most pressing water challenges

WEFTEC 2023: A glimpse into the future of water innovation

Empowering Africa's Water Future: Insights from the Africa Water Forum

Amane News

Employee Spotlight

Leading by example: Amane consultant helping build a global platform for female leadership Amane supports major transaction for Almar Water Solutions Waterkeeper Alliance appoints Amane's Bill Malarkey to President’s Council Meet Amane’s newest hire

Featuring: Steven Gauthier, Project Manager

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WELCOME

Welcome to

Fall 2023

amane currents The year’s not over yet but it’s already been one for the record books – with dozens of major headlines bringing humanity’s delicate relationship with water into focus. 2023 has already set the record for

The scale and severity of water risk

number of billion-dollar weather

necessitates

urgent

disasters in the U.S., while extreme

businesses,

but

heat

improvements can only go so far. In

shattered

temperature

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story,

internal

records in Europe, record rainfall

our

contributed

catastrophic

Johansson and Senior Consultant

flooding

Libya,

and

Mairi Dean explain how managing

unprecedented marine heat wave

water as a shared resource can

brought the global average ocean

maximize

surface temperature to an all-time

benefits.

lead

action

Principal

triple

bottom

Ida

line

high. Waste-to-energy (WtE) reduces the These stories highlight the urgent

need for landfills and methane

need for businesses to not only

emissions

understand how water is becoming

valuable, soil-enriching byproducts

a major operational and strategic

that

risk

factor,

but

also

can

also

support

producing

regenerative

We’ll also hear from award-winning water expert and author Dr. Peter Gleick on the role of corporates play in bringing about what he calls the ‘third age’ of water - and we’ll checkin with a few recent finalists from the Ocean Exchange Awards to see how their businesses have developed since participating. And of course, we’ll have the latest updates from the Amane team, highlights from recent industry events and more!

take

efforts. Amane Partner Amedeo

meaningful action to adapt to those

Vaccani and WtE expert Edmund

risks – and ideally, to identify

Fleck will share how the market is

This is the final issue of currents for

solutions

evolving in different parts of the

that

while

Project Manager Chloe Wen Hu will explore current and emerging applications.

support

the

regeneration of ecosystems and

world

water resources.

opportunities lie.

2023. As always, we wish you happy reading and welcome your ideas, input and feedback! Sincerely,

That’s

why

and

where

the

choose

Algae is known for being resilient

‘regeneration’ as the theme for this

and fast-growing. But what about

issue.

the market for new algae-based solutions? Bill Malarkey Managing Partner, North America

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This issue's contributors Mairi Dean

Lauren Trucksess

Project Manager, Amane Advisors

Marketing Manager, Amane Advisors

Thinking outside the fence: A case for collaborative action on water

Replenish & restore: Understanding managed aquifer recharge

Based in: Paris, France Email: mdean@amaneadvisors.com

Based in: Philadelphia, USA Email: ltrucksess@amaneadvisors.com

Amedeo Vaccani

Edmund Fleck

Partner, Amane Advisors

Partner, AVP Group

Based in: Mauern, Germany Email: e.fleck@avp-group.net

Based in: Zurich, Switzerland Email: avaccani@amaneadvisors.com

Ida Johansson

Chloe Wen Hu

Principal, Amane Advisors

Project Manager, Amane Advisors

Thinking outside the fence: A case for collaborative action on water

Bloom or bust: Unpacking the growth potential of the algae market Based in: Paris, France Email: chloehu@amaneadvisors.com

Based in: Singapore Email: ijohansson@amaneadvisors.com

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WtEvolution: Exploring three growth pathways for the waste-to-energy sector

amane currents is published quarterly by Amane Advisors in Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring. Amane Advisors assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or images.

Editorial Director

Bill Malarkey

bmalarkey@amaneadvisors.com

Managing Editor

Lauren Trucksess

ltrucksess@amaneadvisors.com

Feedback

2 currents@amaneadvisors.com 2

Visit us on

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COLLABORATIVE ACTION

Outside the fence The case for collaborative water action 3202 LLAF | NOITARENEGER With the threat of a global water shortage looming, businesses are increasingly taking action to increase water efficiency and reuse, reduce consumption and protect water quality. But improvements to internal production processes and operations can only go so far. In this article, we explore the growing shift toward collective action, and how businesses – and the communities in which they operate – can best realize the shared benefits.

By: Ida Johansson, Principal and Mairi Dean, Project Managert

amane currents In September, it was reported that carmaker Tesla would help drill water wells near its planned gigafactory near Monterrey, Mexico. The move was seen as an effort to quell opposition from environmentalists and local officials over water use in an already water-stressed area. According to news reports, Tesla also obtained permits to use treated wastewater in its electric vehicle production. It’s not the first time the company has found itself being forced into

delayed due to environmental concerns, and this year, the company tried to get ahead of criticism, announcing that its plans to double production at the plant would not

Demonstrators hold anti-Tesla posters during a protest plans by Tesla to build its first European factory and design center in Gruenheide near Berlin, Germany January 18, 2020. REUTERS/Pawel Kopczynski

discharges on-site, but the water

A company can also leverage outside-

challenges isolation.

the-fence actions to drive innovation, and importantly, to achieve its

cannot

solved

require additional fresh water.

There is a growing need to view and manage water as a shared resource –

commitments and ESG goals. Ultimately, collaborative action ensures companies retain their license

It’s the latest example of how water is upping the ante for business leaders

beyond the operational ‘fence’ and down to the water catchment level –

to operate and hence, supports business growth and resilience.

and to collaborate with stakeholders, including private companies, public

Outside-the-fence collaboration is a

the world will already face a 53% shortfall in global water supply by

sector, and civil society, to address water security, support the regeneration of water resources, and

spectrum; ranging from working directly with an NGO on a specific project to more complex collective

2050. Climate change is only exacerbating the situation – making weather patterns less predictable and increasing the frequency and intensity of floods and droughts.

promote biodiversity. Collaboration with stakeholders for catchment-based actions can generate real business benefits.

action in which several companies collaborate to maximize their resources or impact.

As we see with Tesla, for businesses, these changes manifest as higher water-related challenges, including water availability, water quality (e.g. pollution), exposure to floods and droughts, and reputational, regulatory, and financial risks.

First and foremost, collaboration mitigates operational risks, such as preventing project delays and the cancellations of licenses, protecting resources needed by the businesses to ensure a consistent and good quality water supply, and building resilience to water related shocks. It also brings intangible benefits in terms of strengthening the reputation and perception of the company by better aligning its actions with the needs of the community.

and creating complex – and operationally significant – risks. At the current pace of industrial activity,

Forward-looking businesses have taken steps to improve water efficiency, reduce water consumption in production processes, and control effluent

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action on water. The first phase of construction for its production factory in Brandenburg, Germany was

Regardless of the specific approach, collaborative action must be contextualized, genuine, and transparent in order to maximize its impact and benefits.

The (water) context is key The starting point of any collaborative action should be to focus on understanding and addressing the needs and risks of the specific water basin in which the business operates or relies – as opposed to seeking to solve an internal business or

amane currents operational challenge. For many leaders, this means deliberately shifting from a company centric perspective to one that is basin or system centric. “A basin or system-centric approach focuses on how the company can best contribute to the overall water health of a location in which it operates. A company that does not take this approach runs the risk of an intervention being directed at a problem that isn't that important in a specific location and coming across as being disconnected from what's really needed,” says Paul Fleming, President, WaterValue. Fleming formerly served as Global

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Water Program Manager at Microsoft, where he helped establish the company's goal to be water positive by 2030. There, he led investments in nearly 20 access and replenishment projects, including partnering with the Edwards Aquifer Authority to support efforts to acquire conservation easements to keep land from being developed to ensure groundwater recharge. Taking a basin-centric approach does not mean projects serve no direct benefit to the businesses that lead them. Freeport McMoRan, a mining company with operations in waterscarce regions, wanted to improve the water quantity and quality near its Cerro Verde mine, located near the city of Arequipa, Peru. The city had no wastewater treatment solution and raw sewage was discharged straight into the Chili River. The company worked with the local utility and invested $500 million to build the city’s first wastewater treatment plant.

COLLABORATIVE ACTION The plant helped improve local water quality, enhanced agricultural production, and reduced the risk of waterborne diseases, thus supporting the health of its local workforce. At the same time, the company secured water for its mine expansion by using part of the treated effluent for its water supplies.

