WaterProof Magazine nr 2 2020

NUMBER 02, 2020

WATER NEEDS TO BECOME SEXY

BLUE ENERGY READY FOR THE WORLD

CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR AMSTERDAM

EIGHT NOMINEES FOR WIS AWARD 2020

10 YEARS

OF WATER ALLIANCE!

CONTENT

COLOFON WaterProof is the magazine of the Water Alliance, a partnership between government, research institutions and industry in

06

12

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

BIOTRACK DEVELOPS UNIQUE

TRAVELLING TO ITALY

COVID-19 DETECTION METHOD

08

ECONVERT

WATER SECTOR SETS ITS SIGHTS ON YOUTH

FRENCH PARENT GIVES ECONVERT WINGS

WATER FUTURE IS ABOUT TO MAKE HEADLINES

From its base, the WaterCampus in Leeuwarden, the Water Alliance builds on the ‘water technology innovation chain’; a process whereby new ideas from universities, laboratories and test sites are converted into worldwide marketable products.

WaterProof provides regional, national and global information on developments, results and background in the field of water technology.

14

PIETER HOEKSTRA, CIV WATER

10

the field of innovative and sustainable water technology.

Cover Photo Oscar Soderlund/Unsplash

AND: INTRO BY HEIN MOLENKAMP NEWS IN BRIEF DESAH SAUR/NIJHUIS INDUSTRIES THE WATER TECH INNOVATION CHAIN REDSTACK DMT ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGY PURE WATER GROUP MEMBERS OF WATER ALLIANCE

Editor in Chief Menno Bakker

03 04 16 17 18 20 22 24 26

Journal Management Brenda de Jong, Narvic Media | narvic.nl Text Contributors Farah Qureshi, Casper Ferwerda, Menno Bakker Translation Context Talen, Farah Qureshi Graphic Design Jan Robert Mink | minkgraphics.nl Photography Frans Fazzi, Nico Pakvis, Lucas Kemper and many others Printer Drukkerij Van der Eems

Dear reader, stories in this edition of We are aware that some of the ore the outbreak of COVID-19.

Waterproof originate from bef y forces our industry to plan The freeze on the global econom positive developments that for the future and focus on the innovations brought onto are happening around us. New panies we work with and the market, bold moves from com mple. Therefore, we have award-winning members, for exa of the features and interviews. actively chosen not to twist any refer you to our website For current developments, we wateralliance.nl

02 |

‘TESTING’ by Hein Molenkamp

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) has had an unfathomable impact on global health and the economy. To get an idea of the consequences for the Dutch water technology sector, WaterCoalitieNL (the collaboration between Water Alliance, NWP and Envaqua) have been conducting regular surveys amongst 45 water technology companies in the Netherlands. The surveys are not conducted under the guise of science, but are intended more as a rapid-response thermometer to gauge the economic consequences of the pandemic for the Dutch water technology sector.

At the time of writing this, it is impossible to predict what the situation will be by the time you are reading it. One thing is certain: the consequences will be felt nationally and internationally for a long time to come. For now, I would like to focus on measurement. “If you can measure it, it exists”, as a German physicist once said. That was also the case with COVID-19, where many a populist head of government was only really dragged out of the denial phase by revealing test results.

Measuring and testing; we’ve been doing it in the water technology sector for years; possibly a little more than elsewhere. It is a consequence of the fact that we work with often complex innovations to solve even more complex problems. And so we measure; in laboratories and later on, on a large scale, in even larger laboratories and test centres, such as those operated by the Water Test Network, in which Water Alliance is an active partner. If, after all that testing, an innovation still shows promise, we help companies scale up to demo sites and launching customers; we have a lot of these in the vicinity of WaterCampus Leeuwarden; from the size of a large container to a complete factory, such as the REDstack Blue Energy facility on the Afsluitdijk.

The result of all that testing, year in, year out, is that innovations have a chance to mature and improve.

We remain committed to these forms of testing and continue to support companies through these challenging times, wherever possible. The results are evident; groundbreaking innovations that make the world a better, cleaner and healthier place. And it all started with an idea, followed by testing; the absolute foundation of all science.

Hein Molenkamp Managing Director, Water Alliance

‘measuring and testing; we’ve been doing it in the water technology sector for years’ | 03

Wafilin in brine baths CEVAP Technology and Wafilin Systems have entered into a partnership: Hein Weijdema and Henk Schonewille signed a partnership agreement to this effect in May 2020. Together, the companies will provide a unique solution for brine treatment in the cheese industry.

EIGHT NOMINEES FOR THE WIS AWARD 2020

THE ENTIRE WATER SECTOR WILL HEAR ABOUT IT! Like no other in the world, the Dutch have the knowledge to do ground-breaking things with water.

By combining Wafilin System’s membrane

From building dykes, polders and islands, to very specific technological knowledge about water

filtration technology with CEVAP’s evaporation

itself. The good news is, new innovations are added every year. Anyone looking for a sample of these

techniques, the two companies have developed a

innovations need look no further than the WIS Award, the Water Alliance Innovation and Stimulation

process to treat brine used in cheese production.

