How can we ensure water resources for industrial processes through alternative sources or the circularity of treated water?

Context:

Water is a valuable and essential resource for all human activities. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), global water demand is expected to grow by 50% by 2030, with a projected 400% increase in industry between 2017 and 2050. To meet the demand in the coming years, it is necessary to promote solutions related to the management and reuse of this resource, aiming to limit the use of fresh water solely for human or agricultural consumption.

Opportunity:

Within the framework of the circular economy, the regeneration and reuse of water in the industry are essential tools in reducing consumption and preserving such a valuable resource.

It is necessary to implement technologies to achieve greater efficiency in water consumption in all processes, reduce or even eliminate the use of fresh water, and reuse water through regeneration processes from non-fresh sources (treated and desalinated water). All these solutions will help reduce the environmental impact associated with the processes of any industrial activity.

What we are looking for:

We are seeking solutions that lead to a decrease in the intake of fresh water, contributing to the achievement of the freshwater intake target by 2050. Additionally, positive measures in reducing water consumption in industrial processes, recovering water resources, water capture and management solutions through mature/pre-commercial technologies, zero liquid discharge (ZLD) technologies for rejecting concentrates, maximizing regeneration, and minimizing the cost of evaporation/crystallization will be valued. Also, solutions that reduce conventional desalination costs (3-5 kwh/m3).