Data-driven transparency Understanding which actions will be the most relevant and meaningful requires data. Specifically, an assessment should be conducted to clearly scope and justify what impact a business could achieve through collaborative action and what kind of collaborative action best aligns with its goals - as well as to identify the

For example, beverage company Diageo had implemented a Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) program that was initially limited in scope – driven by a desire to differentiate their brand and motivate employees through philanthropy efforts in Africa. It then undertook a comprehensive risk assessment of its sites to better understand its specific water risks, operational and supply chain needs, and the outcomes from its WASH previous projects. Through that process, the company identified significant operational and business opportunities – beyond ‘feel good’ philanthropic benefits. It began investing in farming businesses and

right stakeholders to involve in such an initiative.

communities close to its operations to support the health, productivity, and sustainability of these

With a data-driven approach, water

communities – ultimately gaining the trust of key stakeholders and

stewardship reportable,

objectives become and a transparent

dialogue is created with company employees, communities, and potential collaborators – ultimately making projects more easily implementable, replicable.

scalable,

and

governments and improving their own supply chain resilience. Water solution providers are positioned slightly differently, with an additional opportunity to leverage their own expertise towards collaborative stewardship.

action

and

water

A company that does not take [a basin or system-centric] approach runs the risk of an intervention being directed at a problem that isn't that important in a specific location and coming across as being disconnected from what's really needed.” - Paul Fleming, President, WaterValue.

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By positioning itself as an enabler in water stewardship, Ecolab not only promotes transparent, data-driven, collective action for businesses but also creates opportunity to innovate

with local governments and community stakeholders can support a ‘bottom up’ approach that can ensure that solutions are contextually relevant while also enhancing the project’s impact. Coalitions and collaboratives play a pivotal role in uniting like-minded organizations with the right tools and resources. These collaborative platforms bring together a diverse array of stakeholders, including corporations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and public entities to collectively tackle water-

just two examples of industry-driven coalitions to deliver a water resilient future. Collaborative, outside the fence action can only be truly impactful if it is contextualized to specific water needs, developed, measured and/or reported on in a transparent way, and based on genuine stakeholder alignment. Setting clear and measurable goals lays the foundation productive engagement and unlocks opportunities to truly understand the

and sell their expertise across the full life cycle of a company’s water

related issues.

stewardship journey – offering access to technologies for water

Coalitions can serve as vehicles for shared learning, knowledge exchange,

With measurable targets, companies

optimization and management.

and mobilizing resources – as well as helping ensure local voices are not only heard but are positioned as key

can more easily replicate and scale projects – and provide a strong case by which it can attract additional

drivers across initiatives.

capital and support.

Genuine stakeholder engagement and collaboration In

today's

complex

business

The Water Risk Coalition (WRC) and Alliance for Water Stewardship are

basin context and build trust with local and international stakeholders.

###

landscape, aligning stakeholders on objectives, responsibilities, and desired outcomes is not just a best practice; it's an imperative. This is particularly true when it comes to

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Recognizing that robust data is needed to inform the impactful actions, Ecolab developed the Smart Water Navigator – a platform designed to support companies in identifying and quantifying risks and challenges at a local level. To further encourage businesses to better identify water risks and track efforts, Ecolab made the platform free to use.

water; a shared resource that transcends corporate boundaries and jurisdictions. For businesses seeking to improve their water stewardship, it means identifying like-minded companies that share similar operational and geographical interests and commitments related to water access and water quality. These shared interests foster a sense of common purpose and create opportunities to leverage the strengths of each partner or collaborator.

The Water Risk Coalition’s 100 priority basins, selected in collaboration with Alliance for Water Stewardship, CEO Water Mandate, Good Stuff International, The Nature Conservancy, Pacific Institute, WRAP, WWF. Map Image Credit: WWF

For example, teaming up with a partner that can better facilitate interactions

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WtE Growth

WtEvolution Exploring three growth pathways for the waste-to-energy sector

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By converting waste materials into heat, electricity, or fuel, waste-to-energy (WtE) not only reduces the burden on landfills but also promotes a circular economy. However, the progress of WtE adoption has been far from uniform across the globe – shaped by diverse geographic, demographic, and regulatory factors. In this article, we consider the historical context and present-day influences on WtE to explain the different growth pathways that market is likely to take.

By: Amedeo Vaccani, Partner and Edmund Fleck, Partner, AVP Group The world generates more than two billion tons of municipal solid waste every year – the equivalent weight of 10 massive Nimitz-class aircraft carriers stacked on top of each other. And the world’s waste problem is only intensifying. The World Bank estimates that global waste will grow to 3.4 billion tons by 2050 – more than double the

population growth over the same period. While these two challenges may not seem related, the process of converting waste into energy has potential to address both the escalating waste management crisis and the urgent need for sustainable energy sources, particularly in developing countries.

Waste-to-energy refers to the process of harnessing the energy potential of waste materials through various technologies, such as thermal treatment (including incineration and gasification), landfill gas conversion or anaerobic digestion, depending on the waste stream to be treated. By converting waste into valuable resources, WtE minimizes total waste volumes and promotes a circular economy.

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In developing countries, urbanization and population growth have accelerated waste generation and overburdened existing waste management practices – leading to littering and open dumping.

The world generates two billion tons of municipal solid waste every year - equivalent of 10 Nimitzclass aircraft carriers. Image via military.com

The East Asia and the Pacific regions generate most of the world’s waste by volume, with 468 million tons per year (23% in 2016). However, the

It also supports regeneration by

fastest growing regions are SubSaharan Africa, South Asia, Middle

ecosystem mitigating

greenhouse gas emissions and enriching soils through nutrient-rich byproducts. Unless clearly stated differently, WtE in this article refers to thermal treatment of residual household as well as commercial waste. With

growing

awareness

its

potential to address the mounting waste crisis and contribute to renewable energy targets, the global growth outlook for WtE is promising. The market size was valued at US$32 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach US$44 billion by 2029. But while WtE started replacing landfill disposal in the early 1960’s, with countries such as Switzerland, Denmark, Netherlands, and Japan being among the frontrunners, its development has varied significantly across different regions, with many still relying primarily on landfills. Therefore, it is important to consider the historical factors and present-day influences that will impact how the WtE market is likely to evolve in different parts of the world. There are three broad pathways WtE growth might take, depending on the market’s current maturity level.

East and North Africa, where, by 2050, total waste generation is expected to more than double or even triple.

Developing countries also often face energy shortages and rely heavily on non-renewable sources of energy, such as fossil fuels. By generating electricity or heat from waste materials, WtE plants also reduce the dependence on traditional energy sources and contribute to a more sustainable and diversified energy mix.

For many regions all over the world, landfilling is still the most common waste management practice, ranging from open dumping to engineered landfills. When landfills aren’t well engineered and regulated, methane and other greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere – exacerbating climate change. WtE presents a viable landfilling, which methane emissions.

Similarly, many developing countries face challenges in finding suitable land space for waste disposal. WtE plants require less space than landfill sites – making them suitable for densely populated or land-scarce areas. By utilizing smaller footprints, these facilities free up land that can be repurposed for more productive or environmentally friendly uses.

alternative to avoids these

According

data

from

the

International Solid Waste Association (ISWA), the number of WtE plants in developing regions has doubled in the last decade. This growth is primarily attributed to increasing awareness of environmental issues and the recognition of waste as a valuable resource. Governments and investors have started to view WtE as

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For developing countries; a much needed waste management solution

a viable solution to tackle wasterelated problems and simultaneously promote renewable energy generation.

Projected waste generation, by region (millions of tons/year)

Source: World Bank, What a Waste 2.0 Report

amane currents In the early 2000s when China was still considered to be a developing country, it made a conscious effort to move away from landfilling to adopt WtE, leading to a huge boom in new WtE capacities. Soon, it accounted for around three-quarters of the global market for WtE. More recently,

It also operates a significant number of waste incineration plants, with the energy generated being used for local district heating systems or fed into the power grid. Ash generated in the incineration process is processed to recover valuable materials such as metals and minerals suitable for

It has set a national target to recycle 60% of its municipal waste and has also been actively promoting resource recycling, such as turning food waste into compost and using recycled materials in construction projects. Japan has also implemented comprehensive waste separation and

Thailand and Vietnam took their first WtE plants into operation. After many years of discussion, these countries will continue their path to rely on WtE.

construction purposes.

recycling programs to reduce the overall waste volumes, as well as public awareness campaigns to promote responsible waste sorting and recycling.

