Tuesday, 17 September 2024
The day begins with the reception of attendees, providing event materials and a warm welcome, setting the stage for a day full of discussions and learning about water management and digitalisation.
The event officially opens with a presentation by the Directors of iAgua, who will outline the background and structure of the event. Emphasizing its significance, they will highlight the event as a key forum for the digital transformation of water cycle management in Spain, underscoring the goals and expectations guiding the sessions.
After this opening, the Director General for Water at the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge of Spain will take over with a visionary speech on water policy in Spain. Her talk will highlight the urgent need for digitalisation in water management, pointing out the challenges and opportunities this transformation entails to ensure a sustainable and efficient future in water management.
An in-depth look at Spain's ambitious Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan (PRTR), designed to revitalize and modernize various strategic sectors, including water management. This keynote will detail key action lines and funding for transformative projects ranging from digitalisation to sustainability. It will emphasize how the PRTR serves as a crucial driver for economic development and technological innovation in Spain, ensuring a resilient and sustainable future for the country.
She has more than twenty-five years of experience in professional services, most of them dedicated to the European, state, regional and municipal public sector; essentially in projects of financial nature, transformation and development of public policies.
She coordinates the public sector practice, composed of an extraordinary team of professionals. She also leads the Financial Accounting Advisory Services Department, in which, in addition to developing projects for public administrations and entities in accounting and budgeting, EY provides regulatory, accounting, capital markets, corporate treasury, sustainability and finance 4.0 advisory services.
She participates in EY's global Financial Accounting Advisory Services group, leading the public sector practice, and is a member of the Círculo de Empresarios and the Tourism Commission of the Spanish Chamber of Commerce.
Learn about the progress of the Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE) to advance the digitalisation of water cycle management, a key initiative to modernize and optimize water management in Spain. Discover the status of calls for projects, technological advances, and funding opportunities offered by this project, which is part of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan (PRTR).
Technologies play a crucial role in addressing the challenges associated with end-to-end water cycle management. Autodesk, at the forefront of this innovation, collaborates with various utility companies on projects under the PERTE to advance the digitalisation of water cycle management. This session will present advancements and practical applications, such as the use of digital twins and decision-support platforms, which are transforming the planning and operation of distribution and sanitation networks.
Mechanical Engineer with 16 years of experience in the water sector.
Expert in the modeling of water supply networks, sanitation, urban drainage, and watersheds.
Technical Director at SEIPA, responsible for the creation, implementation, and maintenance of hydrological-hydraulic models using InfoWorks ICM software in more than 10 cities in Spain, including Donostia/San Sebastián, Bilbao, Irun/Hondarribia, Soria, Seseña, Getxo, among others.
A space for networking and interaction among attendees, providing an opportunity to establish contacts, share experiences, and discuss the topics addressed during the morning sessions in a relaxed environment.
This session will explore the crucial role of connectivity in the digitalisation of the water cycle, with a special focus on Lorawan technology. It will highlight how Lorawan has revolutionized water management by enabling efficient and secure long-distance, real-time data transmission. Netmore, a leader in connectivity solutions, will share its experiences and success stories in implementing this technology. Attendees will discover the tangible benefits of Lorawan, such as improved operational efficiency, cost reduction, and increased sustainability. Additionally, the session will examine future challenges and opportunities in this field, providing a comprehensive and practical insight into how connectivity can transform water resource management.
This session will analyse the policies, strategies, and investments driving the digital transformation of water cycle management in various regions of Spain. Success stories and experiences will be shared, showing how regional governments are incorporating innovative digital solutions into their water management practices. This session will highlight the positive impact of these initiatives on improving efficiency, sustainability, and integrated water resource management, offering a comprehensive view of the achievements and remaining challenges.
Born in La Coruña in 1979, is a Civil Engineer (2002, University of La Coruña) and a Law graduate (2014, UNED). He also holds a Master's in Law and an MBA from the IESIDE Business School, as well as extensive specialized higher education in the public works sector.
Professionally, he began his career in 2003 in the civil construction sector as a project manager and, three years later, reached the position of director in one of the leading Galician companies, where he worked until 2018. That year he entered the public sector as a civil servant by competition.
