Sustainability, technology critical to overcome water and energy challenges

SUSTAINABLE use of resources and application of technological innovations to solve critical water challenges particularly in arid regions are the key insights to be tackled at the four-day International Water Summit (IWS) in Abu Dhabi, which ends on January 22.

 

The discussion will be led by Patrick Decker, president and chief executive of Xylem Inc., a leading global water technology company dedicated to solving the world’s most challenging water issues. 

 

“The Middle East is a vibrant, diverse region with a growing need for innovative water technology solutions. Xylem has a long history of partnering with customers to create smart solutions that help address many of the challenges facing arid and rapidly growing regions,” said Mr. Decker. “The International Water Summit serves as an important platform to raise awareness of these growing challenges and to encourage dialogue focused on integrated solutions. For Xylem, it is also an opportunity to reaffirm its commitment to developing pioneering solutions to one of the world’s most urgent issues—the need for clean, safe water and sanitation.”

 

Mr. Decker’s participation in the summit marks his second visit to the Middle East since his appointment as president and CEO of Xylem last year. The discussion will also explore solutions for the distribution of water and energy resources, the interlinked challenges of urban water and energy to enable the growth of cities, and solutions to improve utility performance.

 

Vincent Chirouze, newly appointed managing director of Xylem Middle East and North Africa, added: “IWS is an opportunity for Xylem to meet with existing and prospective customers to demonstrate the role our technology can play in addressing water challenges. Xylem’s vision complements the United Arab Emirates Vision 2021 National Agenda by providing water technology solutions that enable the sustainable development of the United Arab Emirates.”

 

In addition to Mr. Decker’s panel discussions, Xylem vice president and director of engineering and technology for treatment business Glen Trickle will participate in two panel discussions: “Understanding the Economics of Connectivity and Location to Enable Optimised Water Usage” and “Water Stewardship to Improve Local Water Sources and Enable Commercial Sustainability Through a Value Driven Strategic Approach.”

 

Xylem will also present a number of technical workshops during the exhibition, focusing on reliable and energy-efficient wastewater pumping, addressing the harmful algal bloom threat to desalination plants, addressing water micro-pollution, and the optimization of wastewater treatment processes.

 

The IWS aims to tackle the growing need for water-energy solutions, examining the relationship between the two and how they impact the region. The exhibition and conference will take place during Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, hosted by Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company. IWS is also supported by Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority, the Environment Agency of Abu Dhabi, the Regulation and Supervision Bureau and Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company.