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Successful implementation of WtE,

Another example is the city of Stockholm, which has virtually eliminated the use of landfills for waste disposal (less than 1%). The city has implemented policies to promote

however, requires a supportive regulatory framework, technological expertise, and investments in

extended producer responsibility, pushing manufacturers to design products with recyclability in mind.

prioritize waste reduction, recycling, and advanced waste management technologies, businesses that align

infrastructure – which can be harder to come by in developing regions.

In recent years, Sweden has also

their strategies with these goals can create value, drive innovation, and

Despite positive trends, financial, regulatory, and political hurdles continue to slow the pace of WtE

introduced measures to reduce single-use plastics. For nonrecyclable waste, it relies solely on

contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy.

adoption in the developing world.

WtE facilities, with energy generated being used to heat residential and

In this environment, there are many strategic opportunities to explore,

In high WtE adoption countries; opportunities for sorting and recycling

commercial buildings. This has contributed to the city's efforts to

including the development of smart waste collection and sorting

achieve a carbon-neutral status.

The waste hierarchy of ‘reduce, reuse,

With little land available for landfills

technologies, efficient collection networks and logistics solutions, solutions that optimize supply chains

recycle, recover and disposal’ is the driving force of waste management

and high population density, Japan has also benefitted from waste-to-

for waste collection, sorting, and processing as well as chemical

plans in markets in which WtE adoption has historically been strong. In these markets, the separate collection of waste streams, such as separating organic waste to generate biogas or for the chemical recycling of plastic waste, are areas for continued growth and strategic opportunity.

energy for decades. The country is now prioritizing waste reduction and recycling to achieve a more sustainable waste management system.

recycling, which has the potential to convert plastic waste back into raw materials or feedstocks for new products. There are also new market opportunities for products that are designed for circularity.

For example, Germany has a wellestablished and comprehensive approach to WtE that prioritizes waste prevention and reuse over disposal. The country aims to recycle at least 65% of municipal waste by 2030, and has invested in advanced recycling technologies to increase the efficiency of material recovery from waste streams.

FUTURE OF WASTE

Waste incineration plant in Oberhausen, Germany

these

and

other

countries

amane currents In low WtE adoption markets; biogas and product creation from incineration The United States is, in principle, a developed market when it comes to WtE, but adoption has been and remains slow. The U.S. possesses vast landfill spaces, which, combined with a less incentivized regulatory environment, has hindered largescale WtE adoption. Growing demand for renewable energy has sparked interest in WtE but given the country’s potential to generate

and its historically low energy prices, there is less of an economic case for WtE compared to regions with higher

Agri-waste and animal manure are predicted to be the largest RNG feedstock by 2050.

energy costs.

Many of the country’s 34,000 dairy

Similarly, WtE processes, such as

farmers, particularly in states such as California, Texas, and Idaho, where

advanced gasification, can produce hydrogen-rich syngas from waste

the concentration of dairy farms is highest, could leverage existing sites

feedstocks. This syngas can be further processed to generate

to generate biogas as an additional source of revenue.

hydrogen, a versatile and clean fuel with applications in transportation, industry, and power generation.

There is, however, still plenty of opportunity for waste treatment technology to grow within the U.S. One being the production of renewable natural gas (RNG), also known as biogas, from separately collected organic waste streams. New regulatory and financial incentives are now pushing biofuel and RNG below diesel prices, while the global environment creates continued momentum. In fact, while the size of the U.S. RNG market was $3 billion in 2022, it is predicted to grow to $27 billion by 2027. America currently has around 2,500 biogas systems, but new tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act could accelerate the rate of growth. Furthermore, only a portion of those systems are using the biogas they produce – creating an opportunity for RNG upgrades. There is also an opportunity within the agricultural sector. Agri-waste and animal manure are predicted to be the largest RNG feedstock by 2050.

Using livestock waste alone as a feedstock, there are potentially some 8,500 new biogas sites that could be

Another direction is to aim at a ‘higher value’ use of residual waste,

developed, as well as an additional

namely, to generate transportation

990 animal processing sites which could supply animal waste feedstock. The American Biogas Council estimates that tens of billions of dollars of capital could be deployed resulting in hundreds of thousands of short-term jobs and tens of thousands of permanent jobs.

fuels. A number of processes are in a promising development stage.

Captured RNG can be injected into natural gas distribution pipelines, enhancing the supply of renewable energy to homes, businesses, and industries, and can also be used as a sustainable fuel for natural gas vehicles (NGVs).

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energy from wind, solar, hydroelectric, and geothermal power

As we navigate the intricacies of the waste and energy sectors, the future of waste-to-energy unfolds across many different pathways. By empowering developing countries with sustainable waste management solutions, transitioning to recyclingcentric practices, and pioneering valuable product creation from incineration, decision-makers hold the key to shaping the sector's sustainable evolution in their respective markets. ###

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SMALL SCALE FINANCING

Bloom or bust: 3202 LLAF | NOITARENEGER

Unpacking the growth potential of the algae market

Algae is known for its ability to grow in almost any environment. True to form, the market for algae-based solutions is seeing strong growth, fueled by a dynamic spectrum of applications – from established roles in wastewater treatment to pioneering ventures like algae-derived fertilizers and aviation fuel. In this article, we’ll explore how utilities, technology providers, and investors can harness the potential of this versatile organism.

By: Chloe Wen Hu, Project Manager

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Since its first emergence in 2011, the bloom has disrupted local tourism, wildlife, and water quality every spring and summer – but it’s also a great example of this organism’s incredible growth potential. That growth potential is what many organizations are looking to harness, as they develop new applications for different algae species. While the market’s growth might not be as exponential as that of the organism itself, interest in algae-based solutions is increasing. For example, demand for micro-algae solutions is expected to grow with an 8.9% CAGR over the next five years, with

One of the drivers behind this growth is the fact that companies continue to develop new applications for algae and solutions to make existing algaebased processes more efficient, costeffective and environmentally sustainable. Let’s look at some of the interesting ways the world can benefit from this fast-growing organism.

Thinking beyond treatment

wastewater

Algae is one of the world’s oldest methods of water treatment. The organisms naturally absorb nutrients and organic matter from water and produce oxygen as a byproduct. This oxygenation supports aerobic (oxygen-dependent) microbial processes that further break down organic matter in the wastewater, leading to improved water quality.

projections to reach a market size of $1.4 billion by 2027.

Algae treatment systems are integrated alongside traditional wastewater treatment methods.

Algae-based water treatment is a fastgrowing subsector of the modern wastewater treatment industry. In

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Earlier this year, scientists discovered the massive bloom of algae floating across the Atlantic had reached its largest size ever. Satellite imagery showed the ‘Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt’ now stretched about 5,500 miles from the coast of West Africa to the Gulf of Mexico.

fact, while the relevant wastewater treatment market is 400x as large as the algae treatment market, the latter is growing more than double the rate. Utilities and wastewater treatment plants can integrate algae treatment systems alongside traditional wastewater treatment methods to achieve comprehensive and effective purification before safe discharge or reuse.

Scientists used satellite imagery to map out the sargassum belt. Image: NASA

Incorporating algae treatment opens up several benefits for plants. As algae are photosynthetic and naturally suited to removing excessive nitrogen and phosphorus, they provide a more energy-efficient and cost-effective

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SMALL SCALE FINANCING

treatment option – helping reduce the organization’s carbon footprint while enabling it to adhere to stringent municipal and industrial wastewater discharge limits. While treatment typically remains the main revenue source for treatment plants, advancements in resource recovery are enabling plant owners to extract valuable nutrients as well as energy-dense lipids (oils), carbohydrates, and proteins from the algae biomass. These lipids can be converted into fertilizers and biofuels; helping increase emissions offsets and creating additional byproduct revenue streams to cover

emissions, while also recovering nutrients that can better protect downstream water quality. The phosphorus collected is converted into a slow-release fertilizer while the remaining nitrogen and phosphorus encourages continued algae growth, which, in turn, increases the removal of carbon dioxide. Further, the process helps remove more ammonia using less energy, with the algae naturally aiding the nitrification/denitrification process and decreasing the nitrous oxide emissions generated during the conventional ammonia removal

Algae-based fertilizers are one solution that can help increase soil health and productivity, while reducing water use. Being naturally rich in essential nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, algae-based fertilizers have been shown to help support growth, increase crop yields, and contribute

process.

to soil health by increasing its water

operational costs.

and nutrient-holding capacity.

