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If Only we DIDN’T Have a Water Supply Problem

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Then we could add this renewable (?) energy hydro power solution to our water supply infrastructure system in Nelson Mandela Bay.

The basic premise is simple: Instead of burning off excess pressure through friction like a traditional valve, In-pipe energy technology converts it into electricity to be used by the water agency.?

The energy consumed for water and wastewater treatment is around 3% to 5% of total global energy consumption. That number is only going to increase and its carbon emissions rival that of aviation. But a surprisingly simple idea can make our water supply more sustainable: In-pipe energy.

The estimates of the cost of energy component for water in flat countries is as high as 65% of the price – this technology presents an opportunity to harvest the excess energy that is ‘burnt off’ by pressure valves on a daily basis, along with the ability to harvest electricity from the flow of water in our pipes.

A 2016 global study of the energy used in providing water showed that 42% of the energy used was for supply – the pumps to deliver water – desalination accounted for 26%, wastewater treatment 14%, distribution 13% and transfer 5%.

The video below explores this working solution in more detail.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.