“The Bar Was Set High – and You've Cleared

“The bar was set high – and you’ve cleared it” Revolutionary technique for wastewater treatment North Netherlands commits MAGAZINE to a better world European Water “Wetsus represents a Technology European dream to me” Hub

edition 3 – 2012 Colofon

Water Proof is the magazine of the Water Alliance, a partnership between government, research Keep it simple! (as if that institutions and industry in the Let nothing field of innovative and sustainable wasn’t difficult enough…) water technology. fooL you From its base in North Netherlands, the Water Alliance Great things are happening in the field of water technology builds on the ‘water technology in The Netherlands, both technologically and politically. innovation chain’; a process Developments within the Water “Top Sector” have caught whereby new ideas from the attention of many parties. Plans are being drawn up, and universities, laboratories and innovation contracts are being submitted. But whether it has test sites are converted into caught the attention of the innovatory small and mediumsized worldwide marketable products. enterprises (SME) … This does however pose a challenge for Water Proof provides regional, the economic activity of many regions. So too for the North national and global information Netherlands. SME are primarily concerned about the business on developments, results and at hand today: ‘How will I sell my first project?, ‘How will the project be funded?’, background in the field of water ‘Which countries would I consider exporting to?’ I’m seeing that it’s difficult for SME technology. involved in water technology to comply with all those Top Sector plans. Keeping things simple can be very difficult, and making things difficult can be quite easy to do. This tried-and-true mentality can really help us in the water technology sector to advance in the coming years. As Albert Einstein formulated it: ‘If you can’t Editor in chief: explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.’ In other words: successful Menno Bakker cooperation between technology suppliers (businesses), knowledge institutes and government agencies starts with good, clear communication. The Water Alliance Edited by: intends to play a defined role in this in the coming years. Our ambition: to highlight Henk Dilling our water technology business sector and as such to put The Netherlands on the map as the European Water Technology Hub with fysical core WaterCampus Journal management Leeuwarden. Great opportunities exist for many distinctive technologies which Brenda de Jong, Narvic our companies develop independently or through Wetsus, for example – including Communicatie en Relatiemedia export opportunities! The pertinent question is how we can help develop our water technology companies in order to take advantage of these export opportunities. Text contributor Golden rule #1: Keep It Simple. Companies globally are looking for concrete business. Max van den Broek who makes these beautiful business cards in a snap? Water technology companies must therefore be collectively and more intensively the gnomes? no, you can make your own business cards facilitated in finding and taking advantage of export opportunities. Water Alliance Design online at the website of van der Eems. in no time you wants to help companies with export ambitions through the Waterplein (Water Square) Gilbert Terpstra will have them delivered. Especially for companies that by bringing them into contact with end-users who are looking for new solutions. The good news from the Water Top Sector is that many companies and knowledge Photography will regularly need new business cards. we are willing to institutes have already taken part through Wetsus’ research themes. This organisation Franz Fazzi explain to you how easy our system works. Because seeing has received an important subsequent financing package from the parliament in is believing. look for our full range of printing solutions The Hague, which also demonstrates the government’s faith in the Wetsus formula: Printer on our website: www.vandereems.nl Demand well-directed breakthrough research, through collaboration between Van der Eems businesses and knowledge institutes. Enjoy the read!

EastErEin HEErEnvEEn Bolsward snEEk Hein Molenkamp Seeing is believing Managing Director

WATERPROOF | 3 field interesting andpromising this isanexception potential studentsthat We mustmakeitclearto WP | News in short 4 “The bar was set high – and “The barwassethigh–and

you’ve cleared it” | for Water Technology (CEW) State Secretary opensCentre ofExpertise

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ally ally – hostedbyMasterofCeremonies The initiativeoftheNHLHoge Technology (CEW)inLeeuwarden. An inspiring and festive afternoon An inspiringandfestiveafternoon centre, CEWformstheheartof opportunities andoffers busi offers studentspracticaleducational Centre ofExpertiseforWater government andentrepreneur central themes:education,research, (Wednesday January11)ofthe the Johannes de Doper business the JohannesdeDoperbusiness Loek Hogenhout – featuring four Loek Hogenhout–featuringfour nesses agatewaytonewdiscover school andVan HallLarenstein ship. Thisdescribestheopening ies andexpertadvice.Together with Wetsus, Water Allianceand - - - - ally interesting andpromising field.” entice youngpeopletooptfor a educational centre. “We must of theNHLBoard ofDirectors and and professors togetherwithbusi Within the CEW students, teachers Within theCEWstudents,teachers WaterCampus intheFrisiancapital. future inthissector. Thatmeansthat the challengeathandfornew tates thetranslationofknowledge visory Board, conciselysummarised vice-chairwoman ofCEW’s Super nesses collectivelyconductresearch students thatthisisanexception into economicactivity. in advancedlaboratories.Thisfacili Diane Keizer-Mastenbroek, member we must make it clear to potential we mustmakeitcleartopotential