Award. A short interview with organizers Alex Berhitu and Agnes Dirksen about the very special 2020

The innovative process removes impurities such as

edition, which will be held on 9 October 2020.

micro-organisms and proteins from the brine bath without wasting any brine.

An award is a tried and tested means of putting

have eight candidates this year”, says Dirksen. “And

Both companies are now focusing on completing

companies and innovations in the spotlight. That is

take note: these are not just promising start-ups,

their first project in the cheese industry, with

one of the goals behind the WIS, the Water Alliance

some of them are renowned parties who have held

which they can demonstrate the technique and

Innovation and Stimulation Award. However, it is

a solid position in the market for years and are now

establish it as an accepted standard solution for

not just about the spotlights; far more important

looking for a podium for their innovation.”

brine bath treatment in the international cheese

is ‘selling’ the innovation. That only works if

industry.

you connect with your customers’ needs. A first

The COVID-19 crisis means that the WIS will be

impression is crucial.

organized differently and rather uniquely this year, according to the organizers. Berhitu: “The final will

“You sometimes meet interesting business

be a sort of hybrid event. Finalists, their supporters,

partners over coffee or at a networking event, and

the jury and the media will assemble at Studio Z in

are suddenly asked to introduce yourself and your

Leeuwarden. A professional TV and media studio,

technology during a round of introductions”, says

with a Grand Café in—appropriately—the former

Alex Berhitu, Business Developer at Water Alliance

building of Waterleiding Friesland. From there, the

and founder of the WIS competition. “You usually

finals will be broadcast online as an exciting live

don’t have much time. Keeping it short and concise

show, so everyone can follow along in real time.”

is key. That is also why the initial selection of the competition is based on the candidates’ first pitches”, Cheese in a brine bath.

‘Water is soft and humble, but it is the most powerful and is the most endurable’ Debasish Mridha American physician, philosopher, poet-seers, and author 04 |

Berhitu continues. “Not everyone finds it easy to

WIS AWARD

present their innovation in a clear and compelling

When: 9 October 2020

way. By participating in the WIS, pitching and feeling

(check wateralliance.nl for free registration)

the competitive element, they can train this.”

Organization: Water Alliance The eight candidates

Participation alone generates a lot of media attention

• Susphos (innovation: Susfire),

for the participants, as past editions have shown,

• Noria (innovation: CirCleaner®)

but it is a home run for the winner. In that context,

• Jotem Waterbehandeling

Communication Manager Agnes Dirksen references

(innovation: Smartbox)

the most recent winner, Hydraloop Systems. “After

• O3 Systems Technology

winning the award in 2018, Hydraloop Systems

(innovation: FOX Friendly Oxidation)

received media attention from all over the world.

• Semiotic Labs (innovation: SAM4)

Their innovation, an in-house water recycling system,

• CTSTwente (innovation: CMF)

appealed to the imagination.”

• Berghof Membrane Technology

It instills curiosity about the latest batch of

(innovation: Tubular Forward Osmosis)

companies preparing for the WIS Award 2020. “We

• Royal Brinkman (innovation: Nanobubbles)

THE WIS AWARD 2020

Wetsus tests new phosphate recovery technique As part of the EU project WATER MINING, Wetsus is testing a new technique to create large vivianite crystals from treated wastewater. To this end, Wetsus is building a pilot installation for Spanish research institute Eurecat in Barcelona to study the new ViviCryst technology. “The technology may be a good alternative for phosphate-rich wastewater streams that have to meet strict effluent requirements�, says Leon Korving, scientific programme manager at Wetsus in Leeuwarden.

In April, the European Commission awarded a EUR 17 million grant for the WATER MINING project. One of the project objectives is to recover nutrients, minerals, energy and water from industrial and urban wastewater and seawater using new combinations of water technology solutions that have already been researched at an EU level.

Inside Wetsus at WaterCampus Leeuwarden. | 05

International Business Italy

Virtual travelling to Italy 06 |

International Business Italy

Water Alliance has been working to link Dutch companies to domestic and international government and industry demand for the past ten years. An important part of our work involves attending international fairs, but we also regularly explore countries. In late June, it was Italy’s turn.

“When exploring a

is a hot topic in Italy, and

Developer at Bluecon,

market, our primary

some of our members

was also satisfied. “I

focus is on the needs

have great solutions for

gained a lot of insight

that may exist and which

that.” Chris Schoenmaker,

into the Italian market

international partners

Senior Economic Advisor

today. It was extremely

can help introduce

at the Dutch Embassy

valuable to us.”

Dutch companies”, says

in Italy, added, “As an

Water Alliance Business

embassy in Italy, we

The team of Water

Development Liaison

would like to establish

Alliance, Proaxxes and the

Juliette Douglas. Italy

a sustainable network

Dutch Embassy in Rome

was no different. In

between Dutch and

plan to work on an “Italian

the form of a webinar,

Italian companies.”

