BlueNotes by BlueTech Research

In this episode of the Blue Notes podcast, hosts Rhys and Divya discuss a variety of topics including the excitement surrounding the global premiere of Bluetech's second documentary 'Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey' on Earth Day in New York, welcoming key collaborators. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the new PFAS regulations by the EPA, setting strict maximum contaminant levels for drinking water, which poses challenges and opportunities within the water industry. Furthermore, an upcoming report on water and hydrogen showcases the intersection of the hydrogen economy and environmental sustainability. The episode also highlights the Bluetech Forum in Edinburgh, focusing on hydrogen and PFAS, and an upcoming web briefing on soft sensors technology. The episode wraps up with anticipation for the Bluetech Forum and the insights it promises to bring to water industry professionals00:00 Opening Greetings and Personal Updates00:21 Excitement for the Global Premiere in New York01:21 Easter Holidays and Personal Life Updates02:30 Diving into PFAS Regulations and Industry Impact06:21 Exploring Water and Hydrogen Report Updates08:03 Bluetech Forum and Upcoming Events09:09 Introduction to Soft Sensors Web Briefing10:46 Closing Remarks and Goodbyes--Presented by BlueTech Research, Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence.Join us at BlueTech Forum 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland! Watch the trailer of Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey. Get involved, and learn more on the website: braveblue.world

In this episode, Rhys and Divya discuss the global premiere of 'Our Blue World, A Water Odyssey' in New York, highlighting the fantastic celebration of the planet and the event's success, attributed to the support from various partners. They also touch upon the Brave Blue World Foundation, aimed at fostering scientific, educational storytelling for public engagement. Additionally, the discussion veers into Bluetech Research updates, focusing on recent works around soft sensor technologies and reverse osmosis membranes, including insights into innovation impact analysis related to carbon nanotubes and graphene membranes. The episode provides an engaging overview of recent advancements and events in water technology, alongside personal stories from the hosts.--Presented by BlueTech Research, Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence.Join us at BlueTech Forum 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland! Watch the trailer of Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey. Get involved, and learn more on the website: braveblue.world

This episode of Blue Notes dives into the world of water innovation. Join Divya and Rhys as they discuss the upcoming Bluetech Forum in Edinburgh, Scotland (June 3rd-4th), where industry leaders will explore the latest water tech solutions.They then shift gears to chat about a critical environmental issue: greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment plants. They highlight a new Bluetech Research report on measuring and reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, the biggest culprit. Learn about effective strategies for tackling this challenge.Looking to the future, the conversation explores the role of sensors and data in transforming the water industry. But it's not all smooth sailing - discover the challenges of integrating various technologies and ensuring cybersecurity.Divya and Rhys wrap up by sharing some recent industry news, including a surprising bankruptcy and a major company facing wastewater discharge violations. Plus, get a sneak peek at Bluetech Research's upcoming investigations into reverse osmosis, Legionella control, and advancements in biological treatment processes.--Presented by BlueTech Research, Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence.Join us at BlueTech Forum 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland! Watch the trailer of Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey. Get involved, and learn more on the website: braveblue.world

We delve deep into the transformative role of artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) in the water industry as we explore the rapid evolution of AI technology, including machine learning and generative AI, and how large language models are revolutionizing data analysis, decision support, and customer service within the water sector.We also introduce our new artificial intelligence large language model watch service, designed to keep our clients informed about the latest developments in AI and its impact on the water industry.Furthermore, we share insights from the recent Produced Water Society conference, highlighting critical discussions on water scarcity and produced water management in the energy sector.Additionally, we discuss the results of a global survey conducted by Bluetech Research and the International Desalination Association, focusing on emerging desalination technologies such as brine mining, batch RO, and membrane distillation.A special spotlight is placed on Kemira’s KemConnect technology, a digital platform aimed at optimizing various aspects of water treatment. We explore its integration with large language models for future releases, underscoring the digital transformation occurring within the water industry.Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions and insights from BlueNotes Podcast as we continue to explore the intersection of technology and water innovation.--Presented by BlueTech Research, Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence.Join us at BlueTech Forum 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland! Watch the trailer of Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey. Get involved, and learn more on the website: braveblue.world