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For instance, the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant (SWRP), within Chicago’s Metropolitan Water Reclamation

District

Considering that growing and manufacturing what we all eat and drink accounts for up to 80% of the world’s water use, the need for more environmentally friendly and sustainable agricultural practices is growing.

(MWRD)

running a pilot alongside Gross-Wen Technologies to grow algae from wastewater to offset carbon

Feeding the future Soil health is essential to feed the world. Chemical fertilizers have increased yields and productivity, but combined with other human activity, have slowly led to the degradation of soil quality.

Algal fertilizers can also play a role in a low carbon economy, serving as an organic and renewable alternative to synthetic

fertilizers,

energy-intensive

with an 8.9% CAGR Microalgae market size, 2021-2027, $b

which

are

produce

and

contribute to continued reliance on fossil fuels. They can be manufactured

Microalgae solutions demand is expected to grow over the next five years,

liquid

extracts,

granules, and powdered formulations and applied to a wide range of crops, including

vegetables,

fruits,

ornamental

plants,

even

and

turfgrass.

Note: Market sizes include OPEX and CAPEX. Algae market includes treatment technology, pond and raceway solutions, and dewatering (pelletizing for recovery). Source: Algae market: Cision, Research and Markets, Allied Market Research; Algae for biofuel market: Market Watch, Adroit Market Research

In 2022, the market for these fertilizers was estimated to be worth US$600 million and expected to grow at a CAGR of 21.6% through 2035, hitting US$6.3 billion. Technology advances that lower the cost of production as well as government incentives and subsidies are likely to encourage adoption. For instance, the EU Common Agricultural Policy offers additional funding for farmers that adopt sustainable practices that contribute to the EU’s environmental and climate goals, specifically by promoting crop diversity and protecting biodiversity.

amane currents An engine of opportunity

biofuels is estimated to be five to 10 times the market size of algae treatment and recovery solutions by 2027 – reaching an estimated $10 to 15 billion.

Utilizing SAFs made from algae would offer significant environmental benefits compared to traditional jet fuel. Photo: Greenaironline.com

SAFs are a compelling area for

23 billion liters of SAF will be needed

uptake on a gradual basis; hitting 6%

development as they are chemically identical to conventional jet fuel and can be generated from a variety of

by 2030, accounting for 5.2% of the total fuel requirement.

by 2030, 20% by 2035 and up to a maximum of 70% by 2050 as the

feedstocks such as waste oil, tallow, agricultural crops, or yeasts.

There are a number of factors that could further accelerate the adoption

market matures and more SAF plants ramp up production. The corporate sector has even begun innovating in

of algae-based SAFs. The global aviation industry has announced an

this space. In 2021, Honeywell announced that its refining process

aspiration to be carbon neutral by 2050. While the agreement is not

was used to successfully supply commercial flights with SAFs derived

legally binding, it was accepted by the 193 countries within the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO); the

from microalgae.

biofuels would support the industry in reducing its carbon footprint, as they are considered carbon-neutral

UN body promoting co-operation on air transport.

market reflects the versatility and adaptability of this unique organism. As we look ahead, however, it is clear

or even carbon-negative due to their potential to capture CO2 from the atmosphere. And unlike some other biofuel feedstocks, such as corn or soy, algae cultivation does not compete with food production, mitigating concerns about food security.

Regulations may provide a further

that algae's potential is far from fully

push. President Biden has pledged to produce three billion gallons of sustainable fuel and reduce aviation emissions by 20% by the year 2023.

realized.

Utilizing SAFs made from algae would offer significant environmental benefits compared to traditional jet fuel. Considering that the airline industry contributes around 2.5% of global carbon emissions, algae-based

Despite the advantages of lower carbon intensities, lower particulate levels, and even better performance potential, SAFs make up less than 1% of aviation fuel used today, and the current scalability of algae feedstocks is limited compared to the volume of fuel needed. The International Air Transport Association IATA, however, projects

The U.S. Department of Energy also stated in its “Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Grand Challenge Roadmap 2022” that at least 18% of biomass feedstock for SAF will need to come from algae. This would be the secondlargest biomass contributor to achieve full SAFs volumes after herbaceous energy crops (19%). The European Union (EU) is also encouraging the use of SAFs. In April 2023, the EU agreed to increase SAF

The growth potential of the algae

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New technologies could help turn algae’s ‘grow’ power into ‘go’ power. As mentioned, algae grow rapidly and produce lipids (oils) that can be converted into biofuels such as biodiesel or even sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). In fact, the current market for using microalgae as feedstock for

Utilities, technology providers, investors, and regulatory bodies have a unique opportunity to harness the power of algae to maximize triple-bottom-line benefits. With ongoing research, technological advancements, and regulatory support, we can anticipate even greater utilization of algae-based solutions; paving the way toward a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.

###

amane currents

INTERVIEW

The Three Ages of Water In his new book, Dr. Peter Gleick explores our water past to reimagine our water future. Is humanity on the verge of ecological destruction or the dawn of a more sustainable and equitable era? A new book explores this question and offers a glimpse at how we can work together to make the latter a reality. The Three Ages of Water, written by Dr. Peter Gleick, details how water has shaped humanity’s greatest achievements in science,

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technology, medicine, and more, but also how those advancements have resulted in unintended consequences that threaten the quality of our future. Dr. Gleick is a leading scientist, innovator, and communicator on global water and climate issues. He co-founded the Pacific Institute in Oakland, a non-governmental organization (NGO) addressing the connections between the environment and he is a foremost mind in global sustainability; having received the MacArthur Fellowship, the U.S. Water Prize, and the Carl Sagan Prize for Science Popularization. We spoke with him about the new book and his positive vision of what the future can hold.

Your book takes readers on a journey through humanity’s history with water – noting three distinct ‘ages’. Why did you choose to frame the discussion in this way? Dr. Gleick: My experience with water over my career has led me to think about the long history of water, from the very creation of the atoms of hydrogen and oxygen that make up water, through human evolution and our growing relationship with water, to the present water crises we face. And I've spent my career thinking about both water problems, and especially future solutions. As I was writing the book, these experiences fell into the natural categories of "past," "present," and "future" -what I called The Three Ages of Water -- and it permitted me to help express my sense of the world of water.

What can the past teach us about creating a more sustainable relationship with water in the future? Dr. Gleick: Although my training and career have been in the sciences, I've always had a love of history, and the ability of history to offer us insights and lessons about both past failures as well as successes. And as the different stories in the book explore, those failures have led us to our present challenges, but also help us to better understand what paths forward might be most successful. It's no accident that many famous historians and pundits point to history as offering a guide to the future, if we're smart enough to learn from the past.

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Dr. Gleick: I do believe, and say in the book, that the "hard path" -- our past approach to water that has relied on a focus on "supply" and centralized infrastructure and institutions -- has brought great benefits to us, or to some of us. But it has also come with serious liabilities and failures. The "soft path" I describe still looks to technology and infrastructure, but understands that the concept of "demand" is more important than "supply" in the sense that our ultimate goal is not to use water, but to provide benefits such as food, clean clothes, industrial goods

operations of failing to manage and use water sustainably and the risks to the public and environment. At the same time, there is enormous opportunity to improve corporate water stewardship and we are already seeing thoughtful companies working in this direction to reduce their water impacts in both operations and the communities in which they operate. More corporations should move in this direction.

How important is the concept of regeneration in realizing the benefits of the Third Age of Water? What role does it play? Dr. Gleick: An important strategy for the Third Age of Water is to understand that nature naturally regenerates and recycles water in the hydrologic cycle

and services, and so on, and that we can greatly reduce the amount of water needed to provide these benefits.

of the planet, constantly circulating, clean, and reusing water.

By using water as efficiently as possible, we can reduce

Human systems can do the same thing, by collecting and treating and reusing wastewater, something

our impacts on ecosystems and the planet, while still meeting our needs and desires. The soft path also recognizes that the environment must also be protected and guaranteed the water needed to thrive, and the soft path calls for better and smarter economics and institutions that reflect the human right to water, current inequities in water allocation, control, and use, and integrate water management with energy, food, and climate issues. In short, the soft path is a more comprehensive, holistic way to manage our water needs.

