IDRA Global Connections | Spring 2024

CONNECTIONS

Unlocking Brine

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPRING 2024, IDRA GLOBAL CONNECTIONS

7 | IDRA AND AWS SIGN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO ENHANCE WATER RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY

8| COVER STORY

9| UNLOCKING BRINE

By Mr. John Sylvia, Executive Chairman of Blue Brine and Board Director of Grupo Rotoplas

14| EXECUTIVE VIEWPOINT

15| THE FUTURE AND INDEPENDENCE OF ALL COUNTRIES ARE UNDERPINNED BY WATER

Michael Lesniak, VP Partnerships at Aquatech international

22| EXECUTIVE VIEWPOINT

23| TRANSFORMING WATER SUPPLY FOR THE MINING SECTOR IN NORTHERN CHILE: A NEW ERA BEGINS

By Carlos Cosin, CEO, Almar Water Solutions

26| FOCUS ON INNOVATION

27| INNOVATION THROUGH ELECTRIFICATION: FIELD PILOT TESTING ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE REVERSE OSMOSIS MEMBRANES

By Ms. Lauren Nicole Core, Communications Lead, National Alliance for Water Innovation NAWI

32| A POSITIVE CHALLENGE

33| THERE ARE THREE WORDS IN THE FOREFRONT OF MY MIND: “THIS IS IT.”

By Mr. Nick Moloney, Yachtsman, Professional Sailor, and Adventurer, Canada Ocean Racing

36| SUSTAINABLE DESALINATION

37| A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE STATE OF SUSTAINABLE DESALINATION

By Adri Pols, CEO of Desolenator

FOCUS ON INNOVATION

43| THE BRINE DEBATE IS TURNING TOXIC –IT IS TIME FOR OUR INDUSTRY TO RESPOND Mr. Rory Weaver, IDRA YLP Co-Chair

45| ENOWA WATER INNOVATION CENTER IN NEOM PAVING THE WAY TO THRIVING BLUE ECONOMY

By Dr. Nikolay Voutchkov and Dr. Noura Chehab. ENOWA Water Innovation Center, NEOM, Saudi Arabia

50| IDRA NEWS

52| IDRA BE WATER POSITIVE + SPOTLIGHTS

54| NOMINATION PERIOD FOR THE IDRA 2024-26 TERM 21 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OPENS ON AUGUST 5, 2024

56| IDRA BUSINESS AND INNOVATION FORUM AT SIWW

58| IDRA WORLD CONGRESS 2024: ADDRESSING WATER SCARCITY

66| WORLD CONGRESS LEADERS SUMMIT

67| AWARDS | RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE IN WATER MANAGEMENT

68| GLOBAL DIALOGUE ON WATER REUSE WORKSHOP

69| XPRIZE WATER SCARCITY

70| PRE-CONGRESS PROGRAMS DESALINATION HACKATON

71| THINK BEFORE YOU USE: UNDERSTANDING GLOBAL WATER USAGE DISPARITIES

72| DR. K.C. CHANNABASAPPA MEMORIAL PHD SCHOLARSHIP 2024-2025

73| IDRA FELLOWSHIP AWARD PROGRAM

74| INTERNATIONAL REVERSE OSMOSIS SPECIALIST CERTIFIED TRAINING PROGRAM

76| IDRA YLP webinars

80|

82| IDRA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

MESSAGE FROM THE SECRETARY GENERAL

Dear IDRA Members and colleagues,

With this beautiful season ushering in a renewed spirit and hopes of growth, I am delighted to extend my warmest greetings to you all. This edition of our quarterly magazine arrives at a time of great anticipation as we look forward to the upcoming IDRA World Congress in Abu Dhabi from December 8-12, 2024, hosted by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy and endorsed by key government stakeholders in the UAE. This prestigious event will gather thought leaders, innovators, and experts from around the globe to share insights and advancements in our mission to address water scarcity.

It promises to be a unique platform for profound knowledge-sharing and impactful interaction.

Throughout the 50+ years of experience gained by the IDRA, we have had the privilege of engaging and collaborating with some of the most forward-thinking minds in the indus-

try. As individuals, communities, industries, and governments, each of us holds a crucial role in revolutionizing desalination and water reuse to offset global water scarcity and preserve our natural water resources.

commitment to developing sustainable solutions becomes ever more crucial. The global water narrative is focused on resilient water management strategies, not only to ensure sufficient supply but also enhancing the quality and sustainability of our water resources.

Through concerted efforts in water reuse, desalination, and conservation, we are making strides towards creating a balance where our water consumption and replenishment are in harmony. I wholeheartedly believe that together, we can fashion a future where access to water is not a luxury for some, but a fundamental human right for all.

As you may know, since 2022, the IDRA has embarked on its journey to champion the Be Water Positive + campaign, a mission to disseminate knowledge and highlight the strides corporations are making in water stewardship and decarbonization, pushing beyond their usual business practices. With these spotlights, our goal is to inspire industries and utilities to adopt best practices for environmental stewardship and energy efficiency in all desalination and water reuse projects.

In our quest for comprehensive sustainability, we strive to harmonize activities with local water resources, emphasizing the immense value of freshwater resources and the critical importance of water and environmental stewardship.

Innovation remains the cornerstone of our endeavours. From reducing energy consumption, unlocking the potential of blue brine for resource recovery, to minimizing environmental impacts, today's advancements are transforming desalination from a last-resort option to a viable and welcomed solution for many

regions. Similarly, breakthroughs in water reuse technologies are enabling us to reclaim and recycle water with unprecedented efficiency, further alleviating the pressure on our freshwater sources.

The importance of innovation extends beyond technology. It encompasses the development of new policies, business models, and collaborative frameworks that promote sustainable water management. Innovative financing mechanisms, such as public-private partnerships and green bonds, are mobilizing the necessary investments for large-scale water projects. At the same time, collaborative platforms and partnerships are fostering the exchange of knowledge and best practices, driving collective action towards common goals.

The IDRA World Congress is a testament to the power of innovation. It provides a platform for industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to come together, share their latest findings, and explore innovative ideas. As we prepare for it, I encourage all members to actively participate, share their knowledge, and embrace the spirit of collaboration. This event is not only a showcase of our achievements but also a catalyst for forging new partnerships and fostering the collaborative spirit needed to tackle the complex water challenges ahead.

The pages of this Spring Edition are filled with insights, reflections, and articles that highlight our collective progress and aspirations. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the authors who have contributed their insights into this edition of the Global Connections:

• Mr. John Sylvia , Executive Chairman of Blue Brine and Board Director of Grupo Rotoplas

• Mr.Michael Lesniak , VP partnership at Aquatech International

• Mr. Carlos Cosin , CEO of Almar Water Solutions

• Ms. Lauren Nicole Core , Communications Lead, National Alliance for Water Innovation NAWI

• Mr. Nick Moloney , Yachtsman, Professional Sailor, and Adventurer, Canada Ocean Racing

• Mr. Adri Pols , CEO of Desolenator

• Mr. Rory Weaver , IDRA YLP Co-Chair

• Dr. Nikolay Voutchkov and Dr. Noura Chehab , ENOWA Water Innovation Center, NEOM, Saudi Arabia

Let us draw inspiration from these stories and continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and make significant strides towards a sustainable and water-secure future.

To put the scale of this edition into context, if all the individuals reading this come together and collaborate, we have the potential to create a profound impact on a global scale for a cause that touches every aspect of our lives: accessibility to clean water. By pooling our collective knowledge, resources, and innovative ideas, we can drive forward sustainable solutions that ensure reliable and equitable access to clean water for all. Together, we can transform our water systems to be more resilient, efficient, and sustainable, making a lasting difference in the lives of millions and safeguarding this vital resource for future generations.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication and passion for our mission.

Warm regards, Shannon McCarthy

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear IDRA Members,

With spring ushering in a renewed spirit and hopes of growth, I am delighted to extend my warmest greetings to you all. This edition of our quarterly magazine arrives at a time of great anticipation as we look forward to the upcoming IDRA World Congress in Abu Dhabi, proudly hosted by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy and endorsed by key government stakeholders. This prestigious event will gather thought leaders, innovators, and experts from around the globe to share insights and advancements in our mission to address water scarcity. It promises to be a unique platform for profound knowledge-sharing and impactful interaction.

The Congress will continue to explore the intersection of climate change, water positivity, and technological innovation. As we face the growing impacts of climate change, our commitment to developing sustainable solutions becomes ever more crucial. Rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and the increased frequency of extreme weather events underscore the urgent need for adaptive and resilient water management strategies.

In this context, the theme of water positivity takes on heightened significance. Achieving a water-positive future means not only ensuring sufficient supply but also enhancing the quality and sustainability of our water resources. Through concerted efforts in water reuse, desalination, and conservation, we are making strides towards creating a balance where our water consumption and replenishment are in harmony.

Innovation remains the cornerstone of our endeavors. From reducing energy consumption to minimizing environmental impacts, today’s advancements are transforming desalination from a last-resort option to a viable and welcomed solution for many regions. Similarly, breakthroughs in water reuse technologies are enabling us to reclaim and recycle water with unprecedented efficiency, further alleviating the pressure on our freshwater sources.

As we prepare for the IDRA World Congress, I encourage all members to actively participate, share their knowledge, and embrace the spirit of collaboration. This event is not only a forum for showcasing our achievements but also a crucible for forging new partnerships and exploring innovative ideas that will shape the future of our industry.

The pages of this Spring Edition are filled with insights, reflections, and articles that showcase our collective progress and aspirations. Let us draw inspiration from these stories and continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities and make significant strides towards a sustainable and water-secure future.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication and passion for our mission. Your contributions are the bedrock of our success, and I look forward to seeing the remarkable outcomes of our continued collaboration.

Warm regards, Fady Juez

IDRA AND AWS SIGN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING TO ENHANCE WATER RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABILITY

Singapore, June 20, 2024 – The International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) and the Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) are pleased to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today at Singapore International Water Week during the IDRA Business and Innovation Forum. IDRA and AWS will conduct joint educational activities, such as webinars and developing joint training modules, to help their respective communities understand the intersection of desalination, reuse, and stewardship. These efforts highlight the benefits of adopting a systemic approach to water stewardship and sustainability.

IDRA will support the AWS Secretariat and Technical Committee in understanding how desalination and reuse can be effectively addressed in the revision of the AWS Standard, while AWS will support the IDRA World Congress 2024 by providing the perspective of major water users engaged in water stewardship and the implementation of the AWS Standard.

Their ongoing cooperation will include knowledge sharing and exploring co-convening events to promote increased water security. IDRA and AWS will endeavor to communicate a unified message on the relationship between desalination, reuse, and stewardship.

“IDRA is excited to collaborate with AWS to advance the important role of water reuse and desalination solutions in supporting water stewardship and sustainability goals. This partnership will allow us to leverage our collective expertise and resources to drive meaningful change," said Shannon K. McCarthy, Secretary General of IDRA.

“We are very pleased to partner with IDRA to help connect our respective communities in pursuit of a shared goal of water security. By combining our expertise and networks, we can help establish an environment in which innovative technology can be successfully applied, water stewardship behaviors can be adopted at scale and water resilience can become a reality for the millions of people who are currently experiencing water stress,” said Adrian Sym, CEO of AWS..

About IDRA

The International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) is dedicated to advancing desalination and water reuse technologies to offset global water scarcity. Through education, advocacy, and collaboration, IDRA supports the development of sustainable water solutions.

About AWS

The Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) is a global network of businesses, NGOs and the public sector working together to protect shared water resources. The network is defined and guided by the International Water Stewardship Standard (AWS Standard) – that drives, recognises and rewards companies for good water stewardship performance. a4ws.org

COVER STORY

UNLOCKING BRINE

By John Sylvia, Executive Chairman of Blue Brine and Board Director of Grupo Rotoplas

Elon Musk recently weighed in on the potential for desalination to address the world’s water needs. Speaking at the 2024 World Water Forum, Musk noted that improvements in the cost of desalination enable us to “turn any part of the world green.” The industry’s advancements in desalination already serve an estimated 300 million people daily. Our dependence will grow alongside increasing needs, from coastal population growth to inland water sources’ increasing salinity. But to achieve Musk’s vision to turn any part of the world green, the industry must shine a spotlight on brine.