In the latest episode of BlueNotes, hosts Divya Inna and Rhys Owen cover a range of pressing topics shaping the intersection of technology, sustainability, and water management.They kick off with a deep dive into the burgeoning lithium industry and its profound implications for the water economy. With the demand for lithium-ion batteries skyrocketing, the hosts underscore the critical role of water technologies across the lithium value chain. They spotlight emerging extraction methods and the evolving landscape of lithium supply, emphasizing the need for sustainable water management practices.  Transitioning to the semiconductor industry, Divya and Rhys shed light on the sector's increasing reliance on ultra-pure water and the sustainability challenges it faces. They explore the intricate technicalities involved in semiconductor manufacturing processes and the pressing need for innovative water management solutions.  Next, the hosts delve into the realm of Earth observation science, highlighting WaterPlan as a standout company utilizing satellite data to assess water risk. They discuss the complexities of aggregating diverse data sources and the potential of Earth observation technology to revolutionize water risk management.  The episode concludes with a focus on digital water technology and innovation, as BlueTech Research presents findings to the US EPA. Divya and Rhys unpack utilities' top concerns regarding water scarcity and aging infrastructure, emphasizing the potential of AI and large language models to address these challenges. If you’re a BlueTech client, you can access the reports featured in this episode:🔎 Lithium and Water 2024 Update, by Dr. Steve Gluck and Martino Finotelli🔎 The semiconductor Industry and Water by Dr. Slava Libman Interested in joining the next web briefing on AI, Large Language Models and the Future of Water, presented by Gigi Karmous and Olga Murujev? Register here.--Presented by BlueTech Research, Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence.Join us at BlueTech Forum 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland! Watch the trailer of Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey. Get involved, and learn more on the website: braveblue.world

In this second episode of the BlueNotes podcast, hosts Divya and Rhys discuss various topics related to the water industry. They begin by mentioning their recent team trip to Lisbon, where they set objectives for 2024 and reviewed the research calendar. The episode covers a recap of the end-of-year webinar, Water Almanac, focusing on key trends in investments and patent activity in the water sector in 2023.👉🏼 Tune in on the Water Almanac recording here.Rhys provides insights into the top 10 patent applicants, highlighting companies like Evoqua, Ecolab, and Veolia. He discusses specific patents, such as Evoqua's work on electrochemical treatments for brackish water and Organo's innovation in boron removal for lithium refining.The hosts delve into investment trends, noting that zero liquid discharge and brine management attracted the most investment in 2023. They mention the significant investment in Gradiant, contributing to this trend. Other areas of investment include Agri-tech, smart irrigation, and resource recovery.The podcast shifts focus to France's efforts to address water scarcity, with President Macron announcing a national water scarcity plan. France aims to increase wastewater reuse from 1% to 10% by 2030, with over a thousand new reuse projects planned.Two emerging technologies are highlighted: Suez's Dehydris Ultra technology for municipal and industrial sludge dewatering and Moleaer's nanobubble technology. Moleaer has seen rapid growth, particularly in applications for farms and greenhouses.The hosts conclude with a preview of an upcoming webinar on advances in direct lithium extraction, emphasising the growing importance of lithium in the water industry. Secure your seat and register here.--Presented by BlueTech Research, Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence.Join us at BlueTech Forum 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland! Watch the trailer of Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey. Get involved, and learn more on the website: braveblue.world

Join hosts Divya Inna and Rhys Owen as they reflect on the pivotal water-related events of 2023. From the rise of PFAS concerns, extreme weather events, and innovations in water treatment technologies to exploring the mysteries of sludge treatment and the quest for effective microplastic detection methods, the hosts delve into the latest insights and breakthroughs. Special attention is given to Blue Tech's November intelligence briefing, highlighting topics such as recycling reverse osmosis membranes, the adoption of anaerobic membrane bioreactor technology, and the ongoing battle against PFAS contamination in sludge treatment. Tune in for a comprehensive overview of the water landscape and a sneak peek into what the water industry may hold in 2024.--Presented by BlueTech Research, Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence.Join us at BlueTech Forum 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland! Watch the trailer of Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey. Get involved, and learn more on the website: braveblue.world