Roadmap” in the coming

Water Alliance linked

months, which will make

several of its members

Participants included

it easier to connect

to Proaxxes [A business

DeSaH, Hydraloop, Van

Dutch water technology

development company

Remmen UV Techniek,

companies to relevant

for foreign companies

Colubris Cleantech,

projects in Italy.

on the Italian market

Akanova, Drop2Drink and

and internationalisation

Bluecon International.

service for Italian SME’s,

Sabine Stuiver, CMO

located in Florence.],

of Hydraloop, said she

the Dutch Embassy and

was very satisfied with

three Italian case owners,

the session. “This was

including an architect, a

a great session for us. I

consultancy firm and a rail

am looking forward to

transport company.

continuing working on an

The underlying idea

Italian Roadmap to see

is clear, says Douglas.

how it can work out for

“Water saving and reuse

our company.” Paul van

in the urban environment

de Grift, LATAM Business

Juliette Douglas: ‘Water saving and reuse in the urban environment is a hot topic in Italy, and some of our members have great solutions for that’

If you are interested in participating in this initiative, please contact Juliette Douglas via j.douglas@wateralliance.nl, or Harro Brons, International Business Development Manager via h.brons@wateralliance.nl | 07

Interview Pieter Hoekstra, CIV Water

‘water needs to become sexy’ European water sector sets its sights on youth

Pieter Hoekstra at WaterCampus Leeuwarden.

There are huge differences when it comes to water throughout Europe.

Not only in terms of availability, but in price too. One issue shared by many European countries, however, is a shortage of young people for water-related training, especially in preparation for operational work. To tackle the issue, Europe has joined forces to improve training for water technicians in secondary vocational education. The European Platform of Vocational Excellence Water (PoVE) was launched in Brussels earlier this year.

The partners held a virtual meeting in late May. An update.

08 |

For the record, the shortage

different starting points”, confirmed

concerned here is people at the

Nicola Murry of Glasgow College in

vocational excellence and training

Scotland. Břetislav Skácel of CREA

(VET-level, red.) level. “It’s about

Hydro & Energy from the Czech

highly-skilled tradespeople”,

Republic touched on what almost

says Pieter Hoekstra, CIV Water

everyone is struggling with. “Our

programme manager at Water

water companies are missing skilled

Campus Leeuwarden. “They are the

people. Another problem is that

creators. They know how to make

there is a lack of interest in water-

things.”

related education among young people. That is why the PoVE Water

The participating European parties

project is so important to us. PoVE

met at the end of May—online, due

Water will also help us influence

to the coronavirus crisis. Various

public water companies and draw

presentations showed that there are

their attention to the importance

still major differences between the

of water-related education and the

various European regions. “It was

need to invest in it.” Jānis Rubulis of

surprising to see that we all have

the RTU in Latvia added: “The water

Interview Pieter Hoekstra, CIV Water

‘we want to prepare young people for a globalizing society, and that requires international strategic partners’

sector is vital to society. People—and

Education

VET-level professionals in the water

youth, in particular—seem to have

Hoekstra is proud of the role his

sector. In addition to the skills that

forgotten that. Young people in

CIV can play, but also emphasizes

are important today, the project

Latvia don’t seem to want to work

that he also stands to benefit from

focuses on the emerging skills that will

in the water industry.” Hoekstra

his European partners. “We want

become increasingly important in the

of the CIV is convinced that his

to prepare young people for a

future.

organization and the collaboration

globalizing society, and that requires

at Water Campus Leeuwarden can

international strategic partners. The

The project unifies vocational

play a leading role here. “The water

ultimate goal is that students can take

secondary schools, the water

sector needs to become ‘sexy’

classes in other countries. Achieving

sector, research centres, colleges

again in many European countries.

this requires education curricula to

and government institutions in the

CIV Water attracts young people’s

align with and trust each other. This

Netherlands, Scotland-UK, Latvia,

interest by attending career events

project is an important step in that

Malta and the Czech Republic.

and open days. CIV Water also allows

direction”, says Hoekstra.

students to participate in company training courses at companies such

Skills

as Vitens [large water supplier in the

The PoVE Water is a European project

Netherlands].”

aimed at strengthening the skills of

civwater.nl povewater.eu | 09

Focus Water Future

Crystal Clear Water Future is about to make headlines with a unique water treatment system. Their invention enables agriculture and greenhouse horticulture to efficiently extract salt from used water. The start-up from Dongen in North Brabant, The Netherlands, will be launching the new product in 2021. The launch would not have been possible without first testing ‘EcoGreen’ at the Water Application Centre in Leeuwarden, one of the Water Test Network’s test sites.

at WaterCampus Leeuwarden] and I wrote a plan of action with Emad after a few meetings with them.