A member of the secondary school teaching corps (specializing in Mathematics) and the superior technical corps of Civil Engineers of the Xunta de Galicia, he was appointed Director General of Ports of Galicia on October 10, 2019. Since 2004 he has been Director of the Public Business Entity Aguas de Galicia.
A session focused on the progress towards digitalisation and transparency in water management in Spain, driven by the PERTE project for the water cycle. The Water Management Observatory and the NABIA system will be presented; these are two key tools providing data and analysis on the status of water bodies, to promote more efficient and sustainable management. Attendees will learn how these initiatives are transforming water governance and promoting sustainability in the sector.
Member of the State Corps of Forestry Engineers since 2015, she served in the General Subdirectorate of Forestry Policy until 2021, after which she joined the team of the Subdirectorate for Water Protection and Risk Management. Since 2023, she has been the director of digitalisation of the Water Quality Data Management System in the Directorate General of Water and River Basin Authorities (NABIA).
A lunch break will provide an excellent opportunity for networking and the exchange of views among attendees. This time will allow for strengthening professional connections and discussing the morning sessions in a more informal setting.
Smart metering technologies have transformed water management, enabling more accurate data collection and improving efficiency in distribution and consumption. The Spanish water sector has been engaged in an important shift towards the implementation of digital processes. Terranova has emerged as a leader in this field in Spain, with significant strides in the digitalisation of water processes. A remarkable example of this success is the collaboration between Terranova and ACCIONA, one of the first companies to adopt smart metering. Together, they manage thousands of smart meters, enhancing service quality and the availability of data. This joint effort has resulted in a noteworthy success story for the water market across Spain.
The use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) is revolutionizing the way water infrastructure is designed, built, and managed. This session will explore the advantages of implementing BIM in end-to-end water management, from planning and design to operation and maintenance.
Energy management is one of the most important challenges for water utilities. Digitalisation is emerging as a key tool for optimising consumption, from collection, through treatment, to distribution. This session will show how technology can reduce costs and environmental impact, as well as improve water quality.
She is application development manager for the HACH company, specialized in the municipal wastewater market. She is helping Hach teams on WW applications for exchange of experience between European countries, also ensuring Hach portfolio is matching field reality, regulation changes and technological advances. Before HACH experience, she worked 13 years in different private water companies in France : in R&D or in operational centers, always focused on wastewater treatment processes.
He is applications specialist for HACH, based in Spain and part of a global team supporting wastewater application development. He studied chemistry and became a chartered water engineer at Liverpool UK. He has extensive experience of delivering wastewater optimisation solutions for compliance resilience and energy / chemical efficiency.
In this session, Autodesk will introduce its team of experts and highlight its involvement in the digitalisation of the water sector in Spain. Autodesk Water’s project references will be shared, showcasing how the company's solutions have been implemented in key projects related to water resource planning and drinking water management. The case studies will illustrate the positive impact of these tools on improving sustainability, efficiency, and resilience in various contexts.
A comprehensive overview of the trends and challenges in implementing technological innovations in water utilities, presented by experts from multilateral development banks and representatives from water operators. In this session, various specialists from multilateral banks will share their institutions' strategies to promote the adoption of innovations in their client countries, reflecting on how technological solutions are shaping the future of the water sector. Additionally, speakers from water utilities will share the challenges, opportunities, and success stories from their organizations in the realm of technological innovations.
José María Blasco Ruiz is State Chartered Economist and Trade Expert (civil servant) with a double degree in Economics (Public Economy) and Business Administration (Finance) from the University of Zaragoza.
José María is Director of the Infrastructure, Health and Digital Entrepreneurship Division of ICEX and he previously was Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Spanish Embassies in Israel and Singapore, Director at ICEX-Invest in Spain and Deputy Assistant General Director at Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
Jean-Martin Brault is a Senior Specialist in the World Bank's Water Global Practice in the Latin America and Caribbean region, with over 15 years of experience supporting and leading operations, analytical and advisory services, and engineering in Latin America, West Africa, and the Middle East and North Africa. Jean-Martin holds a PhD in wastewater engineering from the École Polytechnique in Montreal, Canada, and currently focuses on digital transformation in water utilities, "smart" water management, wastewater treatment and reuse, as well as fecal sludge management and inclusive urban sanitation.