We had the wonderful opportunity to speak with water scientist, NASA Earth Systems Science fellow and co-founder of the Mc Kinsey and company water practise Dr. Giulio Boccaletti. Many of you may be familiar with Guilio from his foundational work on the most seminal report that was ever written “Charting our water future” in collaboration with the World Bank. In this interview we speak with Guilio about his current thoughts on the charting our water future report, his journey thus far in the water industry and of course his new book "Water: a biography” which aims to share how humanity’s relationship to moving water has shaped civilization, transformed political institutions, and defined people’s lives.“We might find the biggest impact of water insecurity, is a flood of people, as opposed to a flood of water”--Presented by BlueTech Research, Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence.Join us at BlueTech Forum 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland! Watch the trailer of Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey. Get involved, and learn more on the website: braveblue.world

“We’ve forgotten that we’re one planet and one family in every sense of the word and if we’re going to successfully reverse global warming, we have to take care of each other and regenerate everything … and that’s what Regeneration does, it provides a much bigger sense of possibility" - Paul Hawken, Author of RegenerationIn this episode we interviewed Paul Hawken, author of Regeneration who will be a keynote speaker at BlueTech Forum this year and discussed with him what regeneration really means, climate solutions that provide people with jobs, purpose, meaning and dignity and of course our upcoming event in Vancouver! Paul speaks to us about an abundance mindset and a renewed solutions orientated approach to climate challenges.We are excited to launch the full podcast episode, and we look forward to Paul Hawken’s BlueNote at BlueTech Forum #regeneration #bluetechforum2022 #watertechnology--Presented by BlueTech Research, Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence.Join us at BlueTech Forum 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland! Watch the trailer of Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey. Get involved, and learn more on the website: braveblue.world

At BlueTech, innovation in the water sector is our favourite subject to discuss. Did you know that just under 10% of water technology innovations have a successful application and even then the impact is often disappointing. If you are wondering why this is the case than this is certainly the podcast episode for you!Towards the end of last year Paul O’Callaghan the CEO and founder of BlueTech Research was awarded his PHD at Wageningen University on the Dynamics of water innovation.The PHD aims to provide insights into the rate of adoption, diffusion and success of innovative water technologies globally. As well as discussing what makes certain innovations successful in his PHD, he also presented the water technology adoption model. Which can be used to monitor the spread of innovations. In this highly anticipated podcast episode Paul will speak to one of the challengers of his PHD, Dr Reinhard Hübner, the CEO at Skion Water.  In this episode Paul and Reinhard will unpack the different types of innovation, rates of success, adoption and give some very valuable advice to start ups in the water industry.--Presented by BlueTech Research, Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence.Join us at BlueTech Forum 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland! Watch the trailer of Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey. Get involved, and learn more on the website: braveblue.world

We are on our third attempt since the 1980s to provide universal access to water. SDG 6 – achieving clean water & sanitation for all by 2030, was not on track even before the pandemic. According to the UN, the rate of progress needs to quadruple if we are to get there by 2030.One of the fundamental challenges we face is that the UN’s sustainable development goals use outdated assumptions of water availability; water scarcity is not adequately taken into account and if we were to roll out the established Victorian system of piped water to every home, to an extra 2 billion people will most certainly end up replicating all of its current problems. A paradigm shift is needed which focuses on innovations in technology, but also within business models: how can we realise the market opportunity of meeting SDG6? Paul O’Callaghan, CEO, BlueTech Research, recently conducted a thought leadership interview with David Lloyd Owen, author of ‘Global Water Funding: Innovation and Efficiency as Enablers for Safe, Secure and Affordable Supplies’ (Palgrave Macmillan, 2020).David began following the water sector in 1989, previously at BNP Paribas and Ecofin Limited and is a member of the Advisory Board for the Pictet Water Fund. He has been carrying out detailed surveys for clients on the current status and future role of PSP in water in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas since 1995. These have evolved into studies on specific aspects of privatization and the analysis of PSP’s evolution since the 1980s. Three major surveys on the practicalities of global water finance have been published between 2006 and 2020.The conversation sets the scene on our current progress towards SDG6 and asks the following questions: • What is the role of the private sector?• How do we make water affordable for people?• Are bottled water kiosks the “cell phone” of water infrastructure?• Rural vs. urban – which problem do you solve first?• What innovative practices and technologies for water and sanitation exist? How do they scale up?• Funding vs. the funding gap – how much money have we spent and how much more money is requiredBlueTech will be producing a report in the near future looking at both how alternative business models will shape the water industry between now and 2030, and where the business opportunities are in addressing SDG6. We believe it to be one the most significant market opportunities in the water sector so far.--Presented by BlueTech Research, Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence.Join us at BlueTech Forum 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland! Watch the trailer of Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey. Get involved, and learn more on the website: braveblue.world