We spent around four months on that.” The tests in Leeuwarden allowed Water Future to obtain the required BZG certificate (Assessment Committee for Greenhouse Horticulture Treatment Plants). The Water Application Centre (WAC) delivered the required report to the committee. “The test procedure went smoothly”, recalls Emad. “The WAC has extensive knowledge and know-how. They know all about membranes and were able to make modifications to the system on their own. I only dropped by once to explain our system and the technology. A few phone calls sufficed for the rest.”

Going to market The opportunity to use the Water Test Network served as a bridge to the next step: large-scale testing.

The compact system uses capacitive

“I noticed at Fujifilm that the

Water Future has reserved all of

electrodialysis, in which only charged

current techniques are not optimal

2020 for large-scale testing, aiming

salt ions can pass through the

for greenhouse horticulture”,

to launch the system on a national

membranes. The system purifies

says Willem. “One thing led to

and international scale in 2021.

used water, leading to significant

another. I had a good idea for

Emad: “We are currently testing at

water savings while recovering

removing sodium from greenhouse

five sites—four in the Netherlands

valuable nutrients. There is a lot of

wastewater, allowing the purified

and one in Belgium. The test sites

interest from the horticulture sector

water to be reused. As a result, the

are greenhouses of varying sizes in

and industry, says CEO Willem van

water in the greenhouses can be

which different crops are grown. Each

Baak. He also sees possibilities

circulated longer. It is a great solution

wastewater stream has a different

for irrigation and drinking water

for the increasingly dry summers,

composition. We visit each site every

applications in third world countries.

especially because the horticulture

week to follow the developments

sector is heavily reliant on rainwater.

closely.” Collaboration with partners

Reuse

I presented my idea to Emad, who

is crucial to the development

The enthusiastic innovator is

I met through his studies, and he

process, according to Willem and

running the project with designer

loved it.”

Emad. “The horticulture sector is

and developer Emad Khatibzadeh.

10 |

a great industry to work in”, says

Willem has been working with

BZG certificate

Willem. “Like us, they work fast and

water treatment systems for over

Willem and Emad started work on

efficiently. Our partners include large

thirty years. For years, he worked for

the product in 2017. Two years later,

parties such as the Ridder Group.

Fujifilm, a major player in the world

the duo had a working prototype

Our cooperation with the Water

of film rolls, which became more

and it was time to scale up. “I heard

Test Network was also exceptionally

involved with other products due to

about the Water Test Network at a

satisfactory. The Water Alliance will

digitalization. Fujifilm’s experience

conference, and I was immediately

be very important in marketing

with coatings, for example, is used in

enthusiastic about it”, says Willem.

EcoGreen to other companies and

the production of water purification

“I contacted the Centre of Expertise

the press.”

membranes.

Water Technology [CEW, also located

Focus Water Future

Water Test Network

The Water Test Network, in which the Water Alliance and CEW are partners, is a network of fourteen water-related test facilities throughout Western Europe. These test facilities allow water technology companies to test their innovations in an operational environment, including financial support for the project (up to â‚Ź50,000). For more information about the project and the test facilities, visit: nweurope.eu/water-test-network

The system uses capacitive electrodialysis, in which only charged salt ions can pass through the membranes. | 11

COVID-19 Biotrack

BIOTRACK DEVELOPS UNIQUE COVID-19 DETECTION METHOD Biotrack-CEO Gerard Schouten would like nothing more than to stop COVID-19, but first he hopes to obtain a lot of positive infection data. The data will allow Biotrack’s BT-MED system to become even smarter. The machine appears to be a breakthrough coronavirus detection system. It is fast, innovative and fully autonomous. Customers have signed up from all over the world.

Schouten is not alone in his quest to

says Schouten. “At some point, a

managed to convince us, and we

improve the unique technology. The

professor asked us to use the BT-

started experimenting in late March.

Biotrack team in Leeuwarden consists

MED system to investigate antibiotics

Within two weeks, we had developed a

of nine people, he says the day

resistance in bacteria. It was a complex

basis for DNA/RNA straining to detect

before new job interviews. “The series

job, but we were confident in our

COVID-19.”

production of our autonomous virus

ability and began testing in 2018. Our

detection system—which will soon be

system uses DNA/RNA colouring to

Satisfaction

usable outside the laboratory—takes

make micro organisms visible. It also

Two locations in the Netherlands

around four weeks on average. In the

proved effective on pathogens that

are currently conducting COVID-19

summer, we hope to produce five

hide well in the body. Our method is

tests with the Biotrack system. The

more that can be used for COVID-19

fundamentally different from the usual

results are available within two hours.

research. We have had interest from

analyses.”

