Miscellaneous

Water and energy are closely linked and their interdependencies are strong. Water is needed to generate energy with different uses along the energy value chain, while energy is needed to convey or treat water across the water value chain. The water-energy nexus has started to attract greater attention, primarily due to increased energy and water scarcity along with the recognition of their interdependence. Refer to Water 2020 MIR for energy efficiency opportunities at municipal infrastructure.

The growing water scarcity is a key driver for investment in water efficiency interventions due to severe drought conditions and expected longer-term water constraints in the region. Despite South Africa being a water-scarce country, the national average consumption is around 233 litres/capita/day (l/c/d) compared to the international benchmark of 173 l/c/d. The agriculture and the agriprocessing sector are significant water users, and potential markets for technologies that promote water efficiency. Therefore, the market varies from small households to larger corporations and municipalities.

Decentralised water treatment technologies are developing rapidly, while increased competition and demand are providing more solutions that make business sense. There are opportunities for the manufacture, assembly and supply of treatment and reuse components and systems; and in services and products related to industrial symbiosis

With many municipalities starting to feel the strain on supplying potable water and hence implementing restrictions, many households and businesses are looking towards alternative water sources which involve some form of water harvesting. It should be noted that the usefulness / viability / feasibility or water harvesting / storage solutions can be enhanced considerably by combining more than one source of alternative water (e.g. rainwater + greywater etc). For alternative water treatment business opportunities, see market D

There are several resources that can be recovered and converted to marketable products from either municipal sludge or industrial wastewater. Business models and technological complexities vary depending on the resource and target market.

The monitoring of water consumption using standard meters and phone applications, or sub meters and smart meters, the Internet of Things (IoT) and telemetry systems with data logging and analytics. This allows consumers greater access to consumption data and analytics, and can inform decision making

A course on how to navigate the biomass market while taking advantage of opportunities