To many Americans, the word “brine” evokes thoughts of preparing a Thanksgiving turkey. For those responsible for providing or procuring water supplies, however, brine, the high salt concentration solution left from desalination, has become the limiting factor to growth. As the need to desalinate more brackish and ocean water has grown acute, governments, commercial, industrial, and agricultural water users face a crucial question: what can we do with these enormous quantities of brine? For decades, the desalination industry has recognized the potential to turn brine to value. Doing so represents not only a commercial opportunity for the industry, but an answer to sustainable use of brackish and ocean water

sources for all stakeholders.

The key is finding creative ways of converting a serious problem to a solution in the form of opportunity. Turning brine to value means maximizing the recovery of influent to over 90% and producing valuable chemicals from the brine. These chemical byproducts can include converting salt to hydrochloric acid, caustic soda, an array of chlorine derivatives, gypsum, magnesium sulphate fertilizer, magnesium hydroxide and in some cases, depending on the constituents of the brine, rare earth elements such as lithium.

The brine problem is foundational to multiple stakeholders underpinning basic water supply, farming, commercial development, and environmental outcomes. Discharge of brine impacts license to operate and cost of operations for all facilities that produce brine. Seawater desalination facilities generally use a brine line to discharge concentrate into the ocean. That brine discharge is often a major factor in environmental reviews and permit considerations given the damage that can be done to reefs as well as other damage to coastal regions. Inland brine production can be even more challenging. In the US, inland water supplies often require desalination for beneficial use. A survey commissioned by the

Unlocking Brine

US Bureau of Reclamation in 2018 found that 97% of municipal desalination facilities were inland. Moreover, the US Geological Survey’s decadal mapping of groundwater constituents shows substantial increases in salinity, underscoring the trend of growing inland desalination for agricultural, commercial and industrial use cases, in addition to municipal ones.

As a result, brine management has been at the forefront of innovation and industry strategy for decades. The industry’s responses have transcended simple discharge and evaporation. Yet, the ambition of the industry to achieve near zero-liquid discharge, and to recover value from brine, represent the rare exception rather than the norm.

In addition t o a v oidin g dis c ha r ge of brine an d enabling signifi c an t f r esh w at er a v ailability , the desig n ’ s in t ende d benefits in c lude su st ainable and lo c al p r odu c tion of byp r odu c ts , in c luding magnesiu m hyd r o xide, cau s ti c soda , and hyd r o c hlori c a c id

Advanced brine recovery now presents a compelling opportunity for commercial value, aligning business interests with environment. Recovery of fresh water from brine can serve the needs of water scarce regions where desalination is needed in the first place. Separation of minerals can yield valuable recovery depending on the constituent minerals in the brine, from magnesium to lithium and more. Finally, the underlying salt can serve as the basis for staple chemical production, enabling local and sustainable generation of necessary staple chemicals such as caustic soda.

Perhaps the best known large-scale global endeavor to recover value from brine is Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project. In the US, Blue Brine, an institutionally-funded brine management firm, has designed and tested a facility to serve water and chemical needs in the West Texas region. Blue Brine’s initial client installation, located in El Paso, is designed to accept brackish water and inland desalination concentrate, and to produce fresh return water, mineral

recovery, and staple chemical production.

Blue Brine’s first facility is collocated with one of the world’s largest inland desalination facilities. Since 2007, El Paso Water’s inland desalination facility has successfully treated brackish groundwater to provide millions of gallons per day of fresh water to its constituents. El Paso Water’s facility was designed with a capacity of 27.5 million gallons per day, and has since planned for material upsizing of that capacity. The limiting factor has been brine management. The facility has historically transported brine through over 20 miles of pipeline, before permitted underground discharge. That discharge capacity is, however, limited. Blue Brine’s facility is designed to accept brine so that El Paso can use its desalination capacity to treat additional brackish water and provide billions of gallons of annual additional fresh water to its service territory.

Blue Brine’s facility has a design capacity of 3.4 million gallons per day, ranking the facility globally among significant zero and near-zero liquid discharge

treatment plants. The value proposition of the facility stems from addressing discharge limitations on brine while simultaneously also providing an incremental source of fresh water. By accepting brine and turning that brine to value, the facility is designed to enable the inland desalination facility to operate additional capacity, providing billions of gallons of additional freshwater to the community. In addition to avoiding discharge of brine and enabling significant freshwater availability, the design’s intended benefits include sustainable and local production of byproducts, including magnesium hydroxide, caustic soda, and hydrochloric acid. Regional production from a brine waste feedstock avoids transportation costs and environmental footprint. Blue Brine has further designed the capability to sequester carbon from the process.

Each facility has the opportunity to serve as a beacon for key stakeholders to brine management. Large-scale demonstrations can motivate cities and utilities to plan new facilities, and to retrofit existing facilities, to rely on brine recovery rather than discharge. In addition, demonstration of at-scale mineral

recovery and sustainable chemical production can enable local and environmentally-improved methods of meeting basic industry needs for multi-billion dollar mineral and chemical markets. The scaled production of green chemicals offers the potential for creating an entirely new industrial base.

As with any major undertaking, alignment of interests and support of key industry players are key ingredients for success. In the 2010s, during a race to commercially launch constellations of satellites, one prominent space technology company experienced a launch failure. The CEO wrote a familiar phrase to the space industry: “space is hard.”

The success-rate of commercial space launches has since improved dramatically, as industry participants pushed through challenges, improved, and began to reliably deliver. While designing, building, and operating brine recovery facilities is far from Elon Musk’s rocket science, it nonetheless requires perseverance and collaboration.

Blue Brine’s initial client installation will depend on that collaboration. Contributions from local government and utility

stakeholders, engineering firms, operations and maintenance service providers, insurers, and capital markets are all crucial to long-term success. Already, Blue Brine’s El Paso plant has involved contributions from the University of Texas El Paso, the National Alliance for Water Innovation, El Paso Water Utilities, multiple global engineering firms, and more. The effort is more than justified.

hat success has the potential for direct impact to the region, and for systemic and catalytic impact for incremental water supply and brine management broadly.

About the Author

Mr. John Sylvia is the Executive Chairman of Blue Brine. In addition, Mr. Sylvia serves as a board director of Grupo Rotoplas de C.V. (AGUA.MX). Mr. Sylvia has successfully developed, acquired, and managed over $7.5 billion of operations and assets in the both the traditional and alternative natural resource sector.

Mr. Sylvia previously served as a Partner at TEM Capital and at TPG, where he served on the founding team of TPG Aqua International Partners. Previously, Mr. Sylvia was CFO of CalEnergy, which was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway.

EXECUTIVE VIEWPOINT

Michael Lesniak, VP Partnerships at Aquatech international

“THE FUTURE AND INDEPENDENCE OF ALL COUNTRIES ARE UNDERPINNED BY WATER”

This article was first published by Smart Water Magazine.

Taiwan’s billionaire investments in climate change adaptation aim to future-proof the island’s water-intensive semiconductor industry by tapping into unconventional water sources. We explore this enlightening example to address the water crisis through proper and timely action.

Michael Lesniak's journey in the water sector spans nearly four decades, characterized by a relentless pursuit of innovation and environmental stewardship. His career commenced as a college intern at the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources, moving afterwards to Nalco in Chicago, at the time a small company problems. His tenure at Nalco witnessed his ascent to executive roles and international work, especially after the merger with Ecolab, a deal which in he played a key role and was and service teams all over the world.

After retiring from Nalco in 2022, Lesniak became a Senior Advisor to the UN CEO Water Mandate, advocating for global water resilience. Last year he joined Aquatech International as Vice President of Partnerships, where he

focuses on building close relationships with customers to help scale the company into emerging sectors. In this interview, he discusses Taiwan’s investments in unconventional water sources, the impact on its economy, and the role of private companies in solving global water challenges.

Earlier this year Taiwan’s government approved a $13 billion investment in climate change adaptation for the next four years, including the development of unconventional water sources. Can you comment on what it will mean for the economy of Taiwan, and the global semiconductor industry?

Taiwan is a relatively small island nation that punches way above its weight when it comes to making semiconductors. They pioneered the idea of silicon “foundries”. When I think foundry, who customers early my of some of think I would melt steel, bronze, or some other metal

"One of the challenges of making silicon chips is that the foundries consume a lot of water and generate a lot of wastewater"

and pour it onto molds that their customers would send to them, that was my understanding of a foundry. The foundry did not develop the

struggled to compete with Taiwan both on a cost basis and in the usefulness of the end products for mobile phones, cloud computing data

foundry had to be really cost-competitive at melting metal and pouring it into the molds of their customers, since the lowest cost shop won the business. The high cost shops went bankrupt If a shop decided to compete with their customers, it would usually not end well for the shop. Taiwan got really good at making silicon chips and using the patterns of their customers; they call these silicon foundries. They never competed with their customers, so they attracted all the semiconductor designers who were making useful end products, and they grew very strong. They invested in their schools, people and supply chain to make sure they could produce the lowest cost silicon “foundry” chips at a lower cost than anyone in the world.

U.S. companies tried to do everything

“value” and usually higher cost; they have

that demand low cost and low energy use. The foundry model won out, and Taiwan enjoys a very high global market share of semiconductors today. Taiwanese people have invested two generations in semiconductor manufacturing and there is tremendous national pride; they broke away from mainland China rule in 1949 and semiconductor manufacturing has provided a good life for them.

One of the challenges of making silicon chips is that it consumes a lot of water and generates a lot of wastewater Further complicating things, the newer smaller chips are much more complicated, with many more steps that use much more water, and produce much more waste.

Additionally, Taiwan is feeling the impact of acute climate change on their limited water supplies. The monsoon rains do not come like

they did in the past, Taiwan is hotter now and the BUSINESS ground and soil are not holding as much water as in the past, and their reservoirs

holding less water

The public and government realize they must invest more in water infrastructure if they want to continue to dominate their global microelectronic competitors and be independent and not be controlled by China. They need more water supplies to achieve this, and they must reuse and recycle their water as a matter of survival. Water is a life and death resource; it is very important

For Taiwan, the new announcement to invest $13 billion in water was an easy decision. They announced they are building more fabs across the country, and smaller chips, and so they need more water Taiwan wants to survive and remain free, and thus this investment means everything to them. They have partnered closely with TSMC (their homegrown global leader in manufacturing semiconductors) and many other industries strategically connected to the semiconductor supply chain and located in their major industrial parks. They are not proposing anything new or innovative there, everything is tried and proven technology, and they are executing with precision and speed to drive low cost, something they are very good at

Taiwan’s total package includes the seawater reverse osmosis desalination plants in Hsinchu and Tainan, 106 km of water transmission and distribution pipelines, as well as land use planning and energy supply optimisation, and municipal-to-industrial wastewater reuse in the country’s industrial parks. Taiwan’s ambition

to develop unconventional water resources anticipates a total reuse capacity of 334,000 m3/d by 2026, as well as the construction of eight seawater desalination projects with a total capacity of 850,000 m3/d.

L eaders c an learn th a t w at e r solutions t oday r equi r e a r obu s t s e t of solutions, and n o t a one si z e fits all .

What are the enabling conditions for such a high-magnitude investment?

Since the investment is being made by the government, the enabling conditions are transfers of gross domestic product revenue; second, the ruling party and leadership must have the will and public support to spend the money on water infrastructure; and lastly, the country leadership must be willing to follow the science of water to ensure quantity, quality, and access within each individual local water basin.

Taiwan leaders have the skill and will, in addition to the money, public and private support from their industrial stakeholders, and the right science. The semiconductor manufacturers obviously support the plan because they cannot survive without it

What lessons can other jurisdictions learn from Taiwan’s ambition concerning climate adaptation?