BlueTech Forum 2020 Every industry contains a troop of pioneers – the catalysts, the moonshot thinkers – and doers, the ones we all end up following. It is no different when it comes to water.  BlueTech Research call these companies ‘The Lighthouses’.This opening plenary at BlueTech Forum 2020 featured a cross-section of the world’s leading companies who feature in the Brave Blue World Foundation’s inaugural awards shortlist.In their own unique way, each of the nominees are path-finding and trailblazing; setting ambitious targets, and turning these targets into reality by embracing new innovations and ways of working.Paul O’Callaghan is our host to guide us through the conversation.--Presented by BlueTech Research, Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence.Join us at BlueTech Forum 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland! Watch the trailer of Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey. Get involved, and learn more on the website: braveblue.world

BlueTech Forum 2019Nick works in the Insight and Analysis team of the Ellen Macarthur Foundation, a group of scientists, engineers and other technical specialists, that strive to provide evidence of the benefits of a circular economy as well as insights into the transition pathways. His roles at the Foundation include: managing the case study program that disseminates real life examples of circular economy; a member of the Cities and Circular Economy for Food systemic initiative and the thought-leader on Water and the Circular Economy. Before joining the Foundation, Nick worked for many years as an environmental engineer.His experience includes urban regeneration and landscaping projects for Arup in London, Lebanon and Singapore; solar irrigation and aquaculture in Uganda and Ethiopia; post-conflict and disaster relief work in Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Iraq and Indonesia. He has a Masters in renewable energy, is a chartered member of the Institute of Civil Engineers and a member of RedR.--Presented by BlueTech Research, Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence.Join us at BlueTech Forum 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland! Watch the trailer of Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey. Get involved, and learn more on the website: braveblue.world

BlueTech Forum 2020 Troubled Water: What’s Wrong with What We Drink, Seth M. Siegel explores how America’s drinking water became contaminated, how it impacts public health, and what solutions exist that can make US drinking water safe. Full of shocking stories about contaminated water found across the country, Troubled Water explains how we got to this point, highlights the everyday heroes who have tried to force changes in the quality and safety of drinking water, and concludes with what America must do to reverse decades of neglect.Due to years of Congressional inaction and lack of enforcement by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), contaminants, including pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals, and lead, have been getting into drinking water across America. Many of these contaminants are linked to cancer, heart disease, birth defects, and lowered IQ. Because many of these contaminants are not regulated, no testing is required – leaving millions of households unknowingly at risk. Many communities have been forced to drink bottled water, but the quality and safety of this alternative is also unreliable.Fortunately, technologies already exist that are able to remove these harmful contaminants and make drinking water safe. Since most of the pipes and treatment plants are far beyond their useful life, over $1 trillion is needed to upgrade the US drinking water infrastructure. This crisis provides an opportunity for corporations, academics, and others who can play a part in improving America’s drinking water system, and improving the nation’s public health.Interviewing Seth is Reinhard Hubner, Investment Manager, Skion--Presented by BlueTech Research, Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence.Join us at BlueTech Forum 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland! Watch the trailer of Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey. Get involved, and learn more on the website: braveblue.world

