Water & Wastewater Asia March/April 2024

FOCUS
two-pronged strategy. By
implementing both HL-EC and HL-EO,
we not only enhance the quality of
the output but also prioritise water
conservation and reduction of
environmental impact. This process
is typically integrated into a larger
wastewater treatment system and
results in effluent that is reusable.
On the other hand, the data centre
industry faces a different set of
challenges. Their operation requires
a large amount of water for cooling
towers and often generates water
that is required to be discharged. Our
advanced HL-EO system oxidises
minerals and contaminants, thus,
neutralising bacteria and breaking
down mineral buildup. The result is
up to 70% less blowdown, an 8-10%
reduction in water use, and a 40-50%
increase in concentration cycles,
offering cost savings and enhanced
sustainability in operations.
NAVIGATING THE CHALLENGES
AND SEIZING OPPORTUNITIES
IN SUSTAINABLE WASTEWATER
TREATMENT
The journey towards sustainable
industrial wastewater treatment
in Asia is paved with challenges.
The high initial costs of deploying
new technologies stand as a
barrier, necessitating the creation
of innovative financing models and
strategies to enhance accessibility.
Equally crucial is the development
of a skilled workforce, trained and
educated to operate and maintain
these advanced systems, which
demands substantial investment in
training initiatives. Furthermore, the
integration of these technologies
into pre-existing infrastructural
frameworks requires careful planning
and execution to ensure efficient
transitions.
However, these challenges also
open doors for inventive solutions,
collaboration, and the establishment
of public-private partnerships.
Governments play a pivotal role as
facilitators and accelerators, bridging
the gap between private entities —
green tech startups like Hydroleap
— and broader sustainability
goals. They create a platform for
these organisations to converge
and collaborate toward shared
environmental objectives.
The Asian region is not without its
success stories, which stand as a
testament to what can be achieved
in the realm of decarbonising
Mohammad (Moh) Sherafatmand
Founder and CEO of Hydroleap
wastewater treatment. Singapore,
for instance, has set a high standard
with the integration of advanced
membrane technologies and the reuse
of treated wastewater in industrial
processes.* Thailand’s utilisation of
biogas from wastewater treatment as
a source of energy further exemplifies
the potential for energy recovery
and carbon emission reduction.*
The pursuit of a decarbonised and
sustainable wastewater treatment
framework in South East Asia is
complex but achievable. It requires a
harmonious blend of ESG goals with
a commitment to efficiency and the
adoption of eco-friendly technologies.
The region is on a path toward
responsible water management,
a journey that necessitates the
collective effort of industries,
governments, and communities.
Every small step taken is a vital part
of the broader narrative toward
achieving ecological balance and
transforming the industry. This
collective endeavour is essential
in turning the vision of sustainable
wastewater management into a
tangible reality.
Moh speaking to former deputy prime minister of Singapore, Teo Chee Hean, and
ministry of finance in 2017
*References are available upon request
Images: Hydroleap
46 Water & Wastewater Asia | March-April 2024