The future and independence of all countries are underpinned by water Without water, there is no economic future, no independence, no

life. All societies can follow Taiwan’s lead and regularly invest a portion of their gross domestic product revenue and taxes, and charge citizens

water systems and supplies appropriately, but unfortunately, that is unlikely. Many countries have other problems like war, famine, monetary disruption, corruption, and inequality which get in the way of them making good water decisions.

Water infrastructure is typically a very large long-term CAPEX investment, and may take years to complete. The role of leadership is to foresee problems and address them before they become big problems. Singapore, United Arab Emirates, Israel, Sydney, and some cities in the U.S. like Santa Clara, or San Antonio are other good examples to learn from. Leaders can learn that water solutions today require a robust set

plan involves strengthening fresh water supplies through desalination and reuse, strategically aligning and locating fresh water and recycled resources within their land use plan, population growth and agricultural ambitions. The plan

includes investment in transmission pipelines which is brilliant because transmission is a very important part of the solution for Taiwan.

You are advising the UN CEO Water Mandate’s strategy for the Water Resilience Coalition (WRC). Can you tell us about the WRC’s approach and process?

The ambition is to achieve positive water impact in 100 global water-stressed basins that support over 3 billion people and to enable equitable and resilient water access and hygiene for over 300 million people by 2030. Four main approaches are being used to achieve the ambition and they include scaling proven solutions, advancing impact.

There are now about 45 CEOs that have made the pledge to achieve Net Positive Water Impact in water-stressed basins and agreed to develop, implement, and enable strategies for water-resilient value chains to raise the global ambition on water The CEOs are working collectively to scale their resources and achieve

"Taiwan

anticipates total reuse capacity of 334,000 m3/d by 2026, as well as eight desalination plants with a total capacity of 850,000 m3/d "

Taiwan ’s public and government

realize they must invest in water infrastructure if they want to dominate their microelectronic competitors

their ambition in key U.S. basins like California and the Mississippi and other basins around the world where they collectively do business.

action on water issues, locally and globally?

Businesses have human, physical, and economic resources that can be catalytic and complimentary to help governments succeed if, where, and when they need help solving problems. Most citizens expect their government to provide the proper water quantity, quality, and access for their needs. We know that is not happening perfectly everywhere, especially as weather and climate disrupt plans that may citizens. and governments help to resources

The actions vary from country to country, no

are usually very complex and involve many stakeholders, so businesses need to understand their role and insert themselves when and if needed.

The main wins so far are collective actions that c ompound indi v idual pri v at e se c t o r c ont r ibution s in basins through government support and ministerial participation, multi-sectorial collaboration and allocation of funds to support the implementation of improvement actions. The WRC has also established collective funding mechanisms that act as a channel towards scalability and sustainability. The funds have helped channel investments in numerous areas from natural conservation or restoration to water access, sanitation, and hygiene while strengthening water governance by bringing together relevant

The latest trend is to look at water use throughout the entire supply chain and take ownership of making

sure people have the water they need, including the poorest and most in need.

knowledge to facilitate the decision-making process. Other key wins have been the removal of departmental barriers and to promote coordination across sectors – such as and NGO actors.

Do you think businesses give enough emphasis to water-related risks? What trends do you see in corporate water sustainability?

Large public businesses that have an obvious dependency on water do a very good job of managing their water related risks. Think of large global beverage companies like Coke, Pepsi, Diageo, AB, or Nestle. These types of companies have been working on water risks

They essentially put water in a container and understand. If you run out of water, you cannot

government, education, and housing are highly dependent on water, especially young consumers who are paying close attention to sustainability. The latest trend is to look at water use throughout the entire supply chain and take ownership of making sure people have the water they need, including the poorest and most in need.

showed Ecolab by completed study recent A that across the general population, access

climate concern and consumers are holding governments and industries most responsible for water conservation, and they are willing to do their part to help. Consumers feel that businesses lack clarity on how to address the water crisis but believe that the crisis can be addressed with proper and immediate action. Consumers in China feel this way the strongest

The latest trend is for all companies to look more seriously at water sustainability. Most consumers are starting to realize their clothing, food, electricity, cell phone, transportation,

Smart governments and businesses are tuning in to this feedback from their constituents and customers, this is the new trend and the business risk that companies and governments are trying to manage.

EXECUTIVE VIEWPOINT

TRANSFORMING WATER SUPPLY FOR THE MINING SECTOR IN NORTHERN CHILE: A NEW ERA BEGINS

INNOVATIVE WATER INFRASTRUCTURE FOR CENTINELA MINING REACHES FINANCIAL CLOSURE

By Carlos Cosin, CEO, Almar Water Solutions

for Almar Water Solutions. After years of development and negotiations with Antofagasta Minerals SA (AMSA), the project has reached its new water infrastructure for Centinela Mining in the North of Chile. This project involves the construction of new infrastructure and the renewal and operation of existing facilities.

The project entails pumping 56,333 cubic meters per day of seawater to an elevation of 2,200 meters for mineral processing, a necessity due to the expansion of the Centinela Mine. This expansion, recently announced by AMSA and its partner Marubeni, will add 144,000 tons of copper, 3,500 tons of molybdenum, and an additional 130,000 ounces of gold extraction per year through a second concentrator plant

Seawater will be captured in the town of Michilla (about 60 km north of Mejillones), where the company's port is located, and pumped at a rate of 1,950 liters per second through a 144 km pipeline towards the district's mining operations. The company's operation will be sustainable as

it will not use continental water or undergo a desalination process.

This project is undoubtedly a major achievement for the consortium of Almar Water Solutions aspects worth highlighting:

1. Industry as an Accelerator

For years, I have been predicting a shift in the drivers that propel and accelerate the development of water projects. The industrial sector has begun to respond to the risks associated with the uncertainty of their water security by initiating their own projects rather than compromising their operations in the face of potential relocations due to water scarcity. In this case, the resource is located at the mine itself, making it unviable to relocate. Thus, this project consolidates the trend of industrial interest in new water projects, adding to those already initiated in the sector, such as the project Almar Water Solutions has contracted with Saudi Aramco for the regeneration of water from oil extractions in Zuluf in the Arabian Gulf, Saudi Arabia.

2. Outsourcing as a Model

The BOOT (Build, Own, Operate, Transfer) model the more widespread D&B (Design and Build) incorporates companies with technological capability and experience in construction and commitment to projects of this magnitude. Centinela Mining has optimized the project's sheet, thereby improving both their balance press release that this contract saved $1 billion in their mine expansion project

3. Size and Scale

Projects of this size are uncommon in the water sector, but this will likely be one of the largest locally and possibly globally under the BOOT model. This sends a positive message to the sector with the potential for new projects in other regions and with other clients.

4. Financial Sector Appetite

The project has been leveraged 70%-30% with debt complementing the equity provided by the two partners. The process involved

over ten associated banks, contributing $1,1 billion. It is noteworthy that the interest and requirements for closing the structuring.

5. Technological Innovation

At this point, I want to comment on Ivan Arriagada's, CEO of Antofagasta Minerals, presentation at the ACADES 2024 Congress held last March in Santiago, Chile. The mining sector working with seawater instead of freshwater, local water reserves for communities. This achievement deserves commendation for raising awareness about the responsible use of scarce resources in the region.

I would like to conclude with a personal thank you to the Antofagasta Minerals team for the trust they have placed in our consortium for this project, especially Andres, Eduardo, and Mauricio. Congratulations to the teams of Transelec and Almar Water Solutions for their dedication and faith over the years, of Bonatti and Sigdo Koppers, who are prepared to execute the great work ahead.

About the Author

Carlos Cosi n is the Chief E xecuti ve Officer o f Almar Wat er S olutions, leading the ope ra tions an d d evelopment of the company t o dri ve its su c cess an d g r ow th in the sec t o r.

M r Cosin has 25 years of ex perience in the wat e r indu s try, including d eveloping desalin a tion , wa st ewat e r, and r euse p r ojects a r ound the worl d f or b o th municipal and indu s trial sec t ors. Durin g this time, he has closed ag r eements under b o th EP C (Engineering-P r ocu r ement-Con s truction ) and B O T (Build-Ope rat e-T rans f er ) models

M r Cosin g radu at ed in Agricultu ral E ngineering f r o m the Madrid Poly t echnic Uni versity with a s t r on g bac kg r ound in inf ra s tructu r e p r ojects, p r oject finan c e , and wat er managemen t I n addition, Carlos has mad e

a significant mark on the global wat er community b y serving as P r esident of the I n t ern a tional D esalin a tio n

Associ a tion ( IDA ) f r om 2019 t o 2022. As I D A p r esiden t, Cosin contribu t ed t o driving p r o fessional commit t ees , kn ow ledge sharing, and be s t p ra c ti c es in desalin a tio n and wat er r euse t echnology. He s till ser ves the n ewl y r enamed associ a tion In t ern a tional D esalin a tion an d Reuse Associ a tion as a Boa r d Membe r

Carlos Cosin also ser ves as P r esident of the Cent r e f or Wa t er & Clim at e Ada p ta tion a t IE Uni versity I n this capacity, he has ad vo c at ed f or educ a tiona l p r og rams th a t s t r engthen the skills and kn ow ledge o f futu r e wat er leaders and p r o f essionals, r ecognizin g th a t educ a tion is critical t o add r ess c ur r ent an d futu r e challenges in su s tainable wat er managemen t, especially in clim a t e change

a profound belief in the vital importance of water as an undervalued and essential resource for sustaining life. Without water, nothing can thrive: not human life, not society, not industry, and not sustainability. The absence of water means we cannot produce food, sustain economies, or protect hygiene and childhood.

Water is fundamental to every aspect of life, yet it is often millions, hindering development and exacerbating poverty. This initiative calls for a shift in mindset about water from citizens, politicians, and global organizations. It emphasizes the urgent need to prioritize sustainable

T he m o t t o "No Wa t e r, N o N o thing " embodies a c ommitment t o r aising aw a r eness and inspirin g a c tion t o ensu r e w a t er av ailability f or futu r e gene r a tions. T h r ough this b r and, the initi a ti v e aim s t o educ a t e and m o ti v at e soci e ty about the critica l impo r t an c e of p rot e c ting and c onser v ing our w at e r r esou r c es

" No Wat e r, No N o thing " aspi r es t o c r e at e a m o v emen t th a t highlights the indispensable r ole of w at er i n all aspects of li f e. I t in v i t es ev eryone t o ad v o c at e f or su s t ainable w at er p r actices and w ork t og e the r t ow a r ds a futu r e w he r e w at er and the li f e it suppo r t s c an flourish

FOCUS ON INNOVATION

INNOVATION THROUGH ELECTRIFICATION: FIELD PILOT TESTING

ELECTRICALLY CONDUCTIVE REVERSE OSMOSIS MEMBRANES

By Ms. Lauren Nicole Core, Communications Lead, National Alliance for Water Innovation NAWI

Desalination, once a technology of last resort, is now poised to become a sustainable and primary solution for global water scarcity. As water resources become increasingly scarce, it's imperative to develop technologies that make challenges persist. Unconventional water sources—such as municipal and industrial wastewater, brackish groundwater, and seawater—are often saturated with sparingly soluble minerals and metals and plagued by poor microbiological and organic quality.

Fouling and Scaling involves the accumulation, deposition, and adsorption of various mineral and organic substances onto the membrane surface or within its pores, leading to a decline in membrane performance over time. Prevention of fouling and scaling drives desalination process design and hence footprint, cost, and

operational complexity of desalination while ensuring stable performance in the face of high fouling and scaling potential.

N A W I is a r esea r c h p r og r a m and publi c -pri v at e pa r tnershi p th a t r ep r esents the la r ge s t Uni t ed S t at es f ede r al in v e s tment in r esea r ch and d e v elopment f or w at er t r e a tmen t, desalin a tion, and w at er r eus e sin c e the 1 9 60s .