To achieve an even better result—

around the world, including the

12 |

such as to what extent a person is

United States and Italy.” Biotrack

Initial experiments

infected—Biotrack also needs positive

began development in April. “In two

Biotrack started giving lectures on

COVID-19 samples with strong

months, we developed a test kit that

the method to doctors, leading to

spreaders. “We’re talking about less

is now being used by a few users. The

questions about further applications.

than 5% of all analyses. A mountain

method generates more information

Would the system also be able to

of data is welcome.” Thanks to efforts

than just a simple positive or negative

quickly detect the presence of Lyme

by Water Alliance, Biotrack is now on

result. It can also indicate how active

disease through blood analyses? Or

the map in The Hague. International

the virus is, and how fast it can spread,

herpes? What about the Epstein-Barr

interest is also rising. Schouten plans

for instance.”

virus (Pfeiffer syndrome)? It all proved

to first focus on the countries in which

possible. Since then, several doctors

Biotrack already has partners. “It takes

Step to the medical world

have used Biotrack’s high-quality

a lot of time to establish a network in

Founded in 2008, Biotrack has focused

analysis services. Schouten: “And

new countries, time that is currently

the development of its detection

then COVID-19 showed up. People

better spent elsewhere.”

method on the world of water

from all sides told me, ‘you need to

technology for years. Two years ago,

do something with that’. But we did

its activities in the medical sector took

not want to rush anything. Biotrack

off. “We sort of rolled into it through

had only just started on the path of

our analysis of hospital wastewater”,

virus detection. One of our clients

biotrack.nl

COVID-19 Biotrack

Gerard Schouten: ‘The method generates more information than just a simple positive or negative result.

It can also indicate how active the virus is, and how fast it can spread, for instance.’

| 13

Focus Econvert

Ids Auke Boersma: ‘Our new parent company enables us to offer large operational and long-term maintenance services to customers all over the world’ 14 |

Focus Econvert

French parent gives Econvert wings In barely eight years, Econvert from Heerenveen, the Netherlands, made a name for itself with first-class wastewater purification technology. The company’s systems are now installed in twenty countries worldwide. Econvert was acquired by the French Saur in April this year. An interview with CEO and co-shareholder Ids Auke Boersma of Econvert.

FURTHER INTERNATIONALIZATION OF FIRST-CLASS WATER TECHNOLOGY FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY FLOWS FROM WASTEWATER. What do you do, exactly?

What is Econvert’s value?

world. Besides our organization, Saur

“We supply technology for water

“We treat every customer as a new

also acquired Nijhuis Industries and

purification using anaerobic

case. What is the specific wastewater

the Italian company Unidro. It fits

bacteria— bacteria that do not need

situation? How can we reduce the

with the growth strategy for industrial

oxygen. Along with clean water, the

customer’s ecological pressure?

water treatment activities. We are

process produces biogas, which

Our involvement doesn’t end with

forming a new platform to grow the

can be used as an energy source.

the delivery of the installation.

industrial water turnover.”

Econvert invents and designs the

We continue to provide support

installations, but we don’t build them.

to ensure that the installation

We outsource that part.”

continues to provide added value

How is coronavirus affecting you?

to the customer. There is also added

“It’s not too bad. Obviously, we

How did it start?

value in closing the cycle as locally

are inconvenienced by delays in

“Econvert’s forerunner focused on

as possible. We achieve this by

projects and postponed investments,

renewable energy. Our projects were

recovering sustainable energy flows

but it’s nothing compared to what

largely dependent on government

from the wastewater close to the

businesses in other branches are

subsidies. That’s nice in itself, but it’s

factory.”

going through. That’s quite sad.”

What is your personal driver?

not a future-proof business model.

who had extensive experience with

Econvert was acquired by French water technology company Saur in April this year. Why did you agree to the takeover?

anaerobic wastewater treatment.

“By joining forces with a larger party,

solving a problem. Econvert does

They were looking for a party to help

we can internationalize further,

just that. Reuse of wastewater and

them market their technology. That

allowing us to work and maintain a

wastewater components contributes

was the start of Econvert’s new style.

local presence in other countries.

to making production chains more

We wanted to make this amazing

An added benefit is that we can

sustainable, which is desperately

technology available to a broad

now also offer a complete post-sale

needed in our world.”

target group. Smaller companies

process. Our new parent company

dealing with wastewater problems

enables us to offer large operational

should also have access to anaerobic

and long-term maintenance services

wastewater treatment.”

to industrial customers all over the

We needed a business model that was less or not reliant on government support. We found it when we started talking to Henk Buis and Pascal Telaar,

“As a business expert, I have always been interested in sustainable technology and international business. I want my work to make a difference, I want to contribute to

econvert.nl

| 15

Update DeSah

DeSah scales up in Sweden Coronavirus countermeasures permitting, a DeSah (member of the Water Alliance) facility in the Swedish coastal town of Helsingborg will be operational by the end of the year. Grey and black water will soon be collected, transported and treated separately for over 1000 new homes and offices in the Oceanhamnen district. The treatment will include the recovery of nutrients for fertilizer. The kickoff is scheduled for January 2021.

