The IWA World Water Congress & Exhibition is the global event for water professionals covering the full water cycle. Joining over 10,000 leading water professionals and companies convened by the International Water Association. During the event, thought-leaders, decision makers, leading researchers and business representatives from within and outside the water sector focused on water solutions to shape our water future.
Water Alliance and members Hydraloop + PB International were part of the Netherlands Lounge hosted by the Netherlands Water Partnership. Also the Water Test Network, a partner project, featured on the kings orange pavilion during those six days. The congress in combination with an exhibition floor provided for ample opportunity to gain knowledge and also (re)new connections.
On Tuesday the ambassador of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Denmark Nienke Trooste visited the pavilion and the Dutch companies presented their solution to today’s pressing issues. With droughts, desertification and arid regions on the rise, water is becoming more scarce.. Innovation is vital to keep the much needed blue gold available around the world, for now and in the future. Well known for its (water) ingenuity, Dutch companies further presented themselves at the Business Forum during the World Water Congress, putting the limelight on some of the best the Netherlands has to offer.
Water Alliance member Hydraloop, took the stage to tell their unique story, captivating the gathered audience. With a Hydraloop you can use water twice, saving up to 45% of total in house water consumption. It collects, treats and re-uses the water from showers, baths, washers and dryers, etc. This can be re-used for toilet flushing, laundry, garden irrigation and topping up swimming pools.
Also the Water Test Network featured during the forum. Project coordinator Ruth McNeil spoke about how the transnational network of testing facilities have been accessed by more than 125 SMEs to develop, spoke about how the transnational network of testing facilities have been accessed by more than 125 SMEs to develop, test and verify new products for the water sector. Ultimately shorting the time to market with the help of the WTN.
Water Alliance director Hein Molenkamp explained the unique ecosystem of WaterCampus Leeuwarden, the physical core of the Dutch water technology sector and our ambition to play a sector uniting role for the rest of Europe. WaterCampus stimulates cooperation between (inter)national businesses, knowledge institutes and governments within the water technology sector, in order to create synergy for world class innovation, education and entrepreneurship. In a similar setting international project manager Stefan Bergsma spoke about the importance of cluster collaboration, also a main theme during EWTW 2022 next week.
During a separate session Water Alliance member UV Van Remmen revealed how to accelerate innovation with Advanox, together with their partnership with Nouryon.
Getting up early is not for everyone, but on Wednesday morning a few daredevils of the Netherlands pavilion took it to another level. Taking a refreshing dive in the Copenhagen harbor.
The day further continued in a refreshing session, during the living labs session Ruth McNeil highlighted the importance of the Water Test Network, during the ‘Water orientated living labs as a mean to engage stakeholders in the development and demonstration of water technologies’ session. Also the similarities between a ‘living lab’ and a project with or without an end were discussed.
The International Water Association’s 2022 World Water Congress & Exhibition officially came to a close on Thursday 15 September. The edition, held in Copenhagen, Denmark, was a huge success, combining an expanded programme, important launches and announcements, and excellent attendance in terms of delegate, exhibitor and visitor numbers.
Facts & Figures
500+ Posters and papers submitted
300+ Exhibitors
160 Technical sessions
Participants from 102 countries
42 Utilities’ stories celebrated as part of the Climate Smart Utilities Recognition
Programme
23 Award recipients
16+ Workshops