Transforming Passive Separation into Active Innovation

Strategic advancements in innovative reverse osmosis pre-treatment and membrane technologies are essential to overcome these challenges. These technologies have the potential to reduce the cost, footprint, and

Research supported by the United States Department of Energy’s National Alliance for Water Innovation (NAWI) is testing a novel membrane material: electrically conductive reverse osmosis (active) membranes. These through the development of smart desalination membranes with anti-scaling and anti-fouling quality. The research aims to lower the cost and

footprint of desalination to help make treatment of nontraditional waters competitive with the marginal cost of conventional water sources for

"As we navigate the complexities of global water scarcity, the innovations emerging from NAWI are pivotal," says Peter Fiske, Executive Director of the National Alliance for Water Innovation. "Electrically conductive reverse osmosis membranes are a critical technological and operational challenges, these membranes bring us closer to achieving sustainable water solutions that are both economically viable and environmentally responsible."

NAWI is a research program and public-private partnership that represents the largest United States federal investment in research and development for water treatment, desalination,

and water reuse since the 1960s. This innovative program unites industry, academia, national laboratories, and other stakeholders across the country to advance next-generation desalination and water recycling technologies. NAWI is led by DOE’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, National Energy Technology Laboratory, and the SLAC National

Membrane separation is traditionally a passive process, relying on pressure to push water through a semipermeable barrier The NAWI-supported research team is transforming this process into an active one by applying low-voltage electricity across the membrane

surface. This innovation allows the membrane to actively prevent scaling and fouling, reducing the need for extensive pretreatment

Arian Edalat, CEO of Active Membranes LLC and research project lead envisions this as a pivotal development: "This is the next generation of membranes. True innovation in membrane separation for desalination requires rethinking membrane separation phenomenon at the membrane level. Electrically conductive forward, propelling the industry towards more

Since its inception in 2022, Active Membranes has rapidly garnered international acclaim. The company was distinguished as the runner-up in the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation's More Water Less Concentrate challenge and honored with the 2023 Water Technology Idol award. Further cementing its reputation for innovation, Active

The manufacturing process involves coating existing membranes with an electrically (ECNF), reverse osmosis (ECRO) and membrane distillation membranes (ECMD). These membranes will be available as drop-in replacements for existing systems, enabling a advantages, including reduced energy demand, higher product water recovery, and minimized lowers both operating and capital costs for desalination plants, making desalination a more viable solution to global water scarcity.

Field Testing and Future Plans

In a recent pilot study in Wyoming, the team demonstrated that their novel membranes could achieve at least 15% higher recovery rates without any pretreatment. Building on project is set to test these membranes against conventional reverse osmosis membranes. This test will take place at a brackish groundwater source high in dissolved solids in Sand City, CA, operated by California American Water

recipient of the Impact Prize in the 2023 Global Prize for Innovation in Desalination.

The head-to-head comparison will validate the performance of anti-scaling, electrically conductive reverse osmosis membranes in a high total dissolved solids brackish water environment

“NAWI will continue to bring together a world-class team of partners to address the key technical barriers needed to reduce the price, energy cost, and greenhouse gas emissions of new water technologies,” said Fiske. “By reducing the number of required pretreatment steps and associated chemicals, this innovation promises to reduce the overall footprint and cost of membrane-based desalination systems.”

This research is part of NAWI’s comprehensive portfolio of new water research and development initiatives. Ranging from water-energy grid integration analysis to developing algorithms, models, and adaptive process controls for resilient operations, NAWI is backing over sixty research and development projects to advance

About the Author

Lauren Nicole Core holds over 10 years of experience in human and environmental development across multiple sectors. She has lived, worked, and gained operational experience in countries including Türkiye, Brazil, India, Sweden, and Viet Nam. She’s worked with multiple United Nations agencies, including the World Food Programme, United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Volunteers - Sudan, and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees; foreign, national, and local governments, such as the City of Los Angeles and Lawrence Berkeley

World Wildlife Fund, and Gaia Amazonas; academic institutions and think tanks such as the Semel Institute

technologies. For additional information about NAWI’s research and projects, visit NAWI’s projects.

The NAWI Alliance, with over 1,670 members and 420 research partners in industry, academic, and government partners, supports for participation, from Alliance membership to volunteering as a Project Support Group advisor For additional information about joining NAWI, visit the NAWI Alliance Membership Application. NAWI’s commitment to enhancing fuels optimism for a future where clean water is accessible to all.

Author ’s n ot e: The vi ews exp r esse d in this column do n o t necessaril y r ep r esent the vi ews of the U S D epa r tment of Ene r gy or the U S g overnmen t

R esea r ch Pa r tners: D avid Baa r ck , S h wan Mazha r, Parson Vazan, Derric k D lamini, A cti ve Memb rane s

for Neuroscience and Human Behavior at the University of California, Los Angeles; and businesses such as REV – Sustainability Solutions for Business. She is also a

short features, such as What is Farmer-led Irrigation? Unlocking Livelihood, Food, and Water Security. Lauren has delivered lectures, served as an expert panelist, and presented at conferences and institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Lauren holds a Master of Arts in Environment and Development from King’s College London, the University of London, where she graduated with High Honors, and a Bachelor of Arts in Earth and Planetary Science and Creative Writing from the University of California, Berkeley

Water Solutions

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At ACCIONA, we are world leaders in desalination by reverse osmosis, the most sustainab and widely used desalination technique, capable of improving water quality and

A POSITIVE CHALLENGE

THERE ARE THREE WORDS IN THE FOREFRONT OF MY MIND: “THIS IS IT.”

By Mr. Nick Moloney, Yachtsman, Professional Sailor, and Adventurer, Canada Ocean Racing

I have just arrived in the USA to assist our Be Water Positive sailing team and skipper, Scott Shawyer, ahead of Scott’s largest and most mile (5,741 km), single-handed, non-stop, and

On 29 May, Scott will carry the ‘Be Water Positive’ message as he departs New York to head for Les Sables d’Olonne, in the Vendée region of France.

“This is it.”

have done over the past few months now needs

hours between now and the race start will not give us much opportunity to make amends for

it allow us to change anything from the past

Over the winter, we relocated our base to Portugal, where, during a four-month period, we harnessed ideal sailing conditions to best

Atlantic delivered intense weather, allowing us to push ourselves and the boat in very trying

the boat, and Scott are ready for the challenge ahead.

from all that we have achieved in training and being ready to race. Over the next few days,

training with a focus on injury prevention.

He also has a heavy media schedule to deliver his story and the Be Water Positive message.

The pre-race exhibition event is an opportunity to host guests from H2O Innovation, who will be on-site for activations at the New York Yacht Club and enjoying front-row viewing of the Liberty Race from Governors Island.

The platform of sport is unique in that it acts as a bridge between collective enjoyment and

When Scott begins this race, he will be equipped to be alone at sea for about two weeks. He will depart with a certain amount of spares, food, and fuel to replenish his electrical power stores. Once these are depleted, they are gone.

societal responsibility. It is a medium where we can harness our networks and explore the gap between challenges and solutions. Our unique position also creates reach, enabling us to amplify the voices of change-makers and facilitate meaningful connections between solution providers and those in need.

A sporting team’s relationship with time inherently fuels a drive and energy to make quick progress towards measurable positive impact Today, we face alarming global and environmental concerns across many sectors. Scott and the whole team have embraced an alliance with the IDRA and water industry stakeholders to encourage advocacy around water equity on a global scale through the Be Water Positive mission.

We aim to be the team that fosters a deeper understanding of the pressures on global watersheds as a result of local consumer choices, taking on the responsibility of leading by example and communicating methods to

take meaningful action—both as individuals and as part of a larger system.

Our sailing billboard is prominent, and our story has great human endeavour, human interest and broad reach. We might not be on the front line of the crisis as a team, but we can consider ourselves frontline communicators. We have the platform and we have the voice.

The Be Water Positive sailing team is made up of more than 10 focused professionals covering all aspects of the boat's readiness. In the same way that we have the best technical support in the shore team, we have also partnered with Foxall Munro, who have 15 years of research and data collation on carbon footprint and environmental benchmarks across a wide range of products, yachts, and events in the marine sector. They are leaders at the intersection of the sailing sector and sustainability. Our relationship with Foxall Munro is to help guide us and ensure that we remain honest in our objectives, engaging with IDRA members and water industry

stakeholders to best and most creatively assist the collective critical goals around water resource management and scarcity.

racing requires long periods at sea, often facing unforgiving weather and sea conditions in both a vulnerable and remote state. Scott’s life onboard is an endless battle between personal management, the relentless demands of the competition, and his onboard resources.

When Scott begins this race, he will be equipped to be alone at sea for about two weeks. He will depart with a certain amount of spares, food, and fuel to replenish his electrical power stores. Once these are depleted, they are gone.

But water is the highest priority when it comes to provisioning. For this reason, we embrace and maintain modern onboard water desalination

About the Author

Nick Moloney is an Au s t ralian yachtsman / p r o f essional sailo r, ad ventu r e r He has comp et ed a t multiple world eli t e l evel sailing events including th e America's Cup and is cur r ently engaged as the coa c h and double handed sailing pa r tner t o Sc o tt S h awye r and Canada O c ean Racing N ick has ci r cumn avig a t e d the globe th r ee times under sail; the 1997-9 8 Whitb r ead Round the World Ra c e (n ow kn ow n as Th e Ocean Race), e s tablished a n ew outright World Sailin g S peed Reco r d f or the fa st e s t ci r cumn avig a tion unde r sail in 20 0 2 (the J ules Verne T r ophy ) and A r ound th e World Solo in the 20 0 4-5 Vendee Globe Race. Hi s

technologies and Scott will be continually making fresh water from the sea throughout the race. Every boat in the race is equipped with a water desalination unit onboard; some have two for extra assurance. All have emergency hand-operated desalination machines. Without access to fresh water, the sailors would not be able to hydrate or reconstitute freeze-dried meals, both of which are potential race-ending and even life-threatening issues.

For you, IDRA members and industry stakeholders, we are your boat and your team. We hope that you will follow Scott’s journey as he tackles this highly adventurous sporting goal. messages and a new way of identifying with the planet's most valuable resource. www.canadaoceanracing.com www.newyorkvendee.org

ca r eer boa s ts 15 X various World S ailing S peed Re c o r d s and 1 X G uinness World Re c o r d f or be c oming the fir s t / fa st e s t and s till the only person t o h ave windsur f e d non- st op and unassi st ed a c r oss the n o t orious Bas s St rait in a time of 22 hours and 11 minu t es. I n 2 0 0 0

Nick was awa r ded the p r e s tigious Au s t ralian S po r t s Medal in r e c ognition of his a c hi evements in sailing. H e is the author of ' Chasing the D awn ' and the r ecipient o f ca r eer highlight documen tary ' S ea of D r eams ' Nick i s cur r ently based in the U K and is continuing his sea r c h f or ad ventu r e and n ew r eco r ds as a b rand, li f e s tyl e and values ambassado r w ww.nickmoloney.co

SUSTAINABLE DESALINATION

A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE STATE OF SUSTAINABLE DESALINATION

By Adri Pols, CEO of Desolenator

Water underpins our civilisation and life itself and the water crisis is already impacting billions of people worldwide, exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and uneven distribution of freshwater resources. We have become all too familiar with the outlook that communities and businesses across the world. Desalination has helped alleviate this situation, methods remain energy-intensive and environmentally harmful. This article explores the opportunity to ensure that the future of desalination is both sustainable and scalable to meet the urgent demands across the globe.

The pitfalls of traditional desalination are commonly known. As we complete the transition from thermal desalination to reverse osmosis it is time for a mid-term review.

a wide variety of harmful chemicals required for reverse osmosis desalination. Both technologies produce harmful brine, which - when discharged back into the ocean - can harm marine ecosystems. These aspects drive the search for more sustainable desalination technologies, which is also the focus area of Desolenator

Hybrid sy stems, w hi c h in teg rate

e.g. reverse osmosis wit h al tern ati ve m ethods li ke for wa rd osmosis, thermal desalin atio n and z e ro liquid dis c ha rge, c a n

reduce brine issues

drawbacks. Thermal distillation (co-generation) is highly energy-intensive and with a high carbon footprint it becomes unsustainable, due to the high reliance on fossil fuels. Reverse thermal desalination, requires high-quality electrical energy input, generally also fossil fuel based. There is also the heavy reliance on

Innovations in sustainable desalination in recent years have seen remarkable success and progress in the development of new technologies. These innovations aim to reduce energy consumption, minimize environmental impact, and lower costs, making desalination a more viable solution for addressing global water scarcity.

