Cleaning Water, Saving Energy

Israeli-based Mapal Green Energy developed an innovative floating fine-bubbles aeration system for waste water treatment plants. The system saves up to 70% in energy consumption of waste water plants and up to 80% of maintenance costs. It can also significantly improve water quality.

 

The Challenge

One of the biggest appetites for innovation among water utilities rests among energy saving solutions in wastewater treatment. Mapal identified the UK as a market with this need and a good place to establish its European headquarters, but as a first step, it needed access to its first customers to pilot its solution.  

 

How The Hub Helped

Mapal met United Utilities, the UK's largest listed water company, while participating in a Hub water delegation from Israel to the UK in March 2013. Just a few months later, In July 2013, the Hub hosted representatives from United Utilities for a visit to Israel, which included a tour of a waste water treatment plant run by Mapal. Shortly after, an agreement was reached to pilot Mapal's solution on a United Utilities wastewater treatment plant.

 

The outcome

In March 2014, Mapal installed its Floating Fine Bubble Aeration (FFBA) system at United Utilities' Horwich sludge plant, a step that is expected to reduce the plant's energy consumption by 40% at a lower cost than traditional aeration systems. Mapal also formally established Mapal Green Energy UK in 2013 after successfully running pilots with two other British water companies - Thames and Anglian Water - and is now a member of British Water, the trade association for British water SMEs.