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- “The Netherlands has defined water “The Netherlandshasdefinedwater “This isagoalthatjustscreams Adema also spoke of the economic Adema alsospokeoftheeconomic Very manyglobalchallengesand opportunities exist which demand opportunities existwhichdemand our economy’s competitivepower. as itstechnologicalarea ofexpertise education withus.Theywillhaveall director, touchedonthesocialduty Gerard Adema,CEW’s managing to ageingoftheworkforce popu the room theyneedtoexcelhere.” these talentedyouthtofollowtheir for youngpeople.We really want to collectivelyimplementimprove value, for example in the form of value, forexampleintheformof ment in the global water issue. ment intheglobalwaterissue. scientific/technical solutions – due scientific/technical solutions–due sents animportantcontributionto jobs andeconomicactivity. because watertechnologyrepre - - - This mustchange.Andthat’s why Adema referred to50%more Bach as well as a willingness to invest in as wellawillingnesstoinvestin and Sciencespokenext.“Thebar elors ‘waterstudents’,5to10% government.” Asgoalsupto2014, education) scientifictechnicians. the sharing of knowledge and in the sharingofknowledgeandin tion withWetsus). together withothereducational Halbe Zijlstra, the Dutch state Halbe Zijlstra,theDutchstate Masters studentsand15completed research programmes (incollabora secretary ofEducation,Culture it”, heproclaimed. “Aclear profile institutions, businessesandthe was sethigh–andyou’vecleared we willnowaddress thisissue, has been established in your plan, has beenestablishedinyourplan, hbo-educated (highervocational however, wenowseeashortageof lation (including other factors) lation (includingotherfactors) - - – from verylarge (e.g.Shelland The CEWcanplayafitting role in Aquascope. “The challenge is to Aquascope. “Thechallengeis to create businessfrom technology. cessful projects, includingBiotrack’s of theStichtingWell foundation.He Gerard Schouten,partneratWestt cycle Research Institute).Usingprac of drinkingwatertechnologyand and MaartenNederlof(professor and policyadvisorforWetterskip CEW’s research ambitionsand CEW fitsperfectlyintothisequa activity andmarketdemand.The of innovationandbusiness.“Within collaboration.” MartinKropff, Rec (professor of wastewater technology under the spotlight by Bonnie Bult under thespotlightbyBonnieBult this.” this.” too referred toanumber ofsuc tical examplesBultandNederlof tion.” than 90companiesare involved the European Union,Leeuwarden tor ofWageningen University, next Fryslân (FrieslandWater Authority)) Paques) tosmallbusinesses.Learn rate world. The last speaker was rate world.Thelastspeakerwas research coordinator atKWRWater research programme were brought public-private cooperation.More showed the successes which could showed thesuccesseswhichcould spoke aboutknowledgeasasource ing andknowledgeare seamlessly is THEposterchildofsuccessful is avaluablecentre inthearea of Development andboard chairman water”, saidKropff. “IthinkWetsus between theacademicandcorpo be achievedthrough cooperation brought intocontactwitheconomic

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5 WP | News in short Water Agenda 2012 Las Vegas, New Delhi, Munich, Moscow, Shanghai, Singapore, Lyon

The items featured on the Water est drinking and wastewater trade lectively address the challenges in

in short Agenda 2012 include the Aquatech fair in Russia. www.ecwatech.com. the area of water. The theme for this in short USA trade show in Las Vegas (March year is: ‘Water Solutions for Liveable 6-8). This show is primarily aimed at From June 6 - 8 the Aquatech China and Sustainable Cities’. process and drinking water. will be held in Shanghai. This trade www.siww.com.sg www.wqa-aquatech.com show plays host to all of the important players in the area of process, November 27 - 30: Pollutec, Lyon,

News Clear message in Talk show Water Alliance News From April 25 - 27 the Aquatech drinking and wastewater. France. A trade show in the area of | |