Innovation in membrane technology for example nanotechnology, has certainly helped

seawater These and other advancements could substantially lower the operational costs and energy requirements of desalination plants,

other valuable minerals from the brine. Extracting

seawater. These and other advancements could substantially lower the operational costs and energy requirements of desalination plants,

Another advancement is the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy, into (existing) desalination processes. Solar desalination, for example, which we are currently demonstrating, harnesses solar power to heat seawater or reduces the carbon footprint of desalination plants.

Another advancement is the integration of renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy, into (existing) desalination processes. Solar desalination, for example, which we are currently demonstrating, harnesses solar power to heat seawater or reduces the carbon footprint of desalination plants.

solutions, integrating several technologies into one single site and connecting them, with technologies like Desolenator’s, will bring viable ZLD within reach.

other valuable minerals from the brine. Extracting solutions, integrating several technologies into one single site and connecting them, with technologies like Desolenator’s, will bring viable ZLD within reach.

Despite these advancements, several challenges remain in the widespread adoption of sustainable desalination technologies.

Despite these advancements, several challenges remain in the widespread adoption of sustainable desalination technologies.

At Desolenator we see in fact that a promising desalination techniques and optimizing the process to improve sustainability. Hybrid systems, which integrate e.g. reverse osmosis with alternative methods like forward osmosis, thermal desalination and zero liquid discharge, brine issues. Desolenator would like to carefully look at the future plant sites and to integrate provides great opportunities for optimisation.

At Desolenator we see in fact that a promising desalination techniques and optimizing the process to improve sustainability. Hybrid systems, which integrate e.g. reverse osmosis with alternative methods like forward osmosis, thermal desalination and zero liquid discharge, brine issues. Desolenator would like to carefully look at the future plant sites and to integrate provides great opportunities for optimisation.

Addressing the environmental impact of brine is crucial for the future of our industry, as the brine discharge. Innovative brine management options, such as minimal and zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems, aim to reduce or eliminate liquid waste by recovering salts and

Addressing the environmental impact of brine is crucial for the future of our industry, as the brine discharge. Innovative brine management options, such as minimal and zero liquid discharge (ZLD) systems, aim to reduce or eliminate liquid waste by recovering salts and

In a g r e a t e xample of add r essin g b o th elements, Desolen at o r has deployed an in s t all a tio n th a t w as sh o w c ased durin g COP2 8 , th a t p r o v ides hig h quality w at er f or g r o w in g t om at oes in the dese r t.

In a great example of addressing both elements, Desolenator has deployed an installation that was showcased during COP28, that provides high quality water for growing tomatoes in the desert.

The capital expenditure required for constructing sustainable technologies is substantial. While costs and reduced environmental impact, hurdle. Many rich desalination authorities do not count the amortization of their plants in their

The capital expenditure required for constructing sustainable technologies is substantial. While costs and reduced environmental impact, hurdle. Many rich desalination authorities do not count the amortization of their plants in their

Even with renewable energy integration, advanced membranes, lowered OPEX and CAPEX, desalination remains an

Even with renewable energy integration, advanced membranes, lowered OPEX and CAPEX, desalination remains an

thus cost of renewable energy sources can vary and the storage solutions to ensure a consistent energy supply are very costly. This energy demand poses a challenge, particularly reliable renewable energy.

Regulatory frameworks for desalination are evolving, but there is often a lag in updating

Public acceptance is also crucial, as communities may have concerns about the environmental and health impacts of desalination plants.

desalination cannot be overlooked. Brine discharge, despite improvements, can still pose a risk to marine life and to already depleting aquifers. Moreover, the construction and operation of desalination plants can disrupt coastal ecosystems due to chemical discharge

To realize the full potential of sustainable desalination, a multifaceted approach is required. Governments, private sector stakeholders, and research institutes must collaborate to overcome these challenges and drive the adoption of innovative technologies.

Governments play a pivotal role by providing a

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projects. Subsidies, grants, and tax breaks for research and development can accelerate the deployment of renewable energy powered desalination plants, within this tightening regulatory framework.

Collaboration between the public and private sectors (PPP) can leverage the strengths of both. Private companies bring technical expertise and innovation, while public entities can facilitate large-scale implementation and ensure regulatory compliance. Successful models of such partnerships, including Water-as-a-Service (WaaS), can serve as a blueprint and recent successes should be replicated in other regions.

Desolenator for example last year partnered with Silal, UAE’s leading agri-tech food company

wealth fund based in Abu Dhabi. Food security is the top national priority for the country and

also sustainably are limited by two key factors: energy for cooling and water In a great example of addressing both elements, Desolenator has deployed an installation that was showcased during COP28, that provides high quality water for growing tomatoes in the desert Beyond mere water production, as Desolenator is a thermal technology, we are also experimenting with reducing cooling costs and even providing tailored re-mineralised water streams for given produce. This is a fantastic example of PPP engagement as well as really showcasing the power of modular and sustainable desalination with a value addition that goes well beyond water alone.

Improving public trust, acceptance and education is crucial. Which is why telling the story of installations such as the one for Silal has so much resonance. We all know that

there is a water crisis and that food security is an imperative, but we are also abstracted from this. At the same time in many parts of the world the word ‘desalination’ can have a negative connotation, conjuring images of toxic brine polluting our oceans. So sharing stories of how the concept of desalination itself is being transformed can also help to garner public support, perhaps even to start introducing credits for brine in much the same way that carbon credits have been initiated.

T he cur r ent s tat e of su s tainable desalin a tio n is a lands c ape of significant p ot entia l t empe r ed by f ormidable challenges. Wat e r is under valued, brine is of t en n o t r egul at e d and needless t o say if you h ave an inn ova tio n looking t o be c ome a p r odu c t, the r e i s limi t ed ventu r e c api tal available unles s

About the Author

Adri Pol s is C E O of Desolen at o r, an inn ov a ti v e

w at er t e c hnology c ompany p r o v iding de c ent r alise d

c lean and sa f e w at er solutions using solar ene r gy

Desolen at or turns the mo s t c ompl e x w at er sou r c e s

(se a w at e r, he a v y-m e t al c on t amin at ed), in t o drinkin g

w at e r, without memb r anes or harmful chemicals

Prior t o joining Desolen at o r, he w as C E O of BO A L

G r oup, a globally leading su s t ainable supplier i n

Cont r olled E n v i r onment A gri c ultu r e with r ev enues o f

$3 00 M

you a r e building a ‘capi tal light sy st e m’ ( r ead soft wa r e). H oweve r, a t Desolen at o r we h ave wor ked ha r d t o ove r come thes e intrinsi c c hallenges and been able t o garne r signifi c ant in ve st ors and h ave been sough t af t er t o sha r e our thought leadership a t f orums su c h as D avos, F II In s titu t e and i n leading publi c a tions. Our app r oach t o scal e up the deployment of modular desalin a tio n sy st ems th a t a r e de-carbonised, r equi r e n o harmful c hemicals and with in t eg rat ed ZL D opens up the p ot ential f or mass ado p tion o f decent ralised desalin a tion f or businesses an d c ommunities ex posed t o wat er s t r ess ac r os s the world. By working t og e ther we can trul y add r ess our mo s t c ritical r esou r ce of wat er i n

a way th a t is n o t d e trimen tal t o our plan e t We look f or wa r d t o fu r ther c ollabo ra tion with al l key players t o ma ke this happen .

Mr Pols has extensive experience in commercial and strategic leadership positions with a passion for sustainability. Pols has been acting at the vanguard of the energy transition, moving from green electricity retailing, solar power and biofuels generation to the vital component of energy storage. Mr Pols has lived and worked in three continents for start-ups, scale-ups and corporates (Shell, GE and BCG) He speaks 5 languages and holds two Master’s degrees from Twente University of Technology in the Netherlands, one of which cum laude.'

FOCUS ON INNOVATION

THE BRINE DEBATE IS TURNING TOXIC – IT IS TIME FOR OUR INDUSTRY TO RESPOND

Mr. Rory Weaver, IDRA YLP Co-Chair

Anyone who spends their time attending water conferences could be forgiven for thinking that a golden age of desalination and reuse is just around the corner. Water security is (at long last) moving up the agenda for governments and businesses, many of which are getting serious about developing non-conventional water resources. It is hard to argue that 2024 has not been a great year for desalination and reuse

This optimism rests on a shaky assumption that the general public is fundamentally comfor table with desalination and that they will be happy to see it rolled out on a massive scale to tackle water insecurity. The rocky road faced by desalination projects in California tells the opposite story: brine discharge is now a lightning rod for environmental outrage, driven by a mixture of genuine and wilful lack of understanding of membrane desalination.

In the absence of engagement from the desalination industry, concerns about brine are gaining traction among the general public, academia, and even par ts of the water industry

If we continue to ignore this fact for much longer, we will have a serious image problem on our hands.

As an industry, we have been slow to react and have a lot of ground to recover – here are three places for us to star t:

Long-

term studies sh ow th at the impa c t of a sensibl y designed, well-lo c ated brin e out fall on marine ecosy stem s ranges f rom inconsequential to

Firstly, emphasize the ability of desalination to supplement and operate in harmony with our broken natural water cycle. We will win no friends among environmental campaigners by insisting that brine outfalls comply with relevant legislation. We need to show how desalination and reuse can deliver precious fresh water on land, while returning pristine,

chemical-free ‘blue brine’ to the sea to mix seamlessly with prevailing tides and currents

Secondly, centralize the data and research that is already out there. Long-term studies show that the impact of a sensibly designed, well-located brine outfall on marine ecosystems ranges from inconsequential to of brine outfall studies would give us a steady footing from which to star t outside our industry. Any claims that we make about brine will fall on deaf ears if they are not endorsed by independent environmental exper ts. From helping along procurement of desalination in new markets, to challenging

network to amplify our message. Par tnering with environmental groups to draw up a gold standard set of practices for brine management would both produce a useful resource for step to build these relationships

Public outrage can escalate quickly. To take an example from my own backyard, a decade ago UK water companies’ sewage discharges into rivers were a little-known environmental nuisance. Today, they have decimated the UK water sector’s reputation and called the management of the entire country’s water system into question.

Desalination brine can be released safely and by staying quiet about it

About the Author

R ory We aver is incoming co- c hair of the ID A Young Leaders P r og ram. He has ser ved a s Di r ec t or of M ar ke ting & B usiness D evelopmen t a t F E DCO since May 2 0 21. Prior t o this h e ran G lobal Wat er In t elligence ’ s D esalin a tio n and Reuse c ove rage and f o r eca s ts, whe r e

he p r oduced the I D A D esalin a tion Yearbook , managed the Desal D a ta mar ke t in t elligenc e pl a t f orm, and built out G WI ’ s c ove rage o f desalin a tion and r euse. Rory also ran GW I ’ s c ove rage of digitis a tion in the wat er indu s try , and f oll ow s the digi tal wat er space closely

ENOWA WATER INNOVATION CENTER IN NEOM – PAVING THE WAY TO THRIVING BLUE ECONOMY

By Dr. Nikolay Voutchkov and Dr. Noura Chehab. ENOWA Water Innovation Center, NEOM, Saudi Arabia

ENOWA Water is the utility providing drinking water, water recycling and district cooling NEOM. of region s ’ Arabia Saudi the for services

evolved into a worldwide cradle of new ideas, technological advancements, game-changing innovation and futuristic endeavors in all walks of life including: su s tainable livin g , envi r onmen tal st ewa r dship, high-tech industry, sustainable farming, transpor tation and connectivity.