Civil Engineer with Masters in Water Engineering (University of Seville), Project Management (UPV Valencia), MBA (University of Azuay) and Applied Mathematics (University of Azuay).
With more than twenty years of experience in the drinking water, sanitation and infrastructure sector, he is currently manager of Drinking Water and Sanitation at ETAPA EP and lecturer at the University of Azuay in undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. He has also participated as a consultant in various public and private projects.
At BID Lab, the innovation and venture capital arm of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group, Paula Auerbach mobilizes financing, knowledge, and connections to drive innovative ventures and ecosystems where they can thrive. Paula designs and supports the implementation of BID Lab projects, seeking innovative solutions to promote more inclusive growth in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Previously, she worked in the IDB’s Research Department and at the Economic Research Institute of the Córdoba Stock Exchange (Argentina), and she has taught at various universities in Ecuador and Argentina.
Paula Auerbach was a Fulbright Scholar and holds a Master’s in Public Policy and a Master’s in Economics from Georgetown University (United States), as well as a Bachelor's degree in Economics from the National University of Córdoba (Argentina).
The day's activities close with a recap of the topics discussed and key takeaways. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on the sessions and prepare for the upcoming days of the event, leaving with new perspectives and knowledge on water management and digitalisation.
Wednesday, 18 September 2024
The day begins with the reception of attendees. This initial period will facilitate introductions among participants, setting the context and preparing everyone for the scheduled sessions and activities.
An examination of flagship PERTE projects focusing on the digitalisation of water cycle management. Utilities will share results and insights, demonstrating how these initiatives are transforming water management through advanced technologies and innovative strategies, highlighting the significant impact on efficiency and sustainability.
Industrial Engineer from the Higher Technical School of Engineers of Bilbao, he currently holds the position of Deputy Director of Initiative Development and Strategy at the Bilbao Bizkaia Water Consortium after 22 years of professional experience in the water sector.
During these 22 years, he has spent 9 of them in the private sector, specifically at Degremont, a company belonging to the Suez group, where he served as Project Manager and Deputy Technical Director. For the last 13 years, he has been working in the public sector at CABB, performing roles such as Project and Works Engineer, Head of the Project and Works Area for supply networks, Head of the Operation Area of the Galindo WWTP, and finally, since November 2021, he has been holding his current position.
Sustainability and Innovation Director at Emasesa since September 2023.
An industrial engineer, he also holds a Master's Degree in Senior Management from San Telmo Business School and has worked as a manager in different companies such as CESPA, LIPASAM, the Seville City Council's Public Waste Collection and Cleaning Company, in the Local Administrations of Granada and Jaén for Ferrovial, and PreZero, one of the leading companies in the environmental sector in Spain and Portugal.
An in-depth exploration of emerging technologies in water monitoring and management. This session will cover smart meters, IoT solutions, advanced sensors, and remote reading systems, showcasing how these innovations are revolutionising efficiency and precision in water resource management. Success stories and practical applications will illustrate the positive impact of these technologies on the water sector.
Graduated in Business Administration and Management, he holds a master's degree in International Trade from ESIC. He developed his career at a Swiss multinational food company for eleven years, where he held various positions of responsibility. Additionally, he has been a guest lecturer at several universities and business schools, such as UMU, ENAE, UPCT, UCAM, and UMH, in fields related to innovation.
Since 2015, he has been leading Hidroconta, where he has been able to steer the company's significant growth in recent years. He is married and has two children. Furthermore, he actively participates in Agritech Murcia and the Isaac Peral Foundation.
María del Prado Torrecilla is an expert in cybersecurity in the water sector. She has an Engineering Degree from the Polytechnic University of Madrid and a Master’s in automation of water networks, in addition to an MBA from the Business School Audencia (Nantes).
She has more than 20 years of experience in the field of automation and remote management of water and energy networks. Since the beginning of her career, she has held various positions always oriented to the customer and advice on intelligent water management.
María is currently responsible for the Technical Department and Product Marketing in LACROIX Environment Activity Spain and defines with the parent company the new features and new products, taking care of the promotion and introduction of these in Spain, Latin America and Portugal.
In addition, as a cybersecurity expert she has been collaborating as a professor at the Industrial Cybersecurity Professional School of the CCI.
