The importance of energy efficiency in water management

Energy efficiency is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development, especially in the water sector, where its impact is undeniable. The link between water and energy is unbreakable, as optimizing the use of both resources allows industries to maximize water production and improve their operational processes without increasing consumption. This approach not only contributes to cost reduction and performance improvement, but it is also aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation), SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy), and SDG 13 (climate action)

As the world faces growing challenges of water scarcity, population growth, and increasing demand for resources from critical sectors like agriculture and industry, the need to develop sustainable infrastructure is becoming more evident.

WEG provides products that enable industries to improve their energy performance while increasing water availability

Water management is not only about the water consumed, but going beyond by producing more water than is used through recovery, reuse, and energy efficiency strategies. By adopting this approach, companies not only ensure the sustainability of their operations but also contribute to the restoration and preservation of water resources.

WEG, as a global leader in motor and electrical system solutions, is at the forefront of this transformation, providing products that enable industries to improve their energy performance while increasing water availability. These solutions not only optimize the use of water resources but also allow companies to actively contribute to environmental conservation.

The impact of energy efficiency on the water sector

The design and quality of components are essential to ensuring greater efficiency. Products made with better materials and advanced technologies help optimize processes and reduce waste. A clear example is the use of high-efficiency motors in desalination plants, where even a small improvement in efficiency can lead to significant savings in energy consumption and operational costs.

In a study conducted by WEG at a typical desalination plant with a capacity of 600,000 m³/day in Saudi Arabia, improving the high-pressure motor efficiency from 96.5% to 97.3% allows for adjustments in the process and water management system to better control electricity consumption, potentially producing additional water without extra energy costs. This "extra" water can then be allocated to other industrial processes or sold at the price established in the Water Purchase Agreement (WPA), generating additional income of €600,000 per year at a rate of €0.40/m³.

High-efficiency motors in desalination plants can lead to significant savings in energy consumption and operational costs

Additionally, energy savings by improving the high-pressure motor's efficiency and increasing the efficiency of other motors by 0.5% could result in a reduction of 3.82 GWh/year, equivalent to savings of over €400,000 per year and a reduction of over 2,170 tons of CO₂ equivalents. Considering the CO₂ tax in Europe (ETS) of $86.50 per tonne, the additional savings would be 27%.

In another estimate, for a 300,000 m³/day desalination plant, optimizing with more energy-efficient motors would save 2.5 GWh/year. If we also improve the Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs) by one percentage point, an additional saving of 3.7 GWh/year would be achieved, resulting in total savings of more than 6 GWh/year.

To maximize the benefits of energy efficiency and sustainability, this approach must be implemented from the plant design stage, using suppliers and equipment that offer more sustainable solutions and achieve significant results in both economic and environmental terms. Given that many water infrastructure projects have 25 to 30 years of operation and/or management, it is essential to prioritize efficient and sustainable components from the start to optimize the use of energy and water throughout the plant’s lifecycle.

The value of water and its impact on innovation

One of the biggest challenges facing the water sector is the lack of adequate valuation of this resource in operating costs. While energy is well valued in terms of its impact and cost, water does not always receive the same treatment. This mindset limits investment in R&D and delays the implementation of innovative solutions in the sector.

If water were adequately valued as an essential resource in industrial production, we would see a greater focus on circular economy practices, more sustainable processes, and products designed to be more efficient and effective. This shift would not only reduce water consumption but also allow companies to achieve a net positive impact on water resources, moving toward a Water Positive model.

The efficiency and sustainability at WEG

WEG is committed to enhancing our processes and reducing the environmental impact of our products. In the future, this will be included in the Digital Product Passport (DPD), which will measure the following:

Energy efficiency: measures improved efficiency of electrical components.
Recycled materials: focuses on the sustainability of materials, essential for reducing environmental impact.
Carbon footprint (CO₂): assesses the impact of carbon emissions throughout the product’s life cycle.
Water footprint: measures water usage during the production of the product.
Waste generated: analyses the waste produced during the manufacturing of the product.

To confirm energy savings and process optimization, WEG offers the WEGSEE+ tool, designed to evaluate and improve the energy efficiency of motors and equipment installed in water treatment and desalination plants. This tool allows for precise simulations that help identify areas for improvement and quantify the impact of energy efficiency on OPEX and the sustainability of operations.

This powerful software tool promises to revolutionize how companies approach energy management, offering a comprehensive and innovative solution for project analysis and optimization. Equipped with advanced simulation and analysis capabilities, WEGSEE+ enables users to measure potential energy savings, calculate the return on investment, and assess the possibility of avoiding or reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), facilitating strategic decision-making to optimize resources. This platform goes beyond conventional tools, providing valuable insights that drive sustainability and operational efficiency in organizations of all sizes and industries.

Through innovation in product and process design, WEG contributes not only to energy efficiency but also to the reduction of water usage

WEGSEE+ is not just a tool; it is a complete solution for companies seeking to maximize energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, and achieve sustainability goals. With an intuitive interface and comprehensive features, it simplifies the analysis of energy efficiency projects, providing informed guidance for strategic decision-making.

In addition to offering advanced solutions like WEGSEE+, WEG has a strong commitment to sustainability. The company has implemented the Carbon Neutral Program, with the goal of reducing 52% of operational emissions by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Through innovation in product and process design, WEG contributes not only to energy efficiency but also to the reduction of water usage, enabling companies to achieve significant results.

With an intuitive interface and comprehensive features, the WEGSEE+ platform simplifies the analysis of energy efficiency projects

Conclusion

Energy efficiency not only contributes to reducing operational costs but is also a fundamental pillar for achieving important results in water management. By optimizing processes and improving product quality, industries can produce more water with the same energy, reduce their carbon footprint, and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Investing in efficient and sustainable products is profitable in the long term. Energy savings, emission reductions, and increased water production are just some of the benefits companies can gain by adopting a strategy focused on energy efficiency. It is time for the water sector to properly value this vital resource and commit to innovation and sustainability as drivers of change.