T he W I C team has re c entl y

d eveloped and is in a p ro c es s of p atenting ad van c ed Z L D te c hnologies; sele c ti ve revers e osmosis (R O) memb ranes; an d memb rane mine ra l c ry stalli z ation sy ste m

In 2023, ENOWA Water established its Water Innovation Center (WIC) which projects NEOM’s transformative vision for circularity into the application of advanced water technologies

cooling district and reuse water desalination,

The WIC is focused on applied research and development of technologies, equipment, systems, and products which allow all side streams from the water treatment processes, including brine, to be valorized as commercial grade minerals and metals, recycled water, and biosolids

B rine Valoriz at io n

The WIC is at the forefront of innovation

liquid discharge (ZLD). In collaboration with desalination industry leaders and well renown universities, the WIC team has recently developed and is in a process of patenting advanced ZLD technologies; selective reverse osmosis (RO) membranes; and membrane mineral crystallization system, that allow generation of commercially viable minerals from desalination brine at less than a half of the energy demand and carbon footprint

C I W e h t , 4 2 0 2 e n u J n I

c ommissio n in g of 1,200 m3/day ZLD

demonstration plant at ENOWA’s SWRO desalination facility in Duba, Saudi Arabia. This system is designed to produce monovalent minerals of high purity and high commercial value such as sodium, lithium, potassium and rubidium chlorides, as well as divalent salts such as magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and calcium sulfate (Figure 1)

Magnesium hydroxide can be used for production of magnesium metal – a highly valued commodity of increasing demand for key products such as electric cars, computers, cell phones, and aviation products. Unique application of very high (>99%) magnesium resistant osmotically assisted reverse osmosis (OARO) membranes with enhanced magnesium rejection capabilities; and both advanced thermal and membrane crystallization systems

The ZLD system shown on Figure 1 incorporates two brine industry paradigm changing technologies developed by the WIC: (1) RO membranes for direct selective rejection of monovalent and bivalent minerals from seawater such as potassium and magnesium chloride (mineral selective RO membranes); and (2) forward-osmosis based membrane crystallization system with OARO draw solution recovery (Figure 2)

Figure 1. NEOM Brine Mining Demonstration Plant in Duba, Saudi Arabia.

Figure 2. Paradigm Changing Brine Mining System Using Mineral Selective Membranes and Membrane Crystallization

Conventional RO elements have only one function – to separate fresh water from brine. The WIC system with mineral selective RO elements combine three functions – (1) production of fresh water; (2) separation concentration of this mineral. The new selective RO membranes are of standard size and can be applied directly in existing conventional SWRO systems widely used by desalination industry at present – a feature that would facilitate their rate accelerated at adoption industry-wide

The selective RO elements operate within the elements and therefore, mineral harvesting is completed at an order of magnitude lower energy demand as compared to conventional brine mining systems. Use of this systems allows to avoid the need for separation of monovalent and bivalent brine and costly chemical precipitation methods for harvesting magnesium and calcium minerals

Membrane brine crystallization is another paradigm changing technology developed by the WIC research team. At present, brine minerals, such as sodium chloride, are crystalized using thermal evaporation processes which use over 75 kWh/m3 of crystalized brine. In the WIC membrane c ry s talliz a tion sy st em, mine ral s

a r e sele c ti vely cry s talized using the n a tu ra l p r o c ess of f or wa r d osmosis at an order of magnitude lower energy demand. This process uses magnesium chloride as a draw solution salt. crystalized the from water the extract to This magnesium chloride is produced directly from seawater using the innovative selective

RO membranes described above. As the draw solution extracts water from the brine, it is diluted and has to be recovered in order to be reused in continuous mineral crystallization process. Such recovery is completed by

This p rog ram will ultim atel y

all ow desalin ation plants wit h brine mining facilities n ot to h ave to pu rc hase comme rcia l chemicals but to us e brine-deri ved chemicals in stea d closing the c i rc ularity loop i n desalin ated water p roduction

thermal crystallization. This technological breakthrough allows us to solve the existing challenges of minimizing carbon footprint and costs of brine valorization

P roduction o f G reen Chemicals f rom Brin e

reconcentration of the draw solution. Both forward osmosis crystallization and OARO recovery of the draw solution added together

Last year, the ENOWA WIC have initiated the development of comprehensive program for green desalination, which aims to reduce both the amount and the types of chemicals used in the production of desalinated water and to produce all chemicals needed for production of desalinated water from brine. This program will ultimately allow desalination plants with brine mining facilities not to have to purchase commercial chemicals but to use brine-derived chemicals instead closing the circularity loop in desalinated water production. Examples are the use of magnesium hydroxide instead of ferric chloride for source seawater coagulation; elimination of the use of antiscalant by calcium

Figure 3. Brine Concrete Structure for Coral Restoration Created by 3-D Printer

and magnesium scaling mineral balancing; use of sodium chloride produced by the brine mining process for generation of magnesium hydroxide; sequestration of carbon dioxide for production of commercially viable minerals; and use of calcium and magnesium salts for post-treatment of desalinated water.

In pursuit of sustainable future, the ENOWA WIC is also exploring the production of regenerative plastics for repeated use via

About the Authors

Eng. N i k ol a y Vou t c h ko v S enior D esalin a tio n

Ex pe r t Desalin a tion Te c hnologies R esea r c h

I n s titu t e, S aline Wat er Con version Corpo ra tion

M r Vou t c h kov has over 36 years of ex perienc e in the field of desalin a tion and wat er r euse , as an independent t e c hni c al ad v isor t o publi c utilities implementing la r ge desalin a tio n p r oje c ts, and c ompanies and in ve st ors in vol ve d in the d evelopment of ad van c ed memb ran e t e c hnologies. Cur r ently, he wor ks as a senio r ex pe r t w ith the D esalin a tion Technolog y R esea r c h In s titu t e of the S aline Wat er Con versio n Corpo ra tion. M r Vou t c h kov is a B oa r d Ce r tifie d

E n v i r onmen tal E ngineer by the A meri c a n Ac ademy of E n v i r onmen tal E ngineers and h ave published over 1 0 boo ks in the field of desalin a tio n and wa t er r euse

3-D printing; technologies for production of 3-D printed brine-enhanced concrete (Figure 3); and systems for natural brine mineral sequestration in halophytes and marine fauna of coastal wetlands

The ENOWA WIC is proud of its environmental stewardship achievements and is constantly developing and adopting new chemical-free, renewable energy-based technologies for a thriving blue economy

D r. N ou r a Cheh a b is leading the water Research and Innovation at ENOWA Noura has been with NEOM for the past 3 years and half, where she has established multiple research projects and agreements and played a key role in attracting disruptive Water technologies to the Innovation team.

Noura holds a PhD and MS degrees in Environmental Science and Engineering from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology. She is a recipient of several prestigious awards (First prize Bayer award; Siemens Second Prize Student Award) in recognition of her innovative ideas in developing sustainable solutions to water scarcity.

ON THE ROAD TO WATER

POSITIVE

IDRA BE WATER POSITIVE

Through its global community of solution

IDRA has promoted water reuse and des-

to meet water scarcity needs. In June 2022, IDRA began its quest to advocate share knowledge and spotlight actions worldwide on water stewardship.

The program objective is to encourage industry to implement best practicescy in all desalination and water reuse projects by using the best available and most appropriate technologies according

to the location of the facilities. The IDRA promotes discussion of environmental issues associated with desalination and water reuse, advocating for environmental stewardship, water recycling to lower the water footprint, decarbonization, implementation of increased renewable power in plant operations, and reduction of chemical consumption. In addition to advocating for overall sustainability that balances activities cohesively and collaboratively with the local water resource, it emphasizes the “Value of Fresh Water Resources” and the importance of environmental stewardship to protect them.

During this quarter, the International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) has highlighted several pioneering companies for their initiatives to become "Water Positive." These companies have and produce water within their operations, promoting sustainability and responsible water management

Key initiatives recognized by IDRA include water utilization, community engagement, and holistic water management These actions not only reduce the companies' water footprints but also inspire others in the industry, contributing to global water security and resilience.

https://idadesal.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PG-Water-Positive.pdf

P&G AMAZON GOOGLE

https://idadesal.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PG-Water-Positive.pdf

https://idadesal.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Google-Water-Positive.pdf

https://idadesal.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Google-Water-Positive.pdf

https://idadesal.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Amazon-Water-Positive.pdf

https://idadesal.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Amazon-Water-Positive.pdf

https://idadesal.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PG-Water-Positive.pdf

https://idadesal.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Google-Water-Positive.pdf

https://idadesal.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Amazon-Water-Positive.pdf

NOMINATION PERIOD FOR THE IDRA 2024-26 TERM 21 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OPENS ON AUGUST 5, 2024

THE INTERNATIONAL DESALINATION AND REUSE ASSOCIATION (IDRA) ANNOUNCES THE NOMINATION PERIOD FOR IDRA 2024-2026 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION WILL OPEN ON AUGUST 5, 2024 UNTIL SEPTEMBER 24, 2024

Schedule

Promotion of Nomination

Opening of Nomination Period

Deadline to Nominate

Voting Opens

Voting Closes

approved by Member and Election Committee

Results Announced and Posted

Board Transition

Nominations

To qualify, candidates must have been active IDRA members since July 1, 2023, to be eligible to stand for election. The IDRA Board is a working board with several standing and special committees. Candidates should have strong industry knowledge, an understanding

March 1st, 2024

August 5, 2024

September 24, 2024

September 25, 2024

November 13, 2024

November 13- 23, 2024

November 24, 2024

December 12, 2024

IDRA World Congress, Abu Dhabi, UAE

of IDRA’s mission, Constitution, and Bylaws, and be available to dedicate considerable time to their duties should they be elected. Directors are expected to attend two board meetings annually, actively par ticipate in IDRA’s programs, events, and committees, and under take special assignments

Candidate Eligibility

To be placed on the ballot, candidates must have been:

1. Selected by the Membership & Elections (M&E) Committee.

2. Self-nomination is also accepted

3. Class I and II members or their designated representatives from the same region

4. Submit a written request to the M&E Committee to be considered for election and be sponsored by at least Five Class I and II members or their designated representatives

5. Candidates must: (a) be prepared to serve the desalination and water reuse community rather than espouse the particular interest of any business of the Board, agree to non-compete; (c)

and (d) have a good standing within the desalination and water industry

Regional Representation

the proportion of active Class I and II members in good standing in each region. Twenty-one (21) directors may be elected to the Board of Directors, and each region may have at least one and no more than seven. Based on the membership numbers, the regional allocation of Directors for the 2024 election is as follows:

Elections

Directors are elected by the IDRA Class I and II members through the E-Ballot online voting platform. The Membership and Elections Committee asks that each candidate provide:

• A high-resolution photo

• Short Biography – Max 150 Words

• Brief description of what they intend to contribute to the Association

• Signature on Board Governance and

Ballots will be sent to all active members via E-Ballot on September 25, 2024, to commence voting. IDRA Members will be able to log in and vote electronically. Voting will close on November

approved for posting on the IDRA website (www idrawater.org) on November 23, 2024. An email bulletin will be sent out announcing the elected directors. The transition of the Board will take place on December 12th, 2024, at the IDRA World Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi

From August 5 to September 25, 2024, Members can send nominations to IDRA via easg@ idrawater.org with the following subject: Nomination for Term 21 IDRA Board of Directors

Self-nomination is also accepted and can be sent to easg@idrawater.org

IDRA BUSINESS AND INNOVATION FORUM AT SIWW

June 20, 2024 | 09:00 - 12:30 Room 9A Level 3

The International Desalination and Reuse Association (IDRA) is thrilled to announce its upcoming Business and Innovation Forum at the Singapore International Water Week (SIWW). This exclusive event is an excellent opportunity for industry leaders from both the private and public sectors to engage management.

IDR A WORL D CONGRESS 202 4

The IDRA World Congress 2024, hosted by the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy and widely endorsed by key government stakeholders, is a unique platform for profound knowledge-sharing and impactful interaction to address water scarcity. This congress is strategically designed to pave the way to a more secure water future by delving into various technical and business topics related to innovative energy, desalination, and water reuse solutions.

REGISTR AT ION I S OPE N

Registration for the IDRA World Congress

Join us in Abu Dhabi from December 8th to 12th, 2024, for this groundbreaking event hosted by the Department of Energy Abu Dhabi at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

Contribute to essential conversations on desalination, water reuse, and renewable energy, paving the way for sustainable water solutions. Act now and be part of this transformative journey!

