Schneider Electric has published a white paper (www.tinyurl.com/5df8hm45) following the European Water and Wastewater Technical Workshop 2024, held at its electric global offer creation centre and factory for industrial automation in Carros, France.
This workshop brought together leaders from 17 water utility organisations across the UK & Europe. Experts from Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and the UK converged to tackle the critical challenges and opportunities in the sector and act as a catalyst to forge a plan of action to help transform the industry.
WIDESPREAD CHALLENGES
‘The Digital Wave: Transitioning from Legacy to Digital Solutions in Water Management’ white paper identified the following areas the key challenges.
One of the most pressing challenges concerns the ageing infrastructure of water systems that were not designed for the world as it is today and are being stretched evermore by urbanisation, climate change, and obsolescence.
Many of the water supply and wastewater systems are decades old, requiring extensive refurbishment and modernisation to meet the standards required of today’s world. The scale of investment needed to upgrade these systems is immense and utilities are grappling with similar issues, striving to maintain and upgrade infrastructure to meet current and future demands.
Financial constraints was another highlighted. Running directly contrary to the need for substantive capital investment in gaining infrastructure is the requirement to keep water services affordable for consumers. Regulatory frameworks across the regions emphasise efficiency and cost-effectiveness, compelling utilities to find innovative ways to fund necessary improvements without overburdening customers.
The cost of compliance with new environmental laws and upgrading infrastructure to meet higher standards exacerbates financial pressures, while fines from any shortcomings can further add to the burden.
Water utilities in the UK and Europe also face significant regulatory compliance issues. In the UK, these include maintaining ageing infrastructure, adhering to environmental standards set by the Environment Agency, meeting performance and customer service benchmarks set by Ofwat, complying with the UK’s NIS regulations for cybersecurity, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In Europe, compliance revolves around the EU WFD, the Drinking Water Directive, the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive, the Circular Economy Package, and climate resilience strategies. These regulations ensure the protection of water resources, enhance sustainability, and mandate the modernisation of water infrastructure to meet current and future demands.
Despite being at the heart of the solution to many of the challenges faced by water companies, the integration of new technologies into existing systems often presents its own challenge.
While digital solutions, smart metres, and advanced treatment technologies offer substantial benefits, their implementation can be complex and costly. Utilities must ensure seamless integration while maintaining service reliability and mitigating cybersecurity risk. Effective data management and utilisation are critical, requiring robust systems and access to a limited pool of skilled personnel to maximise the benefits of technological advancements.
TIME FOR ACTION
The European Water and Wastewater Technical Workshop 2024 noted the pivotal role of digital transformation, cybersecurity, and automation in addressing water sector challenges. The delegates emphasised the need for innovation, collaboration, and compliance with regulation to maximise its potential.
“As we confront the pressing challenges in the water and wastewater management sectors, the time for action is now. Schneider Electric’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and digital transformation provides a robust framework for addressing these challenges,” says Wez Little, segment lead water and wastewater UK & IE Schneider Electric.
“We urge all water utility companies and stakeholders to embrace the following steps. By taking these proactive steps, we can collectively ensure a sustainable, efficient, and resilient future for water management. Schneider Electric stands ready to support you in this journey, providing the expertise, technologies, and collaborative spirit needed to make a meaningful impact.”
Embrace digital transformationCommit to Modernisation: Prioritise the modernisation of ageing infrastructure through a phased approach. Advanced integration methods and automated tools can streamline this process, ensuring continuous operational improvement.
Leverage Technological Advancements: Invest in digital technologies for real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and automated control systems. These tools are essential for meeting regulatory compliance and optimising operational performance.
Collaborate with Technology Leaders: Partner with industry leaders to access the solutions and expertise needed to effectively navigate the digital transformation journey.
Invest in skills developmentContinuous Training Programmes: Establish comprehensive training programmes that keep your workforce up to date with both new technologies and legacy systems. This ensures your team remains competent and adaptable.
Foster a Culture of Learning: Encourage a culture of continuous learning and innovation to attract and retain skilled professionals crucial for your organisation’s success.
Strengthen cybersecurityAdopt a Holistic Approach: Implement a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy encompassing governance, risk management, and ongoing staff training to protect critical infrastructure and ensure regulatory compliance.
Move to Cloud-Based Solutions: Transition to cloud-based cybersecurity management solutions to enhance protection and compliance, especially in managing legacy systems.
Engage in innovative financingExplore Public-Private Partnerships: Innovative financing options, such as public-private partnerships, can help secure the necessary funding for infrastructure improvements.
Collaborate on National Plans: Optimise resource allocation and collaborate on national recovery plans to support comprehensive modernisation efforts.
Enhance public trust and transparencyProactive Communication: Engage transparently with the public about water management efforts and proactive measures to prevent incidents, thereby building trust and improving public perception.
Leverage AI and Smart Technology: Use advanced technologies to improve operational reliability and address public concerns effectively, particularly regarding issues like sewage discharge and water quality.
Champion industry collaborationPromote Industry-Wide Standards: Advocate for the development and adoption of industry-wide standards and best practices, supporting initiatives that promote universal automation and interoperability across different vendors’ platforms.
Amplify Sector Voices: Schneider Electric can help unify the sector around common goals and solutions by sharing insights and successful case studies.
The challenges faced by the water and wastewater utilities sector are complex, but with strategic action and the right partnerships, they are surmountable. Schneider Electric says it provides a pathway to navigate these challenges, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for water management.