What role should the private sector play in bringing about the Third Age of Water? Dr. Gleick: There is a role for every sector to bring about the Third Age of Water, from individuals to community groups to the private sector to governments at all levels. A substantial amount of water is used, and controlled, by the private sector, and it is vital that they understand the risks to their own

already done extensively in Singapore and Israel, and starting to be done in California and other water stressed regions. This makes wastewater an asset, not a liability. But we can also "regenerate" our natural ecosystems and rivers, taking down damaging, old,

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The book suggests the “hard path” to providing water services, namely, relying on physical infrastructure and large institutions, has largely failed us. Can you share a little about what a ‘softer’ path looks like?

dangerous dams and restoring rivers. Over 1000 dams have already been removed in the United States and we are slowly restoring natural systems, to the benefit of people and the planet. ###

The Three Ages of Water is available now for purchase on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and other retailers. You can learn more about Dr Gleick on his website.

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Replenish & restore A look at managed aquifer recharge In the face of growing water insecurity, the search for solutions to sustain and revitalize natural water resources is key. Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) is emerging as one such solution to bolster storage, enhance availability, and fortify groundwater resources. Here, we explain some of the basics of MAR and highlight examples of current MAR projects from around the world. By: Lauren Trucksess, with research by Rhea Bhansali

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Managed aquifer recharge (MAR), also known as groundwater

including wells, infiltration basins, pipelines, and treatment facilities, as

replenishment, water banking, and artificial recharge, is a technique that involves intentionally introducing

well as technical expertise, sufficient land space, and proper site selection - as not all aquifers are suitable for

water, typically river water, treated wastewater, or stormwater, into an

MAR. Success depends on careful planning, monitoring, and adaptive

aquifer to increase its storage and availability. Alongside demand management efforts, MAR is an increasingly important strategy to

management to mitigate potential risks and maximize its benefits.

protect groundwater systems and

examples of MAR in action, with a

improve water quality. Research suggests, however, MAR is currently an underutilized solution

variety of benefits. The International Groundwater Resources Assessment Centre (IGRAC) has compiled a portal listing more than 1,200 MAR sites

globally. Data published in 2019

globally. Deeper exploration shows

There

are,

however,

showed that implementation of MAR accounted for around 2.4% of groundwater extraction in countries reporting MAR, although experts predict MAR could exceed 10% of global extraction in the future. The implementation of MAR schemes is influenced by several factors including the area’s hydrogeology, available water sources, regulatory frameworks and local water management priorities – all of which impact the specific recharge method and costs. Barriers to implementation include the need for funding and/or investment in infrastructure,

Source: Contech Engineering

interesting

diverse contexts in which MAR is applied, ranging from addressing water scarcity in arid regions to managing groundwater in more temperate climates. New innovations, including remote sensing and GIS modeling, advances in drilling techniques and well design, and new water treatment technologies are improving the efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability of recharge projects. As climate change continues to alter precipitation patterns and demand for water increases, we can expect the use of MAR to continue to grow.

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Water percolates into the ground, with the soil acting as a natural filtration system, to replenish the groundwater supply.

In Berlin, a water supply region serving a population of 3.6 million, around 75% of drinking water is produced using bank filtration and MAR. Water is pumped from wells drilled along the banks of a river. During the pumping process, river water infiltrates into the riverbed sediments and is naturally purified.

The MENA region is the world’s most waterscarce region with only two percent of the global average annual rainfall, high rates of pumping and low rates of natural aquifer recharge. Oman, however, has the highest groundwater renewability in the GCC countries (76%), thanks in part to more than 50 recharge dams which store runoff water from streams. The dams help raise the water level in wells and irrigation systems, support farmers and livestock breeders, and increase water sources.

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California is home to several MAR projects. One is the Chino Basin Recycled Water Groundwater Recharge Program, which consists of a network of pipelines that direct stormwater run-off, imported water, and recycled water to 16 recharge sites with basins spread across 245 square miles.

Brazil is home to more than 60% of Latin America’s MAR projects. Most projects include in-channel modifications, specifically subsurface dams. The dams help store water used for food production within poorer communities. Infiltration ponds and basins are also used to prevent soil erosion and produce food in rural areas and to support drainage and prevent flooding in urban areas.

South Africa has the highest MAR implementation rates on the African continent. One long-standing example is the Atlantis Water Resource Management Scheme (AWSS). It began recharging stormwater and treated wastewater into the soil in the 1970s as an alternative to marine wastewater discharge. Now, 12 stormwater retention and detention basins capture stormwater from the residential and industrial areas. Industrial stormwater is also separated from residential stormwater to enable the highest quality water to reach the most critical areas.

In Uttar Pradesh, underground taming of floods for irrigation (UTFI) was trialed as a means of improving water resiliency in advance of dry spells. In a pilot project, an unused pond was retrofitted with 10 gravity recharge wells to store excess water from the Ramganga Basin during the wet season. Over two years, the pond recharged up to 14 times its capacity and provided enough water to irrigate roughly 15 hectares of farmland.

With long, dry summers and steadily declining rainfall, Perth’s Water Corporation initiated a plan back in 2010 to treat recycled water from the Beenyup Wastewater Treatment Plant to beyond drinking water standards and inject it into the Leederville and Yarragadee aquifers. Since then, the scheme has recycled around 60 billion liters of water. Recently, the government launched a $320 million expansion of the scheme to double long-term capacity and provide enough water to supply up to 100,000 households.

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EVENT RADAR

Event Radar The Amane team has been fortunate to participate and support dozens of incredible industry events throughout this year and our calendars remain full through to the end of 2023. Here’s a look at some of the events taking place across water, resource recovery, and energy recovery and where you may be able to spot some of our team members.

NOV

6 9

NOV

22 Ocean Exchange Awards Fort Lauderdale, Florida 24

14 European Biosolids & Bioresources - Conference & Exhibition 15 Manchester, UK Nations Climate Change 30 United Conference - COP28 12 United Arab Emirates

DEC

OCT OCT

17 IFAT India 19 Mumbai, India

OCT

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Seville Summit on Water and 15 IDA Climate Change 18 Seville, Spain

NOV

Upcoming events

Water & Development 10 IWA - Congress & Exhibition 14 Kigali, Rwanda

AquaTech Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands

Be sure to get in touch with our team if you would like to connect at an upcoming event!

amane currents Event Recap

Amane joins a cross-section of leaders in ‘rethinking water’ to solve America’s most pressing water challenges Today, more than two million Americans live without access to running water and indoor plumbing. Millions more live in fear of infrastructure failure from severe climate events, or lack of water due to drought. It’s no secret that the U.S. faces significant water infrastructure

under added stress. Rethinking Water 2023, hosted by Sciens Water, was designed to ignite conversations between finance, academia, government, and industry to find solutions to these and other pressing water challenges in the U.S. Now in its second year as an inperson conference, the event featured a mix of panel discussions and breakout sessions. Radhika Fox, Assistant Administrator for the EPA’s Office of Water opened the morning by saying the growing awareness of these water challenges among the public makes her feel hopeful about the country’s ability to make progress. “This is water’s moment…Looking at the tens of thousands of people who are here in New York for Climate Week and the UN General Assembly… comparing it to just a few years ago, we see that water is a thread in a way that it hasn’t been before. It’s part of the discussion,” she said. Ms. Fox also announced the EPA’s Advancing Water Equity and Access for All Commitment to invest $500 million, including funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, for

(L) Dr Peter Glieck delivers an opening keynote at Rethinking Water 2023. (R) Amane’s Bill Malarkey leads a discussion on progression adoption of water reuse.

technical assistance to help 1,500

practices

disadvantaged communities invest in water infrastructure.

barriers to adoption.

and

how

overcome

Her optimism was echoed by keynote

Aaron Tartakovsky, Co-founder and CEO of Epic Cleantec, which designs

speaker Peter Glieck, author of a new book, The Three Ages of Water, who argued that humanity already has the

and operates on-site wastewater recycling systems, referenced its work in San Francisco, which recently

solutions needed to solve its water problems.

became the first city in the nation to require newly constructed large buildings to collect and reuse non-

“The solutions need to be developed,

potable water.

funded, and scaled – and I’m not saying it’s not going to be easy, but we can choose the future where we

“I had to question, in the midst of going from one drought to the next,

solve these challenges. We can choose to solve our water problems,” said Glieck. The conference’s panel sessions focused on a variety of topics including improving collaboration between the public, private and philanthropic sectors to fund water infrastructure updates, accelerating the adoption and implementation of smart water technologies, and the case for building a national wastewater treatment and water reuse platform in the US. Amane Partner Bill Malarkey moderated a panel focused on advancing water reuse, with participants offering advice on best

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challenges and that unprecedented investment is needed, particular with climate change putting systems

why are we shipping fresh water from national parks to flush the toilets of tech employees in downtown San Francisco? The ‘flush and forget’ mentality isn’t sustainable, and we view non-potable water reuse as being where solar was 15 years ago.” The conference also held breakout workshop sessions focused on PFAS, advancing the visibility and impact of women in water, and how the media covers water-related topics. A career fair was also held for students seeking to get their foot in the industry. Amane Advisors was a sponsor of Rethinking Water 2023.