India show will be held in New www.china.aquatechtrade.com environmental technology, where Delhi. This is the most international the field of water technology is P “Water sector can become jobs P trade show in the area of water July 1 - 5 will feature the IWW in prominently featured. There are treatment and water technology in Singapore. The Singapore Interna- some 300 conferences, including in W W generator of the future” India, with more than 180 exhibitors tional Water Week is a global plat- the area of technical information, from 15 different countries. form (trade fair and conferences) for education and legislation. On the initiative of the Water Alli- from the onset, the corresponding the future; something from which www.india.aquatechtrade.com politicians, policy makers, industrial www.pollutec.com/GB/Pollutec- ance, an informative talk show was potential market will typically reveal many national and regional econo- directors and water experts to col- Lyon.htm organised during the most recent edi- itself naturally.” With his company, mies can reap the benefits.” Hein May 7 - 11: IFat fair in Munich. The tion of the Aquatech in Amsterdam. Tax developed the 2B Sure disinfec- Molenkamp, director of Water Alli- largest fair for innovations and The talk show was held in the Holland tion technique, whereby bacteria and ance (the network for water technol- services in water, sewerage and Together we go! VLM, Waternetwerk be facilitated entirely. Business Pavilion, and was organised viruses in drinking water are eradi- ogy in the North Netherlands) agreed raw materials management. The and AquaNederland..” We also realized such by communications agency Narvic cated. Pieter de Jong, EU Liaison with De Jong. He emphasized that Water Alliance will be present at the Julliette Douglas, According to her, this has pavilions at the Aquat- Inhoudsgevers. Under the direction Officer of the centre of excellence for this is also strongly propagated by fair together with the VLM; space marketing manager at a number of benefits. ech Amsterdam, World of Menno Bakker and Henk Dilling, sustainable water technology Wetsus, the Water Alliance, in close collabora- for a collective pavilion has been Water Alliance: “We are “A professional and clear Water Forum in Marseille three experts in the field spoke about called cooperation the key to future tion with – amongst other organisa- reserved. currently assessing the environment exists, as and at AquaNederland the current state of water technol- success. “You must look beyond your tions – businesses, Wetsus, NOM, interest of our members well as catering and more Vakbeurs.” Are you inter- ogy, about the opportunities for the own boundaries; provincial, but also the municipalities of Leeuwarden From June 5 - 8 the Ecwatech Russia for participation in fairs room for networking ested in participation in future and about the water sector as national. Good ideas and a drive for and Sneek, the provinces of Fryslân, forum will be held in Moscow. The and themed conventions opportunities. Over- one or more events? a European jobs generator. Maurice innovation are not limited by geo- Groningen and Drenthe, the North Ecwatech forum, with more than 800 in 2012. With enough head costs are shared Tax, creative thinker and director of graphic borders. You must think in Netherlands office of the Dutch exhibitors, is renowned as the larg- interest for certain shows, jointly, and the pavilion Contact Juliette Douglas. Bright Spark in Joure, said that the terms of the intended target groups Chamber of Commerce and many we will try to obtain a col- management - coordina- [email protected] creation of opportunities was essen- and markets, instead of in terms of private and public organisations. “We lective pavilion together tion, communication and You can also call: tially a matter of problem-analysis nationalities and regions. If collabora- focus our efforts on creating a bridge with our partners NWP, stand construction - will +31 (0)58-2849044. and solution-oriented thinking. “That tion is sought out more intensively between innovative ideas and their requires a certain mentality. It must – in the Netherlands, but also with translation into successful business be seen as a challenge to contribute other European countries from within models. You really need one another a clear solution to complex problems. the Netherlands – the water sector to make great strides forward.” Northern water companies and governmental If you think according to the solution can become the jobs generator of water boards join forces Cooperation in the water chain Initial SAWA project results is crucial Sensors And Water (SAWA) is a part by the Samenwerkingsverband unequivocally established a change northern-based innovation project Noord Nederland, the Ministry of in the surface water quality after a ‘Connection’ is the keyword for the the association: “Cooperation in the through the association in a number in which companies and knowledge Economic Affairs, Agriculture and quantity of manure was unintention- foundation of the Vereniging van water chain is crucial. This is already of Wetsus’ research programmes, a institutes primarily from the northern Innovation and the European Union. ally spilled into an upstream section Participanten Waterketen Noord- underway, but with the foundation premier water technology research Netherlands develop advanced At SenTec in the town of Glimmen in of the Drentsche Aa. Waterbedrijf Nederland (North Netherlands asso- of the association this cooperation institute. Wetsus director Johannes sensors for application in the area of Groningen province, techniques are Groningen was also aware of the ciation for participants in the water has now been formalised and inten- Boonstra calls the creation of the drinking water quality. The project tested and compared with conventi- incident and temporarily suspended chain). Wetterskip Fryslân, Water- sified. The connection of knowledge association “an important step is an initiative of Waterlaboratorium onal measuring methods. the intake of surface water (even schap Noorderzijlvest, Waterschap and skills and the joint surgence which will lead to greater synergy in Noord (WLN), Investerings- en Ont- though no danger to the public was Hunze en Aa, Waterbedrijf Gronin- in (long term) research is a logical the water chain and the establish- wikkelingsmaatschappij voor Noord- The initial results of the project have determined). An additional benefit gen and Waterleiding Maatschappij step in addressing future challenges ment of the water boards in Wetsus’ Nederland, Waterbedrijf Groningen, been announced. The SAWA sensors of the SAWA measurements is that Drenthe have bundled their forces in the area of water quality, water research.” He also expressed his Waterleiding Maatschappij Drenthe in Glimmen, which use the water the costs are lower than those for the in order to more efficiently invest treatment and water management, hope that more water boards will and Sensor Universe. of the Drentsche Aa river (amongst regular measuring method. in research, at lower costs. Hilde together.” To gain new insights and join the new association. The project is made possible in other sources) as testing water, www.projectsawa.nl Prummel, director of Waterlabora- develop effective solutions, the torium Noord (WLN) and initiator of water partners will jointly participate