The extensive project in

European ‘Run4Life’

grey water (shower,

relied on experience

Sweden is coordinated

project that focuses on

kitchen, washing machine)

gained in Sneek, where

from Sneek, the

source-segregated waste

separately in homes and

the construction of 32

Netherlands. DeSah is

water collection and

offices. The kitchens are

rental homes in the

providing a three-day

decentralized nutrient

equipped with grinders

Lemmerweg-Oost district

training course to prepare

recovery. The same

for processing fruit and

began in 2006, together

operators to use and

principle is being applied

vegetable waste. The

with Wageningen

maintain the system

in the Noorderhoek

waste is fermented with

University and Wetsus.

properly.

district in Sneek, the

the black water to extract

The system was scaled up

Helsingborg is one of the

Netherlands, the Nieuwe

and reuse as much energy

in another district in 2010

fastest growing cities in

Dokken district in Ghent,

and as many nutrients as

with the construction of

Sweden; its population

Belgium, and the Porto de

possible.

232 homes with improved

is expected to have

Molle business centre in

sustainability.

grown by 40,000 by

Nigran, Spain, as part of

DeSah provided the

DeSah hopes that

2035. One of the new

the project.

design for Oceanhamnen

Helsingborg will serve as

districts is Oceanhamnen,

DeSah’s system collects

as an engineering

a gateway to the rest of

which is part of the

black water (toilets) and

consultant. The company

Sweden.

The Oceanhamnen district, Helsingborg, Sweden.

16 |

Update Saur/Nijhuis Industries

Saur consolidates industrial water services in the Netherlands French water company Saur announced the acquisition of two Dutch water technology companies, Nijhuis Industries and Econvert. Together with its existing activities and the acquisition of Italian company Unidro, Saur is consolidating its global industrial water services in a special platform that will be headquartered in the Netherlands.

head of Saur Industrial Water: “Today marks a new step in Nijhuis’ long history of excellence and successful development.”

Holterman emphasizes the new possibilities for the development of new water technologies to address the big water problems of the future. “By partnering with Saur, we are renewing our technological edge for the

Menno Holterman, Nijhuis’

Leading player

coming years and assuring

current CEO, will lead Saur

Patrick Blethon, Executive

our employees, clients and

Industrial Water division with

Chairman of Saur: “This

business partners of our

Unidro and Econvert’s existing

acquisition is a key

commitment to strongly

management teams, while

transformation milestone in

develop sustainable water use

Ronald Ruijtenberg, Nijhuis’

the rollout of our strategy, as it

through innovation, delivering

current CFO, will become the

places Saur decisively among

solid and adaptive solutions

Industrial Water CFO.

the leading players in the

for a sustainable and resilient

global industrial water market.”

future.”

International growth strategy

Blethon: “We will expand on

According to Saur, the three

the strong complementary

acquired companies are

relationship between Nijhuis

complementary; Nijhuis is

Industries and the existing

a recognized global OEM

Saur Industry businesses,

installation builder with a

including Unidro and

broad, international network.

Econvert, to further expand

Econvert is a specialist

our industrial footprint and

in anaerobic wastewater

efficiently serve our industrial

treatment, and Unidro is

customers with increasingly

a specialist in the oil and

innovative solutions while

offshore sector.

defending water resources.”

Saur expects to raise the turnover of its division from

Next step for sustainable water use

€200 million today to €300

Menno Holterman, CEO of

million by 2022.

Nijhuis Industries and future

Menno Holterman: ‘Today marks a new step in Nijhuis’ long history of excellence and successful development’

Signing ceremony for acquisition in Paris on 16 June by Menno Holterman, CEO of Nijhuis Industries (left) and Patrick Blethon, Executive Chairman of Saur (right). Photo: Saur.

| 17

The Water Technology Innovation Chain

The Water Technology Innovation Chain The WaterCampus brings together a complete chain of innovation for water technology, from first idea, research, specialized laboratories, various demo sites, launching customers to commercial international applications by commercial companies. Indeed from knowledge to business. It is driven by the idea that technological development and innovation is needed to develop new markets and create new business opportunities.

18 |

The Water Technology Innovation Chain

WaterCampus Leeuwarden is the meeting point of the Dutch water technology sector and has the ambition to play a sector uniting role for the rest of Europe as well.

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Focus REDstack

REDSTACK PASSED THE START-UP PHASE A LONG TIME AGO...

Blue Energy ready for the world

They were founded within the walls

“When I drive along the Afsluitdijk and

the Minister of Economic Affairs

of Wetsus. In the last fifteen years,

see our plant, I don’t see the technology

heralded the company as a ‘National

they worked passionately on the

or the scale”, says Pieter Hack, the

Icon’. Nevertheless, Peter Hack is

development of Reverse ElectroDialysis

man who took a pioneering gamble

less interested in REDstack’s role in

(RED), leading to the creation of the

and invested in REDstack fifteen years

promoting the Netherlands and more

famous finished product, ‘Blue Energy’.

ago. “The feeling that overwhelms me

interested in what it can do for the

Their pilot plant on the Afsluitdijk is

is inspiration. I am grateful that our

world. “The world desperately needs

impressive, if only due to the scale of

assumptions have been correct so far,

clean energy. We need to get rid of

it. Today, REDstack, a member of the

and that RED is already working so well

fossil fuels. Wind and solar energy

Water Alliance, has long outgrown the

at this pilot scale. I believe that we are

are on the rise, and other sustainable

start-up phase. The technology has

ready to quickly scale up to a 0.5 MW

sources are under development. There

proven itself, and a step up to a large

[megawatt] demo site and a 50 MW

is also a beautiful place there for Blue

demo site and the rollout to the world

plant as our first commercial installation.

