Engineering giant bangs drum for smart wastewater reclamation

TECHNOLOGY UPDATE

Electrical engineering giant ABB has declared greater reclamation of wastewater as the “need of the hour” in the oncoming challenge to meet soaring global water demand while cutting emissions to net zero carbon.

The automation manufacturer said technology can improve efficiency in energy use and reduce costs in treating water to make it viable as a source for irrigation and industry. In its report, Being resourceful with wastewater treatment, drawn up with economics consultancy, Developing Economics, ABB said: “The more reclaimed water we can direct towards agricultural and landscape irrigation, industrial processes and non-potable urban applications (such as toilet flushing, street washing, and fire protection) means the less freshwater we are using for these purposes.”

ABB said: “The smart use of advanced automation, electrification and digital technologies can help minimise energy use and carbon emissions across the sector and make cost savings that will increase production at the same time.” ABB cites a Fortune Business Insights’ April 2022 research paper which highlights the development of innovative treatment technologies by partnerships of researchers and manufacturers using, for example, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology.

While there was a Covid induced slump in the wastewater treatment market in 2020, ABB draws on Fortune Business Insights’ findings which predicts growth in the market for plant, services and reagents in the global market of more than 60% to $489bn in 2029 from $302bn today.

The ABB report outlines operating cost for new build plant and for upgrading existing sites with “moderate” and “aspirational” scenarios (see table – source ABB).