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EVENT RADAR

Event Recap

Amane leads discussions on urban water recycling and reuse at IWA’s Efficient 2023 With customers expecting continually better water and sanitation services, authorities imposing stricter regulations, and investors seeking strong returns on infrastructure investments, the pressure is on urban water and wastewater professionals to adapt and deliver. The International Water Association (IWA)’s Efficient 2023 Conference aimed to arm water professionals with the insights and inspiration to do just that.

increasingly will be a harbinger of a city’s ability to thrive and remain resilient in the face of significant changes. Efficient 2023 was a reminder of how water professionals can help steer the future health and prosperity of cities through effective and efficient water management.”

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The 11th biennial conference was held in Bordeaux, France, in conjunction with the IWA’s General Meeting. Bringing

together

scientists,

researchers, technology companies, and water and wastewater utilities from around the world, the event featured

three

days

focused

the

a panel on ‘Water recycling and reuse to reduce urban water demand’, which featured insights and examples from Jessica Ianes, Dr Elisabeth Kvarnström, Burcu Yazici, and Dr Pascal Ginistry.

sessions

“It was fascinating to learn from the

planning,

panelists about interesting examples and emerging opportunities in water

implementation, and management practices of

best water

efficiency programs, stormwater, non-revenue water, water security, and more. The opening keynote by Graham Alabaster of UN-Habitat, which works to build inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities and communities, focused on the growing need – and opportunity – for water professionals to influence the development and integration of smart water management practices in urban areas. Amane’s Mathieu de Kervenoael attended the session, saying, “As the world continues to urbanize, water

Mathieu also served as moderator for

reuse – from reactivating historic infrastructure like canals for modern solutions, such as collecting stormwater for treatment and reuse, to leveraging residential greywater as a resource for urban development.” “It was also interesting to learn more about how leaders are encouraging public awareness and acceptance of water reuse in order to accelerate its adoption,” he added. The next major IWA event will take be the Water and Development Congress, which will take place December 10 to 14 in Kigali, Rwanda. The next World Water Congress will be held in Toronto next August.

WEFTEC 2023: A glimpse into the future of water innovation This month, Amane’s Bill Malarkey and Vinod Jose attended the Water Environment Federation’s Technical Exhibition and Conference (WEFTEC) in Chicago; connecting with water professionals from around the world and checking out the latest technologies and innovations emerging across the sector. The four-day event is touted as the largest of its kind in North America with more than 10,000 in attendance, nearly 150 interactive educational sessions, 17 hands-on workshops and an exhibition featuring products and services from more than 800 providers. As one of the leads for Amane’s innovation offering, Vinod got a sneak peek at the future of water innovation at WEFTEC’s Innovation Pavilion. “The event featured a curated cohort of more than a dozen startups addressing several major innovation themes; including advanced technical solutions, ‘smart water’ solutions utilizing data analytics to improve decision-making, predictive maintenance, and construction, new (PFAS treatment solutions, and solutions exploring the water-energy nexus. “We also saw companies innovating with ‘digital twins’, which replicate (continued on next page)

EVENT RADAR

Event Recap

Empowering Africa's Water Future: Insights from the Africa Water Forum By: Ismail Alaoui, Principal I had the pleasure of being invited to participate as a panelist at this year’s Africa Water Forum, which took place in Rabat, Morocco in early October. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with other water professionals who share the same Ismail Alaoui participating as a panelist at the Africa Water Forum.

water and sanitation).

warrant their own article, here are a

Abundant solar resources in Africa

We had fruitful discussions on a wide

few trends and takeaways from those discussions.

make solar desalination a promising option. Solar desalination is a

Successful

water

sustainable and cost-effective way to produce fresh water in remote areas

projects highlight the importance of strong legal frameworks and governance structures. These

with high solar irradiation. Governments and investors should support the development and

frameworks and structures are essential for promoting cooperation and ensuring access to clean drinking

deployment of clean-powered desalination technologies to help meet Africa growing water needs.

range of topics including how best to strengthen regional cooperation and partnerships to improve water security,

using

desalination

increase water availability, challenges related to wastewater and reuse, digital water solutions for enhanced water management, and public partnerships (PPPs).

private-

While all these topics could easily

transboundary

water, particularly during times of conflict. Triangular cooperation is critical for

WEFTEC (continued) and simulate physical systems and infrastructure in digital form. This technology enables users to model system behavior under different conditions, such as stress tests, environmental changes, or operational scenarios,” said Vinod. A ‘Shark Tank’ styled pitch competition was also held, with all of the startups participating. Judges. “The future of the water sector looks promising with more such trailblazing companies leading the way,” added Vinod.

strengthening water security. This includes South-South cooperation and partnerships with global development institutions. Triangular cooperation can provide access to financial resources, technical expertise, and best practices. Legal and regulatory frameworks must evolve to accommodate desalination. Desalination is not a silver bullet for water scarcity, but it can be a valuable tool for increasing water supplies. Desalination is a relatively new technology in Africa, and many countries do not have the necessary legal and regulatory frameworks in place to support its development and deployment.

Overcoming cultural barriers related to treated and reused wastewater is an important consideration. Pilot

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ambition of helping Africa progress towards the UN’s SDG 6 targets (on

projects can be a great way to demonstrate that treated and reused wastewater is practical and secure. Let's work together with local communities to develop and implement pilot projects that can showcase the benefits of utilizing reused water for irrigation. Despite significant efforts, the water sector in Africa still has room for improvement in several areas to meet SDG6. Yet, I am confident that Africa and Africans are on the right track to make substantial progress towards achieving SDG6. ###

###

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OCEAN EXCHANGE

Making Waves Celebrating the growth of recent Ocean Exchange Award winners and finalists

3202 LLAF | NOITARENEGER By: Lauren Trucksess, Global Marketing Manager

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Focusing on oceans, healthy coastal systems, and the decarbonization of ocean transportation, the Ocean Exchange Awards offers startups the chance to accelerate their growth – with three winners each receiving $100,000 in prize money.

This year’s competition is shaping up to be its toughest yet with an 18% increase in the number of applications accepted for consideration. The Awards act as a springboard for many companies – helping them connect with potential investors, secure pilots and expand their teams. We caught up with four previous finalists to learn how they’ve grown since participating.

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The 2023 Ocean Exchange Awards are just around the corner. That means another batch of innovative companies will soon by vying for top prizes – and the recognition that their solutions can play a role in nurturing healthier oceans and a more sustainable blue economy.

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OCEAN EXCHANGE

CoralVita establishes itself as a rising star in reef regeneration 2018 Winner, Ocean Exchange Neptune Award Based in: The Bahamas Website Coral reefs are much more than just marine habitats. Through coastal protection, tourism, and fisheries, reefs also generate an estimated $2.7 trillion annually and sustain the livelihoods of up to one billion people. Yet half of global coral reefs have died since the 1970s and over 90% are on track to die by 2050 due to a combination of climate change, pollution,

overfishing,

and

habitat

destruction.