Carolina Vilas, Director of TFS, part of the Amper Group, holds a degree in Business Administration and Management. She has experience in executive teams in service sector companies, which is crucial for understanding the needs and potential niches for technology-based solutions. At TFS, we work on innovative and intelligent systems for pressure control with the aim of managing pressures in critical sectors such as the water sector, a resource that is being heavily impacted by climate change and where action is needed to achieve the highest hydraulic efficiency.
Senior Industrial Engineer from the Carlos III University of Madrid and Executive MBA from IE Business School. An expert in IoT with over 10 years of experience in the sector, he joined Vodafone IoT in 2013. Since then, he has been involved in sales and business development across various segments and business verticals. He currently leads the sales and business development team for the Public Sector at a national level and is responsible for the strategic plan for the Water Sector in Spain.
A break for rest and networking, courtesy of Terranova. This pause provides the perfect opportunity to make connections, exchange ideas, and discuss the morning sessions in a more informal setting.
Continuation of the earlier session, highlighting successful cases and benefits from implementing PERTE projects. Concrete examples will show how utilities have applied advanced technologies and innovative strategies to digitalise water cycle management, significantly improving efficiency and sustainability. Attendees will gain clear insights into the practical results and key learnings from these transformative initiatives.
José Gabriel holds a degree in Civil Engineering with a specialisation in hydrology from the University of Salamanca and has completed various postgraduate master's degrees to complement his training. He has spent his entire professional career linked to the management of the integral water cycle, in which he has 23 years of experience. He joined Aqualia in 2001, a company in which he has spent a large part of his professional career, and in which he has held various positions of responsibility. During these years, he has managed the municipal water service in various municipalities and provincial capitals, and has faced various and varied emergencies. In 2017 he was entrusted with the Technical Management of Zone I of Aqualia, where he deployed from a strategic point of view, all the experience acquired in the field, in 2022 he gives global support to the company as Director of operations and technological transformation.
Raúl González is a Civil Engineer with more than 20 years of experience in the management of Integrated Water Cycle contracts. He has held various positions in Acciona since 2001, in many geographical areas, both nationally and internationally. He currently holds the position of Director of Operation and Maintenance of Acciona Networks, from where he is firmly committed to the implementation of digital and technological solutions, mainly in the field of asset management related to water infrastructures.
Civil Engineer from the Polytechnic University of Valencia.
He started nearly 30 years ago at EMIVASA, the joint venture between Global Omnium and the Valencia City Council, as the manager of the potable water network in Valencia. Today, he is the Director of Potable Water Operations at Global Omnium. He also collaborates as a professor at the Polytechnic University.
Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua is a platform that leads the digitisation of the water cycle, integrating and analysing data from water systems. In this session, we will see how this platform has helped the Consorci d'Aigües de Tarragona to improve the management of its water resources and customer service, optimising the control, monitoring, energy efficiency and environmental impact of its supply, sanitation and treatment networks.
Data analysis and digital platforms are essential for the digitalisation of water management. These tools provide valuable information to optimize resource use, improve service quality, and reduce environmental impact. This session will showcase innovative solutions and success stories applying these technologies to revolutionize water management. It will demonstrate how data analysis and digital platforms enable smarter, more sustainable water resource management, optimizing processes and reducing losses. This session aligns with the event's goal to show how digitalisation boosts efficiency and competitiveness in the water sector.
A lunch break will provide an excellent opportunity for networking and idea exchange among attendees. This time will allow for strengthening professional connections and discussing the morning sessions in a more informal environment.
Siemens plays a key role in the automation and digitalization of the integral water cycle, introducing innovative solutions and advanced technologies that contribute to the sustainability of this industry and promote a more efficient and responsible water management. This session will present the success case of Canal de Isabel II, which, in collaboration with Siemens, is implementing Artificial Intelligence to predict the demand for drinking water in specific areas, optimizing the storage and distribution of this valuable resource.
César Fernández holds a Master's degree in computer engineering and a degree in Industrial Organization Engineering from the European University of Madrid. He was born in Madrid in 1982. He is currently the Business Development Manager for Water & WasteWater in the Industrial Automation business unit, a position he has held for one year.
