#Singapore #Aquaporin #Kranji NEWater #biomimetic membranes #Kranji

Aquaporin Achieves 20% Energy Savings at Kranji NEWater Factory

In a significant milestone for water treatment technology, Aquaporin has successfully completed its Living Lab Project at Singapore's Kranji NEWater Factory (KNF). This project led to the implementation of the world's first biomimetic low-energy Aquaporin Inside® CLEAR membrane system, marking a major breakthrough in operational efficiency and sustainability within the water management sector.

The initiative saw these innovative membranes installed and operated alongside other commercial membrane systems for a period of twelve months. Remarkably, the Aquaporin membranes have demonstrated the ability to save up to 20% in energy consumption during the energy-intensive reverse osmosis treatment stage, all while continuously satisfying Singapore's rigorous NEWater quality standards. This achievement is not just a technical victory for Aquaporin but represents a substantial step forward in the adoption of biomimetic membrane technology in Singapore's water treatment processes.

Dr. Gurdev Singh, the Chief Engineering Technology Officer at PUB (Singapore's National Water Agency), emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving these results. He expressed, "At PUB, we recognize that the future of water management lies in meaningful collaborations. We actively seek to partner with industry players who share our vision of innovation and sustainability." His remarks highlight PUB's dedication to forging partnerships that drive forward-thinking solutions to the water challenges Singapore faces.

Klaus Juhl Wulff, the Chief Financial Officer of Aquaporin and CEO of Aquaporin Asia, shared his pride in the project’s outcomes. He noted, "Achieving energy savings of this magnitude while ensuring consistent water quality throughout the NEWater treatment process reinforces the practical application and positive influence of our biomimetic technology. Our successful partnership with PUB showcases what can be accomplished when shared visions are put into action."

Enhanced Collaboration

The success of this project can be attributed to the robust working relationship between Aquaporin and PUB. This partnership remained involved from the initial planning stages right through to deployment, characterized by open communication and speedy responses to operational necessities. Xuan Tung Nguyen, the Head of Commercial Engineering at Aquaporin Asia, described the collaboration as dynamic, saying, "It has been a great experience working closely with PUB on this project. Witnessing our technology delivering genuine energy savings on a demonstration scale is a proud moment for our team."

Additionally, a Resilience Study was undertaken as part of the demonstration project, simulating up to five years of operational usage under extreme conditions. This study provided evidence that the Aquaporin Inside® CLEAR membranes can sustain their operational lifespan, adding to the body of knowledge regarding their reliability and effectiveness.

The Aquaporin CLEAR membranes will continue to be monitored and operated at KNF, providing NEWater standard permeate that is integrated into PUB’s distribution network. Following the successful conclusion of this twelve-month demonstration, Aquaporin plans to collaborate further with PUB to explore additional opportunities to expand the application of low-energy membrane technology across other NEWater facilities.

About Aquaporin

Founded with a mission to tackle global water challenges through innovative technology, Aquaporin is at the forefront of water filtration solutions. Headquartered in Denmark, the company has operations in Singapore, Turkey, the United States, and China. It leverages biotechnology combined with principles from biology, chemistry, and physics to develop its unique Aquaporin Inside® technology, inspired by nature and backed by Nobel Prize-winning research.

This innovative approach not only addresses industrial waste treatment and enhances drinking water quality but also serves essential needs in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial environments, including NASA and ESA's space missions.