Energy. Our technology offers power

is imminent. For investor Pieter Hack,

After that, the world will be ours.”

companies and governments clean

it means that a return is finally in sight

20 |

energy which, in addition to emitting

after fifteen years of pioneering. And

REDstack’s fame was already on

zero CO2, can be supplied continuously,

yet, that is not his main motive.

the rise, especially after 2016, when

regardless of weather and without the

Focus REDstack

The technology can also contribute

Blue Energy Plant at de Afsluitdijk, the Netherlands.

to solutions for other problems in the world. With the European project REvivED, in which REDstack participated, REDstack was given the freedom to also improve the desalination processes. “We could already make fresh water”, says process technologist Jordi Moreno, a Catalan who moved to Leeuwarden for the opportunities in water technology.

“Within the REvivED project and in collaboration with various European parties, we looked at how to make the desalination processes more costefficient. We have made tremendous strides. It’s good; it allows us to help other parties produce fresh water efficiently in areas with water shortages.”

Pieter Hack, founder of REDstack: ‘One of our characteristics is our ability to focus. We don’t try to do everything; we do a few things very well’ need for storage. It also achieves all that

things often take longer than initially

without having a major impact on the

planned. I also learned that there is

However, the core business remains the

landscape. These aspects will become

no point worrying about things you

stacks, Moreno agrees. They will be sold

increasingly important in the coming

have no control over. If, in the face of a

around the world in the coming years

years.”

setback, you don’t give up but instead

if Hack has anything to do with it. “It’s a

put your shoulder to the wheel, you will

unique technology. Nobody has what

move forward.”

we have. Not only does it work really

It has been a long and winding road to get this far, but Hack is tenacious,

well all the time, it is also cost-efficient.

as is his team operating in the office,

One of REDstack’s strong points

Blue Energy is REDstack’s contribution

the workshop in Sneek and on the

is focus, says Hack. “One of our

to the energy transition. In twenty years,

Afsluitdijk. “Granted, it was difficult at

characteristics is our ability to focus. We

when there are only electric cars on the

times”, says Hack of the company’s early

don’t try to do everything; we do a few

roads, I would love to be able to tell my

years. “Especially when a party you

things very well. Our primary goal is

grandchildren: ‘That car is running on

had been working with for a long time

supplying stacks. Stacks are the reactor

grandpa’s electricity.’

backed out, or when a particular grant

vessels with membranes inside, which

was not awarded. As an entrepreneur,

can be used to efficiently generate

I have learned my entire career that

electricity in a high-tech way.”

redstack.nl | 21

Focus DMT Environmental Technology

François Hubert: ‘This project will soon make Waternet one of the largest suppliers of biomethane in the country’ The far-reaching influence of water technology is becoming clear once again in Amsterdam. Households and trucks in the Dutch capital will be supplied with Green Gas in the near future, produced by optimizing the local sewage treatment plant. Water Alliance member DMT Environmental Technology is working on it and explained the project to us.

Circular Economy for Amsterdam Place of operations is the western

The result is a purified biomethane flow.

The cooperation in the consortium

port area of Amsterdam. DMT is

By adding nitrogen, we can achieve the

will provide renewable fuel for 5600

upgrading Amsterdam company

same quality as the natural gas in our

vehicles and 420 garbage trucks.

Waternet’s WWTP at the request of

natural gas grid, and it is ready to be

The project is expected to lead to a

WaterBoard Amstel, Gooi and Vecht.

injected into the pipelines.”

significant reduction of the transport sector’s CO2 footprint in Amsterdam.

It is clear that supplying Green Gas

22 |

to households and cars will lead to

Hubert says that, not only is the

significant reductions in CO2 emissions,

technique unique, but the way the

The biogas upgrading system will

but how does water technology tie

entire project is handled is unique

upgrade 14.7 million m3 of raw

into the process? The solution is made

too. “This is DMT’s largest project in

biogas to 9.7 million m3 of upgraded

possible by an upgrade of the current

the Netherlands, thanks to our Total

biomethane, or green gas. According

WWTP with the latest technology by

Solution Package. As part of the project,

to Hubert, the project will supply

DMT Environmental Technology. “The

DMT will operate the Biogas Upgrading

approximately 10% of the total amount

sludge left over after the purification

Plant for at least ten years. The model is

of green gas used by the national gas

process is transferred to a digester”,

being launched as a so-called EPCMOT

transport network in the Netherlands.

explains Francois Hubert. He is involved

(Engineering, Procurement, Construct,

“This project will soon make Waternet

in the project as Sales & Marketing

Maintain, Operate and Trade) project. A

one of the largest suppliers of

Director at DMT Environmental

consortium is responsible for the entire

biomethane in the country with a total

Technology. “Biogas is produced

project.”