His career began 17 years ago as a Product Manager for Visualization and Control Systems. He later took on Business Development roles within the Infrastructure Area, focusing on Tunnels, Metro, and Railway businesses.
His experience and education have been key to his professional career in the industrial and infrastructure sector.
Is the Head of the Automation Area at Canal de Isabel II, responsible for sensor integration, industrial process automation and control, and remote management of water cycle infrastructures.
His academic background as a Telecommunications Engineer, Industrial Engineer, and Master in Hydrology and Water Resources Management has contributed to his activities and projects throughout his professional career.
He has accumulated 20 years of experience at Canal, consistently working in Telecontrol departments.
Additionally, is a member of various national and international associations, such as IWA, Water Europe, and AGA-AEAS.
Artificial intelligence is already a key ally in comprehensive water management. In this session, SDG Group and Aqualia will present how this technology has improved operation processes, maintenance, energy efficiency, incident prevention, and customer service, and how they have developed and adapted their technology to meet the needs of the sector. This session will be an opportunity to learn about a practical example of digital transformation and the use of artificial intelligence.
Executive Manager at SDG Group. He has a degree in Electronic Engineering and a Master in International Management from IE Business School.
In his almost 20 years of experience, 8 years have been in the management, planning and development of BI and AA projects in the Industrial and Real Estate sector, including the exploitation, presentation to C-Level and support to business users; as well as in the performance of data analysis and research to drive decision making.
Computer Engineer from the Catholic University of Santa Maria (UCSM) and Executive Master in Digital Transformation by the EOI.
His career has been framed in the technological world and in multicultural environments, which gives him a broad technological and project background. He has more than twenty years in the Technology and IT Consulting sector and has led digital transformation projects in various sectors, dedicating the last ten years to integrated water management.
Specialized in project management development, automation, cybersecurity and emerging technologies, in Aqualia he has been involved in the creation of the aqualiaLive platform. His experience in data analytics and AI applied to the water world is optimizing the operational and predictive efficiency of the company. He is currently driving technological innovation and sustainability in integrated water management, integrating cutting-edge technologies to improve processes and services.
In this session, we will explore how artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies are transforming water asset management and strategic decision-making. We will see success stories and practical applications demonstrating how AI optimizes resources, improves operational efficiency, and facilitates sustainable water management. This session aligns with the event's goal of showcasing how digitalisation is driving efficiency and competitiveness in the water sector.
Associate Director and Water Business Leader in Spain.
With 20 years of experience in leading and managing hydraulic, fluvial, and water engineering projects and consultancies, she has carried out civil, hydraulic, and fluvial engineering services during the planning, design, and construction phases of numerous projects and engineering consultancies.
Additionally, she has directed design projects and advisory consultancies covering all phases, from initial design reports, criteria development, and feasibility studies to final design and construction development in Spain, Panama, Peru, Chile, Colombia, the USA, and European countries.
This session is a continuation of previous ones, presenting success stories and advantages achieved in PERTE projects. Specific examples will be shown of how advanced technologies and innovative strategies have been adopted for water management, enhancing the sector's efficiency and sustainability. Participants will gain a clear understanding of the tangible results and lessons learned from these transformative initiatives.
With over twenty-five years of experience in directing, managing, and overseeing municipal water services, he is a seasoned professional in the field.
He holds a degree in Environmental Sciences from the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and has furthered his education with studies in Senior Management, specifically focusing on the comprehensive management of water services.
Throughout his career, he has worked with several leading corporations in the sector, including Veolia, Suez, Aguas de Barcelona, Aquona, Aquambiente, and Aguas de Burgos. Currently, he serves as the manager of Sociedad Municipal Aguas de Burgos S.A.
He has coordinated the DIGITAGUABUR Projects, beneficiaries of the 1st Call of PERTE for water digitalization, and WeBur, presented for the 2nd Call.
Antoni Ventura Ribal (Barcelona, 1961) holds degrees in Economics, Law, and Contemporary History. He has also completed postgraduate courses in Industrial Foresight and Strategy, as well as Private Infrastructure Management, among other fields.
With over 35 years of experience in the water sector, Ribal has spent most of his career with the Agbar group, later joining Suez, where he held various significant roles. From 2012 to 2017, he served as Managing Director of Suez Advanced Solutions UK in Bristol. Since 2018, he has been the Managing Director of Aigües de Manresa, a public company overseeing the integral water cycle.