6 | WATERPROOF WATERPROOF | 7 The state emphasises appreciation for Wetsus Following his studies in water treatment at Wageningen Shell, Unilever and Heineken – are partners of Wetsus University and his promotion in 1989, Cees Buisman and are active in the field of innovative water technol- by injecting millions worked for Paques in Balk for 13 years. As the director ogy. They consider research and collaboration with of technology and business development, his respon- knowledge institutes essential to the development of sibilities included coordinating the research program this technology. for water and gas treatment technologies. In 2004 he Scientific director Cees Buisman: became the scientific director of the new water technol- It is of crucial importance for the further development ogy institute, Wetsus. A year earlier he was appointed as of the water technology sector that young people opt professor of Biological Recycling Technology at Wagen- for a future in this scientific field, thinks Buisman. “More ingen University, people are retir- “Wetsus represents and from then It is of crucial importance for the further developing than there are on Buisman has people entering divided his time ment of the water technology sector that young the workforce; between the people opt for a future in this scientific field. this is something a European dream academic world which is seen and technological research in the Frisian capital. “It’s all in almost all sectors. If you want to develop a certain really happened so fast”, says Buisman, referring to Wet- industry however, you must surround it with the right sus’ development into a premier technological institute people. In the case of Leeuwarden and the surround- to me” since its inaugural opening in 2004 by Prince Willem ing region, water technology is the relevant sector Alexander. He calls it a gap in the market, one which (amongst other industries). You have to find a way to no-one foresaw. “Up to that point the water world was retain talented people, but also to increase the number strongly dominated by civil engineering. Water issues of students who want to opt for a scientific degree pro- primarily encompassed sewage treatment and drinking gramme – and if they opt for a scientific programme, water. But in reality, problems could no longer be solved that it is a water-related programme. That is why it is The best news that Wetsus has recently through/by civil engineering. Water reuse and seawater very useful to now have the Centre of Expertise for Wa- desalination, for example, saw the implementation of ter Technology (more about this elsewhere, red). One received came out of The Hague: the nanotechnology and membrane technology. These are must make an early start in promoting such a scientific institute will be granted an amount of 19 other scientific disciplines. We have consolidated these programme, and that is the reason that we have now other subject areas with water – in other words: multi- started the Wetsus Three-day Fair, in which primary million Euros – at least until 2017 – from disciplinary research through combining knowledge of schools in Friesland will become familiar with the exact biological treatment processes with, for example, mem- scientific world in a fun way. We want to eliminate the the ministry of Economic Affairs. Every brane technology, materials science, hydrodynamics, preconception that science is difficult by definition. We disadvantage truly has its advantage, microbiology and separation technology. Researchers demonstrate that it is not as difficult as is often thought, from various disciplines came together to look at each and that above all it is fun and interesting. We really as these funds are derived from the other’s work. Knowledge multiplies when you share it.” want to make new friends.” compensation funds for the North due In the meantime, Wetsus has evolved into a leading From an economic perspective, water technology can European “centre of excellence”. Their added value evolve into the new jobs generator, according to Buis- to the cancellation of the Zuiderzee manifests itself in the multidisciplinary collaboration, man. “In the Netherlands 2% of the workforce is active according to Buisman. This collaboration has resulted in in water technology; in Friesland, this figure is 4.5%. (Amsterdam-Groningen) railroad line a heightened level of mutual respect amongst research- That is twice as much. This is positive, even though it is project. The financial injection represents ers, entrepreneurs and government agencies for each important to realise that these are jobs with high pro- other’s field of work, and a realisation that they depend ductivity. At this time the average income in Friesland is a deserved reward for the innovative work on each other to be able to market new ideas and inno- of scientific director Cees Buisman and vations. The institute has effectively created a hotspot In the meantime, Wetsus has in the area of water knowledge around the academic business leader Johannes Boonstra, who research laboratory in the form of facilities for start-up evolved into a leading European both have been involved with Wetsus from businesses, research and production laboratories, spe- “centre of excellence”. Their cial locations for practically demonstrating new tech- added value manifests itself in the beginning in 2004. Water Proof spoke nologies and a concentration of industriousness and education. This is also an international issue – a network the multidisciplinary collaboration, with the scientist. of universities both from within Europe and outside is according to Buisman. consistently being built up, with Wetsus as the meeting place for international research into water technology.

An example of an international (funded by the Euro- relatively low due to a shortage of jobs for highly-edu- pean Union) research project is the CapMix project, in cated/skilled personnel. To give you an idea of this: 4% which 4 European knowledge institutes and 2 private of the Dutch population – that’s about 650,000 people companies co-operate. 90 companies and 17 knowl- – lives in Friesland. They represent 3% of the national edge institutes from all over Europe are currently economy. 750,000 people live in the Eindhoven region, involved with Wetsus. Also multinationals – including which accounts for 17% of the national economy. This is