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Coral Vita was created to change the way reefs are restored and rebuilt. The company sells restoration as a service (RaaS) to reef-dependent customers; a departure from typical restoration projects that are often dependent on grants and donations. Coral Vita’s technology involves using land-based coral farms to grow coral up to 50 times faster – helping communities sustain their reef health and diversity from a single location. Since participating in Ocean Exchange, Coral Vita’s momentum has accelerated. It raised a pre-seed and seed funding round and was one of five companies to win a coveted Earthshot Prize in 2021, including £1 million in additional funding. The Earthshot win opened new opportunities for the team; it secured a pilot project with Dubai Ports and a contract to operate a coral farm in Saudi Arabia’s new smart city NEOM. “We’ve gone from strength to strength at Coral Vita. In addition to our projects in the Middle East, we have expanded to three reef restoration

(TOP): A diver helps to restore coral reefs with Coral Vita (LEFT): Coral Vira’s cofounders Sam Teicher and Gator Halpern. (RIGHT): Coral fragments fuse to become a single colony.

sites at our home in the Bahamas and are working with The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism and Carnival Cruise Line to market the coral farm as a leading ecodestination for visitors,” says Sam Teicher, Co-Founder of Coral Vita. “We’ve also signed brand partnership deals with companies such as Corona Beer UK and Cariuma to fund coral restoration and are investing in our team and local community - having

hired our first Chief Operating Officer in Austin Martin and expanded our paid internship program for Bahamians.” “We’re currently planning a Series A round in 2024 to further fuel our mission and impact – with a vision to create large-scale, self-sustaining facilities in every nation with coral reefs and helping preserve ecosystem health for future generations.”

amane currents Ebb Carbon installs its first systems to capture CO2 and boost ocean resilience 2022 Finalist, Ocean Exchange Neptune Award Based in: San Carlos, California Website Just a few months after being named a finalist for Ocean Exchange’s 2022 Neptune award, Ebb Carbon raised a $20 million Series A round – securing the largest investment in oceanbased carbon removal technology to date. Now, the company is beginning to deploy its first systems, including a

WA in partnership with NOAA. On the announcement, Ebb Carbon’s CEO and Co-Founder Ben Tarbell said: “While Ebb’s approach to removing CO2 from the atmosphere is novel technologically, it has been perfected over billions of years through the Earth’s natural processes. By accentuating natural processes in the

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100 ton-CO2 per year system at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Lab in Sequim,

vastness of the ocean, we see a highly scalable and cost-effective CO2 removal solution that is restorative and compatible with a sustainable future.” The ocean is one of the planet’s largest carbon sinks, but it’s also a victim of climate change. Rising emissions are making oceans more acidic, which consequently can alter marine food chains and impact food supply. Ebb Carbon is an ocean-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR) company developing technology that enhances and accelerates the ocean’s natural ability to capture and permanently store CO2 from the atmosphere.

It delivers a one-two punch; tapping into the ocean’s natural processes to extract acid out of seawater, reversing the acidification of the oceans while also pulling CO2 out of the air. Its modular system is designed to be sited near any industrial source of salty water, including desalination plants, aquaculture facilities, and manufacturing or energy production facilities that circulate ocean water for cooling. The system can also process seawater directly from the ocean.

(TOP) A view of the Ebb system from within Pacific Northwest National Lab (PNNL)-Sequim (LEFT) A view of Sequim Bay from Ebb Carbon’s location at PNNL (RIGHT) Ebb Carbon’s founders, Todd Pelman, Dave Hegeman, Matthew Eisaman, Ben Tarbell Supplied.

amane currents

OCEAN EXCHANGE

NovFeed seeks to revolutionize the production of alternative protein ingredients 2022 Winner, Ocean Exchange Neptune Award Based in: Tanzania Website Every year, over 20 million tons of wild fish are caught and processed into feed – further stressing already dwindling fish populations. But Tanzania-based NovFeed has developed a new approach; offering a sustainable, high-protein alternative feed for fish and livestock. The company uses natural microbes and industrial biotech processes to turn organic waste into a highly concentrated protein product, from

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which animal feed millers can produce fish feed. Its goal is to provide a scalable and environmentally friendly solution to meet the growing global demand for protein,

while

mitigating

the

environmental challenges associated with conventional livestock and aquaculture feed production. After

winning

the

2022

Ocean

Exchange Neptune Award, NovFeed went on to win the $1 million MilkenMotsepe Prize in AgriTech, which is aimed at advancing progress toward UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Diana Orembe, a microbiologist, and Co-Founder at NovFeed says it’s had a significant impact on their trajectory – enabling the business to invest further in its biotechnological platform and scale its operations. “Beyond the financial aspect, the recognition from Ocean Exchange boosted our credibility within the sustainable blue economy and the broader biotech industry.

(TOP): NovFeed winning the Milken-Motsepe Prize in AgriTech (LEFT/RIGHT): NovFeed fish feed products offer a more sustainable alternative to traditional feeds

“This increased visibility attracted strategic partnerships and collaborations, allowing us to access new markets and technologies.”

events, educational initiatives, policy discussions, and by advocating for environmentally responsible practices in the food sector.”

“It also validated our commitment to addressing critical challenges in ocean health and the sustainable blue economy and we’ve actively engaged in raising awareness about the importance of sustainable protein solutions by participating in industry

Orembe says with additional investment and R&D, NovFeed has the potential to innovate and expand into other areas, including the production of feed additives, enzymes, feed products for other livestock industries, and even protein for human consumption.

amane currents HonuWorx readies its subsea robotics system to improve subsea work 2022 Finalist, Ocean Exchange Neptune Award Based in: UK Website moving them onshore.

Since its participation in the Ocean Exchange Awards, the HonuWorx team has been focused on launching Loggerhead – a new subsea inspection and intervention system designed to operate in all weather conditions. “We’re looking forward to executing an ‘industry first’ demonstration of Loggerhead’s major building blocks in Q1 2024,” said Lee.

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“We are also looking at security applications where there may be a remediation element, such as the removal of historic unexploded ordinances, mine clearance in the Black Sea, and the protection of critical national infrastructure such as pipelines and cables,” added Lee.

“We are also focused on scaling our options through the end of this year, with a new headquarters, a number of new hires, and senior appointments.” ### HonuWorx is a technology company focused using advanced robotics to drive down the costs and environmental impact of subsea work. Its communications and control platform enables users in multiple locations to see data, collaborate, supervise, and control robotic systems that are beyond line-ofsight. The company’s goal is to reduce reliance on large, costly, crewed diesel vessels that disrupt and

pollute marine environments, and to make the subsea world safer and more accessible for those who defend and sustainably commercialize ocean resources. CEO Lee Wilson says the technology has several immediate applications across multiple sectors, such as enabling energy companies to reduce their operating emissions, improving margins for new energy sectors such as offshore wind, and improving the health and safety of ocean crews by

The Ocean Exchange Awards will take place October 22-24 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. For more information, visit oceanexchange.org (TOP & LEFT): Renderings of HonuWork’s submersible technology. (RIGHT): Film-Ocean has been using HonuWorxx platform to live stream offshore operations to inspection personnel on shore. Photo via LinkedIn.

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AMANE NEWS

Leading by example Amane consultant helping build a global platform for female leadership

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Consultant Umama Malik is keeping

opportunities aimed at preparing the

busy outside of her time at Amane – currently planning a global summit

next generation of leaders to amplify their voices in decision-making

designed to develop the leadership skills of young women.

spaces.

Umama was recently selected as Vice Chair of the Global Summit Steering Committee for Fora: Network for Change. This volunteer position will run through 2025. Fora: Network for Change is a not-forprofit that delivers programs and

Its

leadership,

advocacy,

and

community-building programs have helped more than 1,700 women ages 18 to 25 gain new skills, confidence, supportive networks, and opportunities to build gender equity movements, advance in their career trajectories, and change the status quo.

Amane Consultant Umama Malik

The Global Summit is Fora’s flagship program. Taking place in December, it will bring together delegates from 50+ different countries to develop policy recommendations and to work alongside professional management consultants to develop their own social impact initiative(s). It's not Umama’s first experience with Fora. In 2019, she served as the sole delegate from Pakistan at what was then called the G(irls)20 Summit in Tokyo. She and the other 29 delegates worked together to develop policy recommendations to advance female leadership that were later presented to world leaders at that year’s G20 Summit. Consultant Umama Malik represented Pakistan in the Fora Network’s Global Summit.

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Umama (center, front) joined delegates in participating in conference activities as part of the Fora’s Global Summit (formerly the G(irls)20 Summit) in Tokyo, Japan in 2019.

