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.
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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.
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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 |
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Members of the Water Alliance
water knight
water ¡ onderzoek ¡ advies
| 27
WaterAlliance
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