8 | WATERPROOF WATERPROOF | 9 the big difference commerce and between highly- the sciences. This educated and low- is the role we play educated. Merely with Wetsus. We creating jobs is not are not a company, the key, since this or a university, but does not resolve instead we stand the fundamental between these two problem at hand. major elements.” You must resolve When asked about the productivity his driving motives, problem by creat- he commented: ing jobs for highly- “Wetsus represents educated people. a European dream Academic students to me. I believe ought to relocate to Friesland or remain in Friesland strongly in European cooperation. I think that the various following their studies and work within the province. A cultures in Europe must influence each other far more. good example of attracting and retaining highly-educat- You can learn a lot from one another. At the end of the ed talent is Paques in Balk. As an international research day, more things unite us than divide us. And I also want institute we can help businesses in the water sector in to cooperate in resolving or reducing environmental recruiting scientists for the further development of inno- problems. I’ve been involved with this my entire life. I vative ideas and other forms of collaboration. The point think it’s great that we can address global problems via I believe strongly in European is that an entrepreneur will be able to close a good deal an international institute like Wetsus – that you can use cooperation. I think that the various with a university, both substantially (with regard to the the link between commerce and science to create some- cultures in Europe must influence needs) and financially. I think that it is also important that thing out of nothing.” each other far more. You can learn entrepreneurs are able to call on the Water Alliance with respect to con- He looks back at a lot from one another. At the end tacts in the mar- As an international research institute we can the road which of the day, more things unite us ket, networking help businesses in the water sector in recruiting he walked before than divide us. and international Wetsus with great public relations.” scientists for the further development of innovative pleasure. “Dur- ideas and other forms of collaboration. ing my univer- For his university sity education I do at Wetsus. We are currently have produce energy in a safe manner. In philosophy with Eastern spirituality. work and his ef- developed a new a project on-going for example, in collaboration with Wetterskip Fryslan, According to Wilber, psychology, forts with Wetsus, Cees Buisman received Wageningen process whereby H2S in gas was biologically converted which we convert urine to electricity we are building a pilot to further mysticism, postmodernism, empirical University’s Entrepreneur Award in 2011. “Buisman has to sulphur. After this I further developed and globally while at the same time decontaminat- develop this.” American philosopher science and systems theory constitute a special gift for building networks and marrying science marketed my own innovation in the business world, at ing it. Urine accounts for 60% of the Ken Wilber (1949) is one of his he- a coherent unit. He is a man of con- with commercial applications”, said the jury. “You need Paques. Experiencing this course has been fantastic. You world’s total discharge. With this in- roes. “In his books Wilber integrates nections – as am I.” a connection”, he said. “It’s about the link between evolve from a concept to a product. This is also what we novation we can reduce pollution and ideas from western psychology and

Wetsus focuses on the research and development of entirely new The main objective of Wetsus is to develop (pre)competitive know-how with respect to water concepts and on breakthrough improvements of existing technology. In treatment technology. It is crucial that this know-how is converted into successful, profitable in- both cases, an entirely new approach has been chosen whereby the ba- novations. In this respect, the proximity of test facilities, stimulation of start-ups and a stimulating sic principle is always the integration of various knowledge disciplines. climate for collaboration for the water sector are of great importance. This Wetsus support is avail- In addition to collaboration between industry and universities, there is able for the entire water sector, so not just for its own participants. Furthermore, for the clustering also unique scientific collaboration within Wetsus. Many scientific chairs of know-how it is important that the main research activities of Wetsus are surrounded by related cooperate in the program. Leading researchers from various universi- activities. A certain concentrated critical mass of commercial and scientific activities in the field of ties and other research institutes can physically work side-by-side in the water provides synergy in the shape of natural joint ventures, new creativity and facility sharing, for Wetsus laboratory. This unique collaboration brings synergy and new example. In addition, concentrating water activities in a single geographic area increases the attrac- creativity to the search for new sustainable water treatment technology. tion of the Netherlands as a place of business for foreign water companies.

10 | WATERPROOF WATERPROOF | 11 Municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân represents the link between theory and practice Demo site for new water technology Municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân considers itself perfectly suitable as a location for testing innovative water technology concepts. All the conditions necessary to try out what has been designed at the WaterCampus in Leeuwarden are present in the barely year-old municipality, according to the residents of Sneek and the surrounding region.

“Municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân expand this further.” has freshwater and saltwater, Together with colleague Leo Pieter industrial sites along the water, the Stoel, Offinga is committed on Afsluitdijk and premier companies behalf of the board to fulfilling this in the field of water technology ambition – Stoel being responsible like Landustrie and Paques”, says for economic matters and Offinga Alderman Maarten Offinga. “This for the water management aspect. municipality is very suitable to “Demo sites are crucially important serve as a demo location for the for the translation of innovative de-

Maarten Offinga Missing link Valley. Everything needed to Alderman of SWF “We want to be the link between achieve this is essentially here.” Born: May 28th 1963 in Heerlen theory and practice”, adds Offinga. Family status: Married, 3 children “We’ve made arrangements with The environment, sustainability, the Career: He studied Civil Engineering Leo Pieter Stoel respect to this with the municipal- global need for clean drinking wa- and Business Administration at the Alderman of SWF ity of Leeuwarden, so that we can ter and the search for alternative University of Groningen, obtained his Born: Augustus 22nd 1962 in Masters degree at the University of compliment and support each oth- forms of energy play a great role in Zuidwolde Twente and has worked at de Gront- er, which is beneficial for the whole Municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân’s Family status: Married, 2 children mij, Nijefurd municipality (director province.” He draws a comparison ambitions. But there is also an Career: Following his studies in of municipal works and municipal with Silicon Valley in California, economic incentive. Stoel: “The at- Economy he worked for 22 years in various positions at AEGON. secretary a.i.), Nuon-water and was which has evolved into the world traction of new companies and the Since January 2011 he is councillor director of Aquario Watermanage- centre for high-tech innovation: creation of new economic activity responsible for services and business ment and Legyon. Since January projects developed in Leeuwarden. signs into practical applications which “They also started on a small scale are important for employment and 2011 he is councillor responsible for operation, municipal real estate, Projects like Waterschoon, Blue can also eventually be marketed. No there – and look at what they have the economic development of the finances, core policies, water, tourism economic affairs, land use, waste Energy and the separation of hor- matter how wonderful a concept or achieved! municipality. We will also invest in and leisure, community liveability, collection and sewerage. enforcement and safety measures. monal wastewater at the Antonius design may seem, a potential client this as part of our ambitions. There Political party: VVD Political party: CDA hospital are excellent examples of will always want to see how it func- I see opportunities for Friesland are a variety of benefits.” this. Our vision and ambition is to tions in practice”, says Stoel. to eventually become the Water