Part of Umama’s role as Vice Chair is

“Having represented a country that is

to expand the Summit’s focus to include women from countries not

not included in the G20 was a unique opportunity and I look forward to

currently represented in the G20. “Fora's vision to support and develop

broadening Fora’s reach and giving young women from developing nations similar opportunities to

young women to amplify their impact globally is very close to my heart,”

develop their networks, skills and interests.

said Umama.

“I’m honored to have the chance to help maximize the social impact of female leaders in local communities with an emphasis on diversity and inclusion, regardless of background, race, beliefs, or passport,” she added. ###

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“Serving as a delegate in the Global Summit shaped my career journey – going so far as to inspire me to become a consultant.

Umama (third from the left) joined other delegates in tour activities as part of the 2019 Summit. The event was designed to coincide with G20 Summit in Osaka, Japan.

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AMANE NEWS

Project Update

Amane supports major transaction for Almar Water Solutions Pacific, and a portfolio of more than 150 water contracts, Almar Water Solutions and its subsidiaries have around 1,000 employees worldwide with local operational offices.

Amane is proud to have served as exclusive financial advisor to global water developer Almar Water Solutions on the creation of its partnership with Moya Holding, Indonesia’s largest water operator,

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and in acquiring a 50% stake in two of Moya's water treatment plants concessions. With regional platforms in Latin America, North Africa, and Asia

This latest move marks Almar’s first investment in Southeast Asia.

“For Amane, the transaction with Almar showcases our worldwide capabilities in the M&A and capital raising space. The team is currently working on other similar deals across Europe, North America, Africa and South East Asia,” he added.

Amane Partner Bastien Simeon led the project for Amane. Of the transaction, he said: “This new partnership represents another significant milestone for Almar Water Solutions as it confirms the consistency of its strategic plan and growing interest from third parties to form partnerships.”

Partner Bastien Simeon leads many of Amane’s M&A and Deal Advisory services. Connect with him via LinkedIn.

Internal Updates

Meet Amane’s newest hire The Amane team continued to grow in 2023, recently welcoming a new face to its Parisbased consulting team.

Emma Alfocea Senior Consultant (Paris) Emma joined Amane in September, having most recently served as Project Manager, M&A for Aloxe, a PET recycling company in Europe. There, she was responsible for the strategic analysis of acquisition targets and supported the integration of recently acquired plants. Prior to that role, she served as Project Manager of the Key Accounts Program at Veolia LATAM in Bogota – working closely with sales, marketing, and operations teams to implement corporate strategies at a business unit level. She holds a master’s degree in management in Emlyon Business School.

Amane is currently following positions:

hiring

Project Manager (US) Consultant (UK or Paris) Consultant (Bahrain) Knowledge Management (Singapore)

for

the

Intern

You’ll find more information on the Careers page on our website. To apply, email your CV and cover letter to: recruitment@amaneadvisors.com.

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Waterkeeper Alliance appoints Amane's Bill Malarkey to President’s Council

Waterkeeper Alliance, a global nonprofit water advocacy organization, has appointed Amane Partner Bill Malarkey to its President’s Council. Bill’s extensive solutions-based acumen will strengthen and advance the Alliance’s mission to protect everyone’s right to clean water in communities around the world. Waterkeeper Alliance unites a global water movement of more than 300 community-based clean water advocates who collectively protect 2.7 million miles of waterways in 47 countries. The President’s Council, composed of volunteer leaders from a range of professional backgrounds, diversifies

continue to diversify our connections and deepen our impact in the global water space.” Bill is a trusted thought leader in the water industry, regularly leading and participating in panel discussions on topics such as industrial water risk, utilities, water/climate adaptation, and water reuse. His extensive domestic and global experience includes senior corporate development and strategy roles with Severn Trent, American Water, Thames Water, and RWE as well as leading the “Water & Industrials” investment banking practice at the boutique firm of Boenning & Scattergood, Inc.

“Waterkeeper Alliance has built a welldeserved reputation for driving positive water action and championing policies that protect – and enable the regeneration of – critical water resources,” said Malarkey. “I look forward to supporting the organization’s efforts in the U.S. and around the world, particularly in highlighting how, by prioritizing water, businesses, and communities, we can ensure they can thrive long into the future.” Based in Philadelphia, one of Amane’s eight global offices, Bill has served as an Advisory Board Member of the Urban Water Council of the US Conference of Mayors, and as Vice Chairman of the Water Institute of the National Council for Public-Private Partnerships. He currently serves on the board of Ocean Exchange, a nonprofit organization that promotes the advancement of the blue economy through sustainable and innovative solutions.

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“Gaining Bill’s friendship, insights, and experience is a major win for our global movement and the waterways we work so hard to protect. We’re honored and excited to have him join our President’s Council as we

the expertise and perspectives that are essential to solving urgent water challenges, holding polluters accountable, combating climate change, and advancing environmental justice to ensure clean, healthy, and abundant water is available for all people and the planet. “As communities around the world face unprecedented attacks on clean water, it is more important than ever to partner with passionate and talented people who are willing to dedicate their time, strategic guidance, and oversight in this battle for our future,” said Marc Yaggi, CEO of Waterkeeper Alliance.

Amane’s Bill Malarkey speaking at the 2023 Global Water Summit. Connect with him via LinkedIn.

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SPOTLIGHT

Employee

Spotlight

When did you know you wanted to work in the water and broader sustainability sector?

and emerging technologies from one region to the next - and both sectors have an increasingly significant

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including Oil & Gas, construction, and in strategy consulting across other sectors.

attitude and commitment. We deliver high quality work that is recognised by the water industry as

Most importantly, I enjoy the fact that we have an impact at Amane through our water and waste

well as global companies who seek to diversify, private equity firms, startups and the world’s largest consulting

expertise, as well as opportunities to learn from, and alongside, our clients.

firms, which we often support by providing speciality subject matter expertise.

Like many, my interest in renewable

We often get the chance to work with

energy and water has grown over recent years as we increasingly see the impacts of climate change.

Amane colleagues from different offices, so I also enjoy leveraging diverse experiences and mindsets to

When I came across Amane Advisors,

grow as a professional and as a person.

challenges - from forecasting niche water markets, to go-to-market waste to energy strategies, and co-

What has been the biggest surprise about working at Amane Advisors?

developing best in practice water utility operating models.

I jumped at the opportunity to grow as a strategy consultant while also having the opportunity to learn more about water and resource recovery and to make a positive impact with clients and the planet.

What do you like best about your job and why? I enjoy the fact that each client, team, project, challenge - and even each day - is different. Water and waste are global topics, each with different regulatory environments, priorities, challenges

ability to remain humble in their

impact on quality of life.

I am fairly new to the water and waste industry, having previously worked across several industries

Steven Gauthier

I knew I could make an impact working with Amane but I did not realise how significant, and to what level, this impact would be. Amane is a smaller (~60) boutique consulting firm, but it’s composed of highly capable consultants from multiple countries, speaking multiple languages, all with a passion for sustainability. Even with all of these skills, my colleagues also have an

Despite our relatively small size, we are quite resourceful and able to tackle and solve complicated

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Get to know Steven Role: Project Manager Office: Oxford, UK Joined Amane: June 2022 Nationality: French / British Languages spoken: English, French

What three words would you use to describe Amane Advisors?

Name something about you that most people would find surprising.

I would describe Amane as:

As a child, I spent eight years living in

–

Sustainability

something we live and breathe. Caring – We care deeply about our work, our clients and our team. Philomath – We love to learn and expand our knowledge, and that of our clients.

What three words would your colleagues use to describe you? I think others would describe me as:

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Passionate

Indonesia and would converse with my brother in Bahasa Indonesian. Regrettably, I have forgotten most of it now. Although let’s give it a go… selamat datang di Amane, mari berbicara bersama kami (meant to say Welcome to Amane and come speak with us!)

What are your favorite activities outside work? Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my children, rowing and jogging or hiking with my dog.

Calm – Work can be stressful and hectic, I tend to stay calm and effect the same on the team. Committed – I place high respect on timelines, the quality of output, client outcomes, team wellbeing and the Amane values. Humble – I focus on helping the team achieve its potential. We solve our clients’ challenges together, not on our own.

Outside of work you are more likely to meet Steven wearing his kilt.

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Amane currents: Fall 2023

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Amane currents: Fall 2023