CO2 reduction of 26,200 tonnes per

through a fermentation process

Partner Orangegas is responsible

year using the usable CO2—a total of

in the digester. The typical biogas

for getting the green gas to cars, he

around 5.7 million m3.”

composition produced in this process

explains. The company has a large

is 55% methane, 44% carbon dioxide

number of Green Gas filling stations

and some inert gases such as H2S. The

throughout the Netherlands and

gas composition is separated using a

is the largest supplier of the clean

proprietary biogas upgrading system.

alternative fuel for the transport sector.

www.dmt-et.com

Focus DMT Environmental Technology

| 23

Focus Pure Water Group

From the Netherlands, England and Spain, Pure Water Group’s technology is finding its way into hospitals, pharmaceutical industries, power stations and drinking water companies worldwide.

The company was founded by Johan Ossenblok in 1998. Time for an introduction.

What prompted you to start your own business at the time?

their work. I think we’ve

“I started my company

company. We are not

out of frustration. I

loud-mouthed salesmen,

was employed by

we are people who love

a water treatment

technology and who

company where

offer advice and deliver

boilers and turbines

one reorganization

the best product to fit the

are not allowed to be

followed another. It

customer’s needs.”

contaminated by lime

done well. I am proud of my team. They are the ambassadors of our

moved the customer

the water. They need

bothered me. I felt out of place in the company.

“When I tell people that

systems to power plants

I had established a

we have developed

throughout Europe,

good relationship

technology to produce

Russia, the Middle

with a number of

pure water, they often

East, North and South

Dutch hospitals

say, ‘Ah, so drinking

Africa, South America

and pharmaceutical

water.’ I then explain that

and Australia through

producers. They asked

drinking water is our

local water treatment

me to become their

feed water, and that we

companies.”

second supplier for pure

make pure water from

water systems. That’s

drinking water, among

how Pure Water Group came to be.”

customer was no longer being taken care of. As a service-minded man, that

24 |

or other substances in

How would you explain what you do to someone who doesn’t know the industry?

to the background. The

extremely pure water.

Since 2004, we have been supplying our specific water treatment

theory, nuclear fusion

other things. Pure water

What is the best part of your job?

is used by hospitals,

“I love running projects

source, because the raw

is a sustainable energy

for kidney dialysis for

in different cultures and

materials needed—water

What is your goal?

example, as well as in

for unusual applications.

and lithium—are readily

“Helping customers,

the pharmaceutical

For instance, we

available and will remain

being flexible and

and semiconductor

supplied ITER in the

available for millions of

offering technically

industries. Our client

South of France. ITER is

years. In addition, the

perfect solutions at

base also includes power

an international project

fusion of atomic nuclei

a good price. I want

plants; they produce

involving all the biggest

does not release any

people around me who

steam in high-pressure

countries in the world.

carbon dioxide. We

pay attention to the

boilers to drive a

Its goal is developing

supplied installations

customer; people who

turbine that produces

the energy of the future.

for the production of

can work independently

electricity. To prevent

Not nuclear fission,

pure water. It’s all very

and feel responsible for

any malfunctions, the

but nuclear fusion. In

interesting.”

Focus Pure Water Group

How important is cooperation?

“Extremely important.

The combination of vision and technology can lead to wonderful innovations. We are currently involved in a REDstack project.

We are working on a pilot installation for seawater desalination in Breezanddijk along the Afsluitdijk.

REDstack hopes to use the installation to demonstrate that more efficient desalination

‘We are not loud-mouthed salesmen, we are people who love technology.’

PURE WATER GROUP SELLING WATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS ALL OVER THE WORLD

is possible than with conventional technologies. The installation consists of three systems: two series-connected EDR (Electrodialysis Reversal) systems which achieve the desired desalination step by step, and a separate facility for the production of medium for rinsing the electrodes.

Both EDR systems are equipped with a process control system we developed.”

Do you have a life motto?

“You spend a lot of time working, be it as an employee or a business owner. To me, the most important thing is that my people are happy and satisfied with their work. That gives me energy, too. My motto is: if you enjoy your work, your work is no longer a necessary evil but an enjoyable part of your

Pure Water Group’s Johan Ossenblok (Right) talking to Martien de Bruijn, Alderman for the municipality of Rucphen.

life.”

| 25

Members of the Water Alliance

C E N T R I T E C H S E PA R AT I O N S T W E N T E

HYDRALOOP SMART WATER SAVING

26 |

®

Members of the Water Alliance

water knight

water ¡ onderzoek ¡ advies

| 27

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