12 | WATERPROOF WATERPROOF | 13 European Water Technology Hub Water softening as a mission Drinking water projects paying off Soft water saves energy North Netherlands commits to a Our water is hard – too hard, says water specialist Arie Brals. Through his better world company Best Water Choice (BWC) in Ruinen, he has spent almost 20 years Thousands of people still die due to a lack of clean drinking water trying to convince The Netherlands and sanitary facilities every day. This must change, say government of the usefulness of and need for soft agencies, knowledge institutes and water companies. In the North water. He has designed an innovative Netherlands too, they are collectively working towards improved system which can soften water both for facilities and conditions for people who desperately need it. the private and commercial markets.

A major on-going project is Water This will make drinking water and for Life, an initiative by the two sanitation available to more people. largest drinking water companies in Ghana is an example of this, where The Netherlands, Vitens and Evides. 17 projects have already been In England and France, 10 to 15 keep the bathroom free Since the project’s start in 2004, completed, helping more than % of households have a water sof- of limescale and clean”, already more than 600,000 people 59,000 people. The entire invest- tener. In the US, this figure is 70 %. explains Brals. have been helped in Mozambique, ment totalled circa 637,000 Euros, In the Netherlands however, barely international standards. We have Ghana, Vietnam and Mongolia. which comes out to less than 11 1% of households have a softener. Limescale our own production line in the US “We don’t want to sit idly by while Euros per person. Also Waterlei- This has always been a thorn in the Limescale in the family bathroom and are continually developing our so many people needlessly die due dingmaatschappij Drenthe (WMD), side of BWC water specialist Arie would set the former paramedic products, for example in the areas to a lack of clean drinking water Waterbedrijf Groningen, Province Brals’ side, because the water in and professor of disasters and of material use and more refined and sanitary facilities”, say both of Fryslân, Wetterskip Fryslân (Fries- The Netherlands is also hard – so accidents at the NS on the track techniques.” the drinking water companies. “We land water boards), Wetsus and the hard even, that it is ultimately bad of water softening in 1990/1991: gladly share our knowledge and NHL Leeuwarden are involved with for the environment. “We had just moved from Meppel Energy savings skills with water companies in de- international cooperative projects. to IJhorst, where my wife began to The fact that water softening veloping countries. With the Vitens An example of this is Schoon Water Water’s hardness is expressed complain about limescale deposit eventually leads to saving energy Evides International cooperative we voor Mozambique (“Clean Water in German degrees of hardness in the bathroom – we didn’t have has been conclusively established are making a modest contribution for Mozambique”), a project receiv- (dH). Although water hardness this problem in Meppel. The water by the American research institute to the improvement of living condi- ing support by, amongst others, the in the Netherlands can vary per in IJhorst turned out to be much Battelle Memorial. Brals: “Our tions for millions of people.” The Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The edu- region, the average lies between 8 harder than in Meppel. That’s when system reduces the water hard- Minister for Development Coopera- cation and retraining of people in and 12 dH. “Calcification already I decided to look for a solution. ness back to 0. A reduction from tion and international financial or- Mozambique also plays an impor- begins at a hardness of 3 dH. The After a lot of research I found out 5 to O dH represents 8% energy ganisations such as the World Bank tant role in this project. The Water consequence of this is that chalky about a good water softening sys- savings; from 10 to 0, twice as and the European Investment Bank Service Management department limescale deposits appear in appli- tem from the US. In 1992, Brals left much. In addition, you need far are funding the projects. The goal at the NHL Leeuwarden (NHL) is fa- ances such as hot-water boilers and the NS. He started working at BWC fewer cleaning detergents and will is to improve the management and cilitating this through collaboration washing machines. This diminishes and became the importer for the not cause dirt-attracting streaks on operation of local water companies with universities in Mozambique. the operation and eventually the new American system. In the mean- tiles. This not only applies to the through the sharing of knowledge lifespan of these appliances. Hard while he would continue his work home, but also for example for the and experience. The water compa- water also requires the use of on his own system design – the hospitality sector, hospitals and nies will become more efficient, and www.wmd.nl more detergent and takes longer Omega series. It is the only Dutch care homes. Water pipes also stay therefore also more credit-worthy www.waterbedrijfgroningen.nl to boil. It also, for example, just water softening system which cleaner, which reduces the chance for loans, which will subsequently www.wetterskipfryslan.nl takes a lot of time and effort to complies with all European and of legionella bacteria.” put them in a position to restore www.vitens.nl and expand their infrastructure. www.waterforlife.nl