Register Today!

https://wc.idadesal.org/registration-2024/

IGNITE YOUR BRAND - UNLOCK SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AT IDRA WORLD CONGRESS 2024!

The IDRA World Congress has been the premier event in desalination and water reuse technologies for over thirty years. Join the brightest minds in the sector as they address water scarcity and climate change's impact on the water ecosystem.

We are actively accepting sponsorship bookings. Contact the IDRA team at sponsorships@idrawater org for more information.

sponsorships@idrawater.org sponsorships@idrawater.org

SPONSORS TO DATE

Titanium Sponsor

Leader Summit Diamond Sponsor

Sponsors

EXHIBITORS TO DATE

MEDIA PARTNERS

KNOWLEDGE PARTNER

SUPPORTING ASSOCIATION PARTNERS

IDRA AFFILIATES

8 - 12 DECEMBER - ADNEC CENTER ABU DHABI - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

8 - 12 DECEMBER - ADNEC CENTER ABU DHABI - UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

BOOK YOUR EXHIBITION SPACE!

BOOK YOUR EXHIBITION SPACE!

By exhibiting at the IDRA World Congress 2024, you're not just participating in an event you're actively shaping the future of our industry, creating lasting impressions, and fostering collaborations that will propel your business and help solve water scarcity For more information, read the Exhibition Prospectus and Exhibitor Manual

https://wc.idadesal.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IDRA-WC-2024-EXHIBIITION-PROSPECTUS-12-02-2024.pdf

https://wc.idadesal.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IDRA-WC-2024-EXHIBIITION-PROSPECTUS-12-02-2024.pdf

By exhibiting at the IDRA World Congress 2024, you're not just participating in an event you're actively shaping the future of our industry, creating lasting impressions, and fostering collaborations that will propel your business and help solve water scarcity For more information, read the Exhibition Prospectus and Exhibitor Manual

https://wc.idadesal.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IDRA-2024-WORLD-CONGRESS-EXHIBITOR-MANUAL.pdf

IDRA WORLD CONGRESS 2024 FLOORPLAN

IDRA WORLD CONGRESS 2024 FLOORPLAN

ACCOMMODATION RECOMMENDED OPTIONS

ACCOMMODATIONS RECOMMENDED OPTIONS

As anticipation builds for the upcoming IDRA World Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi, we are pleased to present a selection of recommended hotels to ensure your comfort and convenience during your stay.

As anticipation builds for the upcoming IDRA World Congress 2024 in Abu Dhabi, we are pleased to present a selection of recommended hotels to ensure your comfort and convenience during your stay.

Please take a moment to review recommended hotels through the following link.

Please take a moment to review recommended hotels through the following link.

https://hotelmap.com/M4XL9

We encourage you to book your accommodation soon!

We encourage you to book your accommodation soon!

WORLD CONGRESS P ROGRAM

WORLD CONGRESS P ROGRAM

8 - 12 DECEMBER - ADNEC

P ROGRAM HIGHLIGHT S

P ROGRAM HIGHLIGHT S

• Four parallel tracks of full-day technical sessions

• Four parallel tracks of full-day technical sessions

• High-level plenary sessions

• High-level plenary sessions

• Leaders Summit (registration required)

• Leaders Summit (registration required)

• IDRA Academy Courses

• IDRA Academy Courses

• Plant Tours

• Plant Tours

• Welcome Reception

• Welcome Reception

TECHNICAL PROGRAM

TECHNICAL PROGRAM

• Gala Dinner with Industry and Sustainability Awards Ceremony

• Gala Dinner with Industry and Sustainability Awards Ceremony

• Closing Luncheon with Technical Award presentations

• Closing Luncheon with Technical Award presentations

• XPRIZE Water Scarcity Prize Team Summit

• XPRIZE Water Scarcity Prize Team Summit

• Desalination Hackathon

• Desalination Hackathon

• Global Dialogue on Water Reuse Workshop

• Global Dialogue on Water Reuse Workshop

The IDRA World Congress Technical Program presents top-quality papers designed to solidify current industry knowledge and challenge existing assumptions to drive growth in our sector. Get ready to hear about success stories and case studies where serious issues were experienced and resolved. Sharing this knowledge helps us improve technology and advance our industry.

The IDRA World Congress Technical Program presents top-quality papers designed to solidify current industry knowledge and challenge existing assumptions to drive growth in our sector. Get ready to hear about success stories and case studies where serious issues were experienced and resolved. Sharing this knowledge helps us improve technology and advance our industry.

Our papers are focused on practical operations directly from plant operators, as well as cutting-edge research aimed at dramatically enhancing the economics of non-conventional water resource solutions

Our papers are focused on practical operations directly from plant operators, as well as cutting-edge research aimed at dramatically enhancing the economics of non-conventional water resource solutions

• Topic 1: Regulations

• Topic 1: Regulations

• Topic 2: Innovation and Emerging Technologies

• Topic 2: Innovation and Emerging Technologies

• Topic 3: PPP and Finance

• Topic 3: PPP and Finance

• Topic 4: Energy

• Topic 4: Energy

• Topic 5: Climate Adaptation

• Topic 5: Climate Adaptation

• Topic 6: Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

• Topic 6: Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

• Topic 7: Net Zero and a Circular Water Economy

• Topic 7: Net Zero and a Circular Water Economy

• Topic 8: Irrigation and Food Security

• Topic 8: Irrigation and Food Security

• Topic 9: Social Responsibility

• Topic 9: Social Responsibility

• Topic 10: Lessons Learned in Desalination and Reuse

• Topic 10: Lessons Learned in Desalination and Reuse

8 - 12 DECEMBER - ADNEC

8 - 12 DECEMBER -

IDRA WORLD CONGRESS LEADERS SUMMIT

IDRA WORLD CONGRESS LEADERS SUMMIT

IDRA presents the IDRA World Congress 2024 Leaders Summit - an exceptional one-day event held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. This is an exclusive opportunity to interact with peers from across the sector Special registration is required. More details about the program will follow.

IDRA presents the IDRA World Congress 2024 Leaders Summit - an exceptional one-day event held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024. This is an exclusive opportunity to interact with peers from across the sector Special registration is required. More details about the program will follow.

AWARDS | RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE IN WATER MANAGEMENT

We will acknowledge exceptional contributions to the Desalination and Water Reuse Sectors with the following awards:

INDUSTRY AWARDS

01. Excellence in Public-Private Partnership Award

02. Pinnacle of Innovation Award for Most Innovative Utility in Water Management

03. Breakthrough Innovation Award for Most Innovative Company in Desalination Technology

04. Visionary Leadership Award for The Most Progressive Disruptive Policy in Water Reuse

05. Excellence in Water Reuse Performance Award

2024 GLOBAL INDUSTRIAL WATER REUSE CHAMPIONS AWARD:

This prestigious award recognizes excellence in water recycling and reuse programs and is part of the National Water Reuse Action Plan (WRAP), led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The nomination period closes on August 31, 2024, insert the email to submit

SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS

01. IDRA Award for The Most Resilient City

02. IDRA Award for The Most Innovative Water-Energy Nexus Project

03. Global Sustainability Leadership Award for Best Implementer of UN SDG 6: Water for All

04. IDRA Award for Lowest Carbon Footprint in Desalination

05. IDRA Resilience in Action Award for Circular Water Resources

06. IDRA Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Excellence Award

07. IDRA Water Positive Achievement Award

The IDRA Industry & Sustainability Awards nomination period closes on August 31, 2024.

Please submit your nomination by 31st August to: awards@idrawater.org

TECHNICAL PAPER AWARDS:

IDRA will give awards for the best oral and written papers presented as part of the Technical Program

• State-of-the-art

• Research and Development

• Young Leader

• Innovation

• Environment and Sustainability

GLOBAL DIALOGUE ON WATER REUSE WORKSHOP

GLOBAL DIALOGUE ON WATER REUSE WORKSHOP

WEDNESDAY, 11 DECEMBER

WEDNESDAY, 11 DECEMBER 2024

2024

A special roundtable facilitated session will be conducted on Wednesday, December 11th and is open to all who would like to attend and share knowledge that will result in the development of a White Paper on Reuse. We are interested in hearing from people on the regional, national, and local levels and across industries and sectors; we aim to gather a (more) holistic understanding of the different considerations and approaches to advancing water recycling.

A special roundtable facilitated session will be conducted on Wednesday, December 11th and is open to all who would like to attend and share knowledge that will result in the development of a White Paper on Reuse. We are interested in hearing from people on the regional, national, and local levels and across industries and sectors; we aim to gather a (more) holistic understanding of the different considerations and approaches to advancing water recycling.

Following the two-part Global Dialogue on Water Reuse, a white paper summarizing key takeaways and action items will be developed to guide water professionals worldwide as they seek to implement water reuse in their respective countries.

Following the two-part Global Dialogue on Water Reuse, a white paper summarizing key takeaways and action items will be developed to guide water professionals worldwide as they seek to implement water reuse in their respective countries.

SUNDAY, 8 DECEMBER 2024

Agenda to include panels, pitch competitions, networking and more.

Location: ADNEC Convention Center, room to be announced

Timing: 09:00-17:00

Register at waterscarcity@xprize.org

PRE-CONGRESS PROGRAMS

DESALINATION HACKATON

The First Global Hackathon for Sustainable Water Desal and Reuse

SATURDAY, 7 DECEMBER 2024

Powered by ACWA Power in partnership with IDRA hosted by the Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT), Khalifa University

The hackathon aims to deliver meaningful impact by fostering collaboration and encouraging innovative thinking. The winning team will receive recognition and exposure at the world congress, further incentivizing participants to develop innovative solutions with real-world applicability

About the Hackathon

A hackathon is an innovative way of solving a certain problem by bringing together experts in a collaborative environment.

ves

The hackathon's objective, framed around the IDRA World Congress 2024 theme:" Addressing Water Scarcity," seeks to harness participants' collective intelligence and creativity to identify new green solutions for this pressing global challenge.

The Outcome of the Hackathon

The winning team will get:

• Recognition and award

• Opportunity to network

• Exploration of patent opportunities

• Access to resources for idea development

The Aim of the Hackathon

Identify the most impactful solution for addressing water scarcity and implement it.

Registration Opens for Problem Statement and to Participate in Hackathon: 2nd week of September to 2nd week of October 2024 – for more information, please contact: innovation@acwapower.com

Powered by

THINK BEFORE YOU USE: UNDERSTANDING GLOBAL WATER USAGE DISPARITIES

Ever considered the paradox of smartphones and water? On one hand, we're constantly warned to keep our devices away from water, yet on the other, the very birth of these indispensable gadgets relies heavily on water.

Think about it: the manufacturing process of a single smartphone consumes over 12,870 liters of ultra pure water.

Why such a staggering amount? The intricate components of our beloved devices, like chips, demand thorough rinsing, often more than 30 times. On average, a person consumes 3.2 liters of clean water per day. Therefore, producing a single smartphone requires shockingly, the same amount of water that an average person would drink over eleven years.

This juxtaposition unveils a profound truth about our modern world. Our daily choices, like sending a text or scrolling through social media, seem innocuous, but they conceal a vast network of resources and processes behind the sleek screens. Water is intrinsic to every aspect of our lives and whether you realize it or not, we are all responsible for our water footprint.

IDRA is dedicated to promoting sustainable water management. Our Be Water Positive+ Initiative informs communities to use water mindfully in order to reduce their water footprint by supporting desalination and water reuse technologies.

Learn more about your impact on the global water footprint : http://www.idrawater.org/

DR. K.C.

CHANNABASAPPA

MEMORIAL PHD

SCHOLARSHIP 2024-2025

DR. K.C. CHANNABASAPPA MEMORIAL PHD SCHOLARSHIP 2024-2025

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS IS NOW OPEN

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PROCESS IS NOW OPEN

THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO AUGUST 31, 2024

THE SUBMISSION DEADLINE HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO AUGUST 31, 2024

Applicants for the Dr K.C. Channabasappa Memorial PhD Scholarship must be among the top 10% of graduates from accredited universities in science or engineering and are members of IDRA.