Before founding BlueTech Research, Paul O’Callaghan was lead author on the groundbreaking report Water Technology Markets 2010. This report analysed the prospects of a wide range of innovative technologies across the water and wastewater treatment space. A decade later, we take stock of the changes in Water Technology Markets 2020. What has come to pass? What never materialised? What we can expect as we project out to 2030?The presentation takes into account the impact of COVID-19 and the potential ramifications on the global water technology market. From anaerobic membrane bioreactors to zero liquid discharge technologies, this upcoming report (exclusive to BlueTech Research clients) will summarise the changes within a catalogue of innovations in terms of market trajectory, and the fate and progress of the technology suppliers. The presentation examines:– What trends were called correctly 10 years ago, and what was off the mark?– Which technologies didn’t pan out, and why?– What drives success and failure in water technology innovation?– What will the next 10 years look like? BlueTech Research’s Divya Inna and Paul O’Callaghan guides us through this Water Technology Markets 2020 preview, including mind-maps and forecasts for technology growth--Presented by BlueTech Research, Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence.Join us at BlueTech Forum 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland! Watch the trailer of Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey. Get involved, and learn more on the website: braveblue.world

Water 4.0: The Past, Present, and Future of the World’s Most Vital ResourceDavid Sedlak, University of California at Berkeley.   Keynote from BlueTech Forum 2019. --Presented by BlueTech Research, Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence.Join us at BlueTech Forum 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland! Watch the trailer of Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey. Get involved, and learn more on the website: braveblue.world

In this closing keynote at BlueTech Forum 2018, Michael Flynn from NASA Ames Research Center shared his insights  on managing water in a closed loop environment.--Presented by BlueTech Research, Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence.Join us at BlueTech Forum 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland! Watch the trailer of Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey. Get involved, and learn more on the website: braveblue.world

Mark Nelson, ‘Biospherian’ and Chairman, Institute of Ecotechnics Ecologist and author, Mark Nelson was one of the original ‘biospherians’ and we were honoured that Mark joined us at BlueTech Forum 2020 to share his fascinating story. A renowned international speaker, Mark is also a founding director of the Institute of Ecotechnics and has worked with water, wastewater and natural systems for several decades.Mark was interviewed by Aoife Kelleher, Lead Researcher, Brave Blue World.  Mark shared lessons he learned from his time in Biosphere II around closed loops, connectivity, conservation, isolation and the need to tackle global problems with global cooperation. His research focuses on closed ecological system research, ecological engineering, restoration of damaged ecosystems, and wastewater recycling.Mark is the author of numerous papers and books, including the excellent ‘Wastewater Gardener: Preserving the Planet One Flush at a Time’, co-author of a newly published 2nd edition of “Life Under Glass: Crucial Lessons in Planetary Stewardship from 2 years inside Biosphere 2” (Synergetic Press, 2020) and is featured in the new documentary exploring the Biosphere II journey, Spaceship Earth.--Presented by BlueTech Research, Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence.Join us at BlueTech Forum 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland! Watch the trailer of Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey. Get involved, and learn more on the website: braveblue.world

Michael Pawlyn is an architect and innovator who has been described as a pioneer of biomimicry. He established his firm Exploration Architecture in 2007 to focus on designing high performance buildings and solutions for the circular economy.Prior to setting up Exploration Michael Pawlyn worked with Grimshaw for ten years and was central to the team that designed the Eden Project. Regularly booked as a keynote speaker on innovation, his TED talk has had over 1.8 million viewings and his book Biomimicry in Architecture has been RIBA Publications’ best-selling title. Michael Pawlyn jointly initiated the widely acclaimed Sahara Forest Project; the latest version of which was opened by the King of Jordan in 2017.--Presented by BlueTech Research, Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence.Join us at BlueTech Forum 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland! Watch the trailer of Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey. Get involved, and learn more on the website: braveblue.world

In BlueTech's recent web briefing, TAG expert Corina Carpentier presents some of the findings from BlueTech’s latest Horizon Scan on online bacterial monitoring – an update of our 2017 report. There is a significant and growing need for technologies which can quantify and identify bacterial threats at a high standard, and within minutes, rather than the several days which conventional methods can take. A particular need is for sensors focusing on Legionella, which has seen a steep rise of incidents of Legionnaires’ disease in the US (800% since 2000).The report outlines the latest developments in the regulatory landscape as well as a review of the most innovative technologies which will shape the market landscape over the next 5 years.We hope you enjoy this podcast briefing! --Presented by BlueTech Research, Actionable Water Technology Market Intelligence.Join us at BlueTech Forum 2024 in Edinburgh, Scotland! Watch the trailer of Our Blue World: A Water Odyssey. Get involved, and learn more on the website: braveblue.world