16 | WATERPROOF WATERPROOF | 17 Impressive project by De Wieren public housing foundation Waterschoon combines innovative technologies

De Wieren housing foundation gies, which allows us to implement the kitchen disposal device is ap- has taken on the restructuring them very effectively on a small preciated.” of the Sneek residential district scale, and therefore at the local of Noordhoek to implement the level. We are the first in the world Ambassador Waterschoon project to show that it to implement, realise a complete The Waterschoon project is a co- is serious about sustainability. “We and comprehensive sanitation sys- operative of De Wieren and DeSah want to go beyond installing solar tem on such a scale.’’ (a Sneek company specialised in panels, applying proper insulation innovative water solutions), Wet- and using sustainable materials. In Biogas terskip Fryslân, Province of Fryslân, this project we will go a step further The treated water is eventually Municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân and show that the application removed from the residential dis- and Stowa (the knowledge centre of innovative technologies can trict and released onto the surface of the regional water management even on a small scale make a water. But the new system also has authorities in Amersfoort). There is significant contribution to a better other benefits. The blackwater will now worldwide interest in the pro- environment’’, explains director be [passed] into a bio-digester in- ject. Even Prince Willem Alexander Henk Heikema van der Kloet. stallation, releasing biogas. This bi- travelled to Sneek last November ogas will subsequently be used for to officially inaugurate the project. heating of the residential units and Heikema van der Kloet: “The Prince Separated collection for tap water in the district. This will is quite familiar with the project and The Noorderhoek residential provide about 12 % of the district’s follows its progress with interest. district will change significantly total heat demand. Heat can also He regularly highlights the project over the coming years. Within 10 be recovered from the graywater, at international congresses about years, some 282 residences will be which is also used for residential sanitation and water management. demolished and replaced by 232 heating. This represents some 10 We really couldn’t ask for a better new residential units. All of these % cost-savings. The waste residue ambassador.” residential units will be connected which remains after treatment is to a completely new sanitation furthermore used to produce a system. This system is based on the fertiliser substitute. separated collection and treatment Henk Heikema van der Kloet of waste streams. Each unit will be Heikema van der Kloet: “The Managing director of Woningstich- Both nationally and internationally, awareness is on the rise equipped with vacuum toilets and environmental returns are great – ting De Wieren kitchen waste disposal devices for we consolidate waste and we can Born: July 21st 1959 in Wetsinge, with respect to the sustainable use of the environment. The organic waste. The organic waste keep the costs of the tenants of our The Netherlands together with the toilet water units manageable. 60 units in the Family status: married, 1 son. Waterschoon project – by De Wieren housing foundation in (blackwater) is diverted to the local district have been equipped with Education: leao, meao, heao and treatment plant located within the the system and experiences have the University of Groningen (law Sneek and her partners – demonstrates that you can also and public administration). district. Other domestic wastewater been good. Of course we have make a significant and revolutionary stride towards a cleaner Career: Councillor and alderman of (graywater) is also diverted here. had some growing pains, but that Adorp municipality, scientific assistant world on a small scale. The new sanitation system in the Sneek Both waste streams are then inde- is to be expected when starting at the University of Groningen, pendently treated. with something entirely new. The organisation/management consultant, residential district of Noorderhoek is a remarkable combination responses we have received from councillor of Haren municipality and Heikema van der Kloet: “The re- residents are positive. Just the fact since 2000 managing director of of innovative water treatment technologies and an example of markable thing about this project is that you no longer have to lug the De Wieren public housing firm. its application at the local level. that we have combined several in- waste container to the street since novative water treatment technolo- organic material is disposed of in

18 | WATERPROOF WATERPROOF | 19 Watercampus in Leeuwarden Many companies, knowledge institutes and educational institutions have come together in de Watercampus Leeuwarden. In a period of 2 years, the campus in and surrounding the former Johannes de Doper church has grown Hans Faber tremendously. In order to consolidate this growth and physically bundle Project leader for the WaterCampus forces, a major extension of the WaterCampus is now in the works, to be annex construction located in the ‘green heart’ of Leeuwarden. In 2014, an iconic building with Born: August 27th 1966 in a surface area of circa 10,000 m2 offering all of the facilities necessary for Leeuwarden Family status: Married, 4 children innovation will adorn the campus. Career: He studied business administration and civil engineering at the Noordelijke Hogeschool in Leeuwarden. He then worked as an advisor and project manager at Oranjewoud, de Grontmij, Rijkswa- terstaat (Department of Public Works and Water Management), Veilig Verkeer Nederland (traffic safety department) and Dantumadeel municipality, amongst other places. He has been a project manager for Municipality of Leeuwarden since 2007. What do you see as your big- gest challenge in realising the new WaterCampus annex? “This is my first real estate project, which is a big challenge in itself. Furthermore, it’s a challenge to create a building which compliments the city’s own ambitions, which exudes an international image and which fits in with the beautiful Portmarge region.”