Applicants for the Dr K.C. Channabasappa Memorial PhD Scholarship must be among the top 10% of graduates from accredited universities in science or engineering and are members of IDRA.

Applicants need to show admission to a doctoral program in desalination or water reuse, along with leadership potential. The scholarship provides up to USD 10,000, paid in and submission of a mid-term progress report. Recipients must supplement the grant with other funds to complete their degree.

Applicants need to show admission to a doctoral program in desalination or water reuse, along with leadership potential. The scholarship provides up to USD 10,000, paid in and submission of a mid-term progress report. Recipients must supplement the grant with other funds to complete their degree.

The scholarship aims to support graduate students pursuing desalination and water reuse research.

The scholarship aims to support graduate students pursuing desalination and water reuse research.

Apply online https://idadesal.org/training/ scholarship-program/ For more information, contact easg@idadesal.org

Apply online https://idadesal.org/training/ scholarship-program/ For more information, contact easg@idadesal.org

IDRA FELLOW AWARD PROGRA

IDRA FELLOWSHIP AWARD PROGRAM

The Fellowship is considered one of the industry’s most prestigious awards, recognizing individuals with exceptional professional achievements and dedication to advancing desalination and water reuse. This program plays an important role in promoting education and fostering information exchange among industry professionals – two essential of supporting development of and promoting the use of desalination and water reuse technologies globally.

The Fellowship is considered one of the industry’s most prestigious awards, recognizing individuals with exceptional professional achievements and dedication to advancing desalination and water reuse. This program plays an important role in promoting education and fostering information exchange among industry professionals – two essential of supporting development of and promoting the use of desalination and water reuse technologies globally.

The Fellowship Award provides recipients with an unprecedented opportunity to spend

The Fellowship Award provides recipients with an unprecedented opportunity to spend

well-respected public utility or research organization – working alongside peers in the desalination and water reuse industry, gaining insights into the host agency ’ s operations, strategies and policies. The host agency also knowledge and exposure to best practices.

well-respected public utility or research organization – working alongside peers in the desalination and water reuse industry, gaining insights into the host agency ’ s operations, strategies and policies. The host agency also knowledge and exposure to best practices.

IDRA is currently seeking a Host Agency for the 2024-2025 Fellowship program. Please contact us at education@idrawater.org for more information regarding guidelines to participate.

IDRA is currently seeking a Host Agency for the 2024-2025 Fellowship program. Please contact us at education@idrawater.org for more information regarding guidelines to participate.

INTERNATIONAL REVERSE

INTERNATIONAL REVERSE

OSMOSIS SPECIALIST CERTIFIED TRAINING PROGRAM

OSMOSIS SPECIALIST

CERTIFIED TRAINING PROGRAM

Level 4 - Expert

Level 4 - Expert

the International Reverse Osmosis Specialist for IDRA members (IDRA members are entitled to a 15% discount on all DHP programs).

the International Reverse Osmosis Specialist for IDRA members (IDRA members are entitled to a 15% discount on all DHP programs).

Level 1* - Fundamental

Level 1* - Fundamental

This is for everyone in RO and/or high-purity water treatment

This is for everyone in RO and/or high-purity water treatment

Level 2 - Intermediate

Level 2 - Intermediate

This is for everyone in RO and/or high-purity water treatment

This is for everyone in RO and/or high-purity water treatment

Level 3 - Advanced

Level 3 - Advanced

This is for lead personnel, engineers, troubleshooters, service techs, etc.

This is for lead personnel, engineers, troubleshooters, service techs, etc.

This is for lead personnel, engineers, troubleshooters, service techs, etc.

This is for lead personnel, engineers, troubleshooters, service techs, etc.

online (computer-based) training or through on-site training. The other levels are only available through on-site training.

online (computer-based) training or through on-site training. The other levels are only available through on-site training.

operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain RO water treatment systems in the most

operate, monitor, troubleshoot, and maintain RO water treatment systems in the most

•A competitive advantage for your company/ agency

•A competitive advantage for your company/ agency

•A positive evaluation of your company by customers and investors

•A positive evaluation of your company by customers and investors

To register via the special app for members,

https://idadesal.org/training/certi cate-and-degree-programs/iroc/ please login here

To register via the special app for members, please login here

w n l o ad o u r p r o d u c t b r o c h ur e

22,000+ US industrial facilities

568 cities from 186 countries in the tariff survey 22,000+ US industrial facilities

57,000+ water & wastewater treatment plants with technology breakdown

1,200+ industrial end users

1,200+ industrial end users

J oi n a D i v e r s e R a n g e

o f W a te r S e c t o r

J oi n a D i v e r s e R a n g e o f W a te r S e c t o r

P r ofe s s i o n a l s a n d

P r ofe s s i o n a l s a n d

E x e c u t i v e s tre

57,000+ water & wastewater treatment plants with technology breakdown

E x e c u t i v e s tre

W h o r e l y o n t h e p l a t f o r m

W h o r e l y o n t h e p l a t f o r m

t h e ba c k b o n e o f t h e i r s t r

ba c k b o n e o f t h e i r s t r a t e g y p l an ni n g f o r t h r e e ke y b u s i n

M a r k e t M e

11 Industrial Verticals

11 Industrial Verticals

568 cities from 186 countries in the tariff survey

webinars

webinars

Webinar 1:

Webinar 1:

From Lab to Field - Accelerating Commercialization of Desalination Technologies

From Lab to Field - Accelerating Commercialization of Desalination Technologies

June 12th, 2024, at 3:00 PM CET

June 12th, 2024, at 3:00 PM CET

Summary - The YLP Committee of the IDRA proposes a webinar focused on the commercialization of cutting-edge desalination and water reuse technologies. This webinar will feature YLP members who will share opinions and strategies to bridge the gap between laboratory research and market success.

Summary - The YLP Committee of the IDRA proposes a webinar focused on the commercialization of cutting-edge desalination and water reuse technologies. This webinar will feature YLP members who will share opinions and strategies to bridge the gap between laboratory research and market success.

International AG

Dr. Antonella De Luca Head of Competence Center Environmental Solutions, Omya

Mr. Carem Habayeb BD and Sales Manager, FEDCO

Mr. Francisco José Jara Lead Process Engineer

Dr. Jungbin Kim Assistant Professor, Wenzhou-Kean University

Dr. Antonella De Luca Head of Competence Center Environmental Solutions, Omya

Mr. Carem Habayeb BD and Sales Manager, FEDCO

Mr. Francisco José Jara Lead Process Engineer

Dr. Jungbin Kim Assistant Professor, Wenzhou-Kean University

IDRA NEWS

Webinar 2:

Webinar 2:

Fostering Innovation in Water Technology and Resource Recovery for Young Leaders

Fostering Innovation in Water Technology and Resource Recovery for Young Leaders

July 24th, 2024, at 3:00 PM CET

July 24th, 2024, at 3:00 PM CET

Summary - Innovation is the driving force behind sustainable water management The IDRA’s YLP dedicate this webinar to exploring groundbreaking desalination and reuse technologies. This webinar will serve as a catalyst for the next generation of innovations in the water industry.

Summary - Innovation is the driving force behind sustainable water management The IDRA’s YLP dedicate this webinar to exploring groundbreaking desalination and reuse technologies. This webinar will serve as a catalyst for the next generation of innovations in the water industry.

Webinar 3:

Webinar 3:

Bridging Disciplines for Collaborative Water Solutions Among Young Professionals

Bridging Disciplines for Collaborative Water Solutions Among Young Professionals

September 16th, 2024, at 3:00 PM CET

September 16th, 2024, at 3:00 PM CET

Summary - Water management in the modern age requires a collective approach. The YLP of IDRA is hosting a webinar on interdisciplinary collaborations in desalination and water reuse, bringing together young professionals ve problem-solving among emerging water leaders.

Summary - Water management in the modern age requires a collective approach. The YLP of IDRA is hosting a webinar on interdisciplinary collaborations in desalination and water reuse, bringing together young professionals action and cooperative problem-solving among emerging water leaders.

Make waves h us

Upcoming Events

SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL WATER WEEK

IDRAisaSupporting Partnerandwill conductabusiness forum

18-22 June 2024

Sands Expo & Convention Centre, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

CARIBDA 2024 BIENNIAL CONFERENCE & EXPOSITION

9-13 July 2024

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Bahamas

WORLD UTILITIES CONGRESS

IDRAisaSupportingPartner

9-11 September 2024

ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, UAE

IDRA WORLD CONGRESS 2024

8-12 December 2024

Abu Dhabi International Exhibition Center (ADNEC)

ADNEC, Abu Dhabi, UAE

AMTA MEMBRANE TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE & EXPOSITION

24-27 February 2025

Long Beach Convention Center, Long Beach, California USA

EDS DESALINATION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, CLEAN WATER AND ENERGY

27-30 April 2025

Alfandega Congress Centre, Porto, Portugal

AUSTRALIA WATER ASSOCIATION OZWATER CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION

20-22 May 2025

Adelaide Convention Centre, Australia

https://idadesal.org/membership/join-renew/

IDRA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

www.andritz.com

www.andritz.com

ANDRITZ

ANDRITZ

ANDRITZ is a globally leading supplier of plants, equipment, automation solutions and services for hydropower stations, the pulp and paper industry, the metalworking and steel industries, as well as environmental and green energy-focused sectors.

ANDRITZ is a globally leading supplier of plants, equipment, automation solutions and services for hydropower stations, the pulp and paper industry, the metalworking and steel industries, as well as environmental and green energy-focused sectors.

The listed Group is headquartered in Graz, Austria. Since its foundation 172 years ago, ANDRITZ has developed into a Group with approximately 30,000 employees, and more than 280 locations in over 80 countries worldwide. As a reliable and competent partner, ANDRITZ supports its customers in achieving corporate and sustainability goals.

The listed Group is headquartered in Graz, Austria. Since its foundation 172 years ago, ANDRITZ has developed into a Group with approximately 30,000 employees, and more than 280 locations in over 80 countries worldwide. As a reliable and competent partner, ANDRITZ supports its customers in achieving corporate and sustainability goals.

ANDRITZ stands for passion, partnership, perspectives and versatility – core values to which the company is committed.

ANDRITZ stands for passion, partnership, perspectives and versatility – core values to which the company is committed.

TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION INSTITUTE

TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION INSTITUTE

www.tii.ae

www.tii.ae

The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is a leading global research center dedicated to pushing the frontiers of knowledge. Our teams of scientists, researchers and engineers work in an and transformative technologies.

The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) is a leading global research center dedicated to pushing the frontiers of knowledge. Our teams of scientists, researchers and engineers work in an and transformative technologies.

We are part of the Abu Dhabi Government’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), which oversees technology research in the emirate.

We are part of the Abu Dhabi Government’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), which oversees technology research in the emirate.

IDRA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

TEDAGUA

TEDAGUA

www.tedagua.com

www.tedagua.com

TEDAGUA (Técnicas de Desalinización de Aguas, S.A ), was established in 1983 in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. In its beginnings it performed its business activities within the Canary Islands and the southeast of the peninsula, with sporadic incursions abroad. Integrated into the Grupo Cobra, it was seen as a benchmark of design, manufacturing, operation, maintenance and engineering

TEDAGUA (Técnicas de Desalinización de Aguas, S.A ), was established in 1983 in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria. In its beginnings it performed its business activities within the Canary Islands and the southeast of the peninsula, with sporadic incursions abroad. Integrated into the Grupo Cobra, it was seen as a benchmark of design, manufacturing, operation, maintenance and engineering

industrial waters, and urban and industrial wastewater treatment and reuse equipment

industrial waters, and urban and industrial wastewater treatment and reuse equipment

The growth experienced by the company these last few years has led TEDAGUA to be considered today as one of the main companies in the water treatment sector in Spain, with contracts

The growth experienced by the company these last few years has led TEDAGUA to be considered today as one of the main companies in the water treatment sector in Spain, with contracts