THE MARCH TO NET ZERO & WATER POSITIVE (NZ&W+) | REAL END USER EXPERIENCES

By Mr. José Díaz-Caneja Water Business CEO, ACCIONA

Similar to other sustainability aspects such as electrifying operations for decarbonization or fostering diversity in gender and local employment, the more efficient utilization of water is emerging as a crucial component of the sustainability agenda for many of the world's largest companies. Regardless of their business activity or sector, and irrespective of the nature of their water use—be it a direct element in companies are contributing more fresh water to the environment than is consumed by their activities. productive activities, as seen in the mining industry, or a more indirect role as observed in some large technological companies— companies are now taking actions that not only aim to compensate for water consumption but also to have a regenerative impact by creating "new water." Through these initiatives,

The example of water stewardship and leadership from these organizations will provide a much-needed boost to improving the rational and efficient use of water. This is increasingly crucial in today's context, as the impact of climate change is exacerbating water scarcity in numerous regions worldwide. Andalucía, the Spanish region hosting the IDRA summit on water and climate change, is grappling with this issue. In recent years, it has witnessed a significant decline in its groundwater and the water stored in its reservoirs.

As an example of this positive movement regarding awareness of water scarcity and the significance of proper water management within the Mining industry, Freeport McMoran last year used recycled water five times more than new fresh water. It achieved a Water Use Efficiency of 89% in 2022, which is defined as the total use of recycled and reused water divided by the total water utilization minus its treated discharged water.

From a different perspective, another relevant case is Google, aiming for an ambitious replenishing of 120% of the freshwater volume it consumes across its offices and data centers by 2030. This is a significant increase from the 6% replenishing of its freshwater consumption in 2022.

Recognition of the complexity of water management is also emerging from organizations like the Alliance for Water Stewardship, a global collaboration of businesses, NGOs, and the public sector. Seeking the sustainability of local water resources, it promotes a universal framework for the sustainable use of water—the International Water Stewardship Standard, or AWS Standard—publicizing good water practices. These practices could help achieve the next level in a global approach to water use.

But even with the leadership and example of these organizations, there is still a need for a further step to be developed related to the creation of a water net-zero standard and a new water generation trading rights system, similar to what happens with CO2 emissions. Organizations could exchange, trade, and compensate for their water consumption and savings.

I would like to thank Inmaculada Granado from Google, Sandy Fabritz from Freeport McMoran, and José Manuel González, from the Alliance for Water Stewardship for their kind acceptance to join us in Seville and for sharing the experiences their companies and organizations are pioneering in the path to achieving a water net-zero status and become regenerative.

INDUSTRIAL WATER’S NEW FUTURE: THE CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN MOVING TO NET ZERO AND WATER POSITIVE

By Mr. Devesh Sharma CEO, Aquatech International

The industrial outreach committee curated a program focused on key issues facing industrial water, particularlyrelatingtothegrowingimpactsofclimatechange.OnWednesdayafternoonatthehacienda, we conducted three panels; the first one focused on new technology trends and how to accelerate commercialization,thesecondonwater’simpactonthedevelopmentofhydrogen,andthethirdbringing together enduser experiences from diverse industries sharing approaches to move towards a net zero waterpositiveoutcome.

A Golden Age of Technology in Water: Innovation, Technology, and Commercialization Trends

It seems that every week we hear about a new technology in water. Whether it’s a new membrane, a 3-D printed spacer, an AI based digital solution, or a desalination plant sitting on the ocean’s floor, there is no argument that the pace of technological innovation in our industry is at an all-time high.

How many of these exciting innovations, however, achieve true and consistent commercial status? Unfortunately, very few. The water challenges arising because of climate change are demanding new, innovative, and ideally disruptive technologies to save the day… how can our industry adapt?

I had the pleasure of sitting down with Mr. Paul O’Callaghan, Founder and CEO, Blue Tech Research, and Jerry Engel, Adjunct Professor Emeritus, Haas School of Business, UC Berkeley, to discuss puzzle of innovation in the water industry.

The panel kicked off with Paul presenting the Water Technology Adoption Curve (WaTa) which he has studied for years as part of his pHd in XYZ. History shows us that successful technologies take over 12 years to get from concept to full commercialization the water industry Paul also provided an over view on technological advancement in the industry as he overviewed 6 big water ideas, 7 key water technology trends, and 8 innovation arenas.

Jerry Engel, an expert on entrepreneurship and innovation and not traditionally from the water industry provided some fresh perspective on the importance of a balanced ecosystem for the lifecycle of a technology which includes universities and research organizations, entrepreneurs and venture capitalists, and major corporations, the latter being either deployers of technology or end-users. Jerry stressed that the need for more entrepreneurial thinking and business model innovation is critical to quicken the pace of commercialization.

Offering the technology as a service by integrating capital equipment, operations, and finance to offer a performance outcome is an effective way to contract new technology solutions. In this model the focus is more on the experience, track record, and willingness of the technology provider to “Put their money where their mouth is” vs having the enduser get into the nuts and bolts of the system. This approach is gaining momentum and a surefire way to bypass the multiple years of reference building that the industry has traditionally desired.

Another new and novel approach we are seeing in the market is large multi geographical end-users sponsoring technology incubation and shifting their approach from “what can you sell me” to “what can we create together”. This approach is already in action in major corporates like Coca Cola and AB InBev where they are sponsor piloting and demonstration of new technology and fast track adoption as a goal.

The subsequent open dialog between the three of us focussed on one important objective: how to compress the WaTa curve and accelerate the adoption of technology in the water industry. While many issues were debated, two important ideas emerged as some of the more effective methods of achieving this all important goal.

The emerging challenges that need to get solved with new technology are at their peak and will first be addressed by industrial users. The conversation on how our industry can facilitate this and make a step change was invigorating and inspiring and I thank Paul and Jerry for joining us from Dublin and San Francisco to have this important conversation.