The preparations for the new build- expects that if everything goes Ambitions ing have reached an important according to plan, construction can The costs for the first phase of the WaterCampus annex phase. Significant strides are now officially begin in the spring of 2013. new construction project have been being made, explains Faber. “The “Assuming a construction period of estimated at 35 million Euros. extension is made possible through 1.5 years, completion in 2014 is still Apart from subsidies from Brussels a European tender, based on which quite achievable.” and The Hague, the Province of becoming a reality we are now establishing our design The definitive design team was sup- Fryslân and municipality of Leeu- team. This team consists of the posed to be established by the end warden are also investing in the architect, a traffic expert, an installa- of 2011 according to the schedule, project. The building is intended tion advisor, a construction advisor but it was decided to first wait until to compliment Wetsus in provid- Preparations for the expansion of the WaterCampus and an advisor in the area of sustain- there is greater clarity regarding ing commercial space for a variety ability and the environment.” the prospected growth of Wetsus of innovative water technology in the green heart of Leeuwarden are progressing (Technological Top Institute in Water companies. The building itself must steadily. Despite the fact that the schedule for Detailed building plan Technology). This growth depends be sustainable, and its architectural This team will further develop of course on the amount granted structure must be a compliment to the new annex construction behind the former the plans based on the architect’s for subsequent funding for Wetsus, the landscape around the Potmarge design into a detailed building plan. which the Cabinet will divulge on river in Leeuwarden. Johannes de Doper church has been somewhat However at this stage Faber cannot in the spring. Faber: “Wetsus is the Our ambitions are great, says Faber. delayed, project leader Hans Faber – appointed by yet say exactly which design this will driving force behind this extension. “But that is necessary if you want to be, since the team has not yet been They currently do not have nearly evolve as a city into the international Municipality of Leeuwarden – is optimistic about the definitively established. Once the enough office and laboratory space. knowledge centre in the area of in- project’s progress. “Our ambition to complete the plans have been completely devel- Their growing needs are the basis novative water technology.” oped, the contractor for the project for the new project and are now new annex by the middle of 2014 is still in place.” will also be designated. Faber promptly being assessed.”

20 | WATERPROOF WATERPROOF | 21 Aqana hands out innovative business card to the world

AQANA COMES UP A WINNER

Revolutionary Aqana, with its DANA technology, has been proclaimed the winner of the WIT Award. “DANA is an innovation project that has evolved from a healthy ambition into a complete and comprehensive product, which will be sure to peak technique for international interest”, read the jury report. wastewater treatment Aqana is a joint venture between Dutch Water Technologies from Leeuwarden and Aqwise from Israel. The new company, located at the WaterCampus in Leeuwarden, is bringing an innovative water treatment technology onto the market under the name DANA. Aqana is also launching DACS: an innovative and economic breakthrough for anaerobic water treatment.

DANA stands for ‘Dynamic ANaerobic Aerobic’ wastewater technology, both in terms of invest- system. Significant benefits of this innovative ment and operation. technology are: it is cheaper and sturdier than other systems and easy to integrate into an exist- First client in Germany ing infrastructure. This means that with a much The technique has been developed over the last 4 smaller investment than before, a comprehensive years by the Israeli company Aqwise, Dutch Water biological wastewater treatment system can be Technologies from Leeuwarden and the Noordeli- achieved more quickly and easily, that produces jke hogeschool Leeuwarden (NHL). This has been energy in the form of biogas. This biogas can made possible by a so-called ‘Eureka R&D subsidy’. subsequently be used as a substitute for natural The technology is based on an anaerobic and gas in, for example, the production process. Since aerobic sludge growth on synthetic base material: the management of such a system also requires a clever synthetic tube a few centimetres long on less attention than other systems, a simple, stable which the bacteria grow. This ‘sludge carrier tech- and reliable power station has also been created. nology’ was introduced to the project by the Israeli The ‘DACS’ concept was also launched as a part of company Aqwise. The anaerobic treatment tech- the DANA technology. The Down-flow Anaerobic nology comes from Dutch Water Technologies. The Carrier-based System can efficiently (inexpensively) NHL’s process engineers supported the research. be applied to a system They assisted in the engineering of the testing for the anaerobic part installation and in carrying out the tests. Aqana is of the DANA technol- now working on the design of several installations ogy. DACS is primar- and on the construction of an installation for the ily intended for the first client in Germany. “We expect that multiple anaerobic process in orders will soon follow”, says general director a simple tank. Exist- Reimond Olthof of Aqana. “Through our intensive ing tanks can also be collaboration with our Israeli partner, Aqana will used with very little also be able to deliver the DANA technology to modifications. With Aqwise’s licence partners which are spread through this Aqana effectively the world.” introduces the cheap- est form of anaerobic

22 | WATERPROOF WATERPROOF | 23 The Northern Netherlands Provinces (SNN): Water Alliance is co-financed by the European Fund for Regional Development and The Ministry of Economic Affairs, Agriculture & Innovation, Peaks in the Delta.

Samenwerkingsverband Noord-Nederland Water Alliance wordt medegefinancierd door het Europees fonds voor regionale ontwikkeling en door het Ministerie van Economische Zaken, Landbouw en Innovatie, Pieken in de Delta.

Agora 4 8934 CJ Leeuwarden The Netherlands E-mail: [email protected] Tel. +31582849044 www.wateralliance.nl