Born in Bonares in 1977, he has been the Chief Executive Officer of Giahsa since August 2023.
His political career includes serving as a Councilman in the Bonares Town Hall from 2003 to 2023 and as a Provincial Deputy from 2009 to 2023. Additionally, he was the spokesperson for the People's Party in the Huelva County Development Association from 2007 to 2015.
Academically, Ponce Pérez holds a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Huelva and an MBA. His professional career spans both the private and public sectors, having served as CEO of several companies since 2003.
The day's activities close with a recap of the topics discussed and key insights. Attendees will be able to reflect on the sessions and prepare for the event's final day, leaving with new perspectives and knowledge on water management and digitalisation.
Thursday, 19 September 2024
The day will begin with the reception of attendees. This initial space will facilitate the meeting of participants, setting the context and preparing everyone for the scheduled sessions and activities throughout the day.
Representatives of the main water sector associations in Spain will discuss how digitalisation is transforming the entire water cycle in all areas. Each association will contribute its vision and experience from its field of action, with the aim of drawing a general and diverse map of the benefits and challenges of digitalisation for the water sector.
Vice president of ASAGUA, is a technical engineer in Industrial Design from the Polytechnic University of Valencia.
Since 2018, he has served as the general manager of Facsa, following various leadership roles in the sanitation and treatment sector.
Under his leadership, Facsa has seen significant growth, expanding across much of the national territory and strengthening its presence in key strategic areas. This expansion has been complemented by the addition of new activities related to water management, such as waste recovery and bioenergy, along with a stronger focus on innovation and technology.
His extensive experience and strategic vision have positioned Facsa within the leadership of major industry associations, including ASAGUA, where he serves as vice president, and AEAS-AGA, where he is a member of the board of directors.
This session will explore the future of digitalisation in water cycle and infrastructure management, offering a strategic analysis of technological trends and their application. Experts will discuss how digital innovations are transforming the industry, highlighting how these technologies can enhance efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in infrastructure management. This discussion will be crucial for understanding the vital role of digitalisation in optimizing and modernizing water infrastructure, ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply for the future.
An Electrical Engineer with an MBA from the Metropolitan University of Caracas, he began his professional journey at Siemens Venezuela in 1993, specializing in Photovoltaic Solutions. His leadership skills soon led him to oversee the Transformers and Power & Distribution Reactors Business Unit in 1997.
In 2001, he transitioned to Spain, continuing his focus on the Photovoltaic sector. By 2009, he had taken on the role of Industrial Sector Manager in Catalonia, where his responsibilities expanded further in 2019 to include Regional Management for Catalonia, Aragon, and the Balearic Islands.
Since 2020, he has served as the Director of Siemens Digital Industries in Spain and Portugal.
A break and networking space for attendees, courtesy of Terranova. This pause offers the perfect opportunity to make connections, exchange ideas, and discuss the morning sessions in a more informal setting.
A high-level debate on the future of water management, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in an increasingly digital and sustainable environment. Leading sector figures will share their perspectives and strategies to address current and future challenges in water management. This roundtable will provide a comprehensive view of how companies are adapting their operations and adopting innovations to improve efficiency and sustainability in water management.
He has held various executive positions in automotive sector companies for 12 years (1984-1991 and 1999-2004); he was a councilor in the Bilbao City Council with governmental responsibility in Technical Areas for 8 years (1991-1999), and a non-executive vice president of Bilbao Bizkaia Kutxa for 9 years (1999-2008).
Since July 15, 2004, he has been the Managing Director of the Bilbao Bizkaia Water Consortium. In his 17 years with the organization, his management of the Consortium has focused on ensuring water supply and improving sanitation for the member municipalities, achieving increasingly excellent levels in sustainability, innovation, and efficiency.
This objective is achieved through measures for the improvement, conservation, and maintenance of existing infrastructure, as well as the construction of new facilities that provide the best service to the public.
CEO of Emasesa since July 2023.
He is a Forestry Engineer and an expert in water management. He has served as Dean of the Official College of Forestry Engineers in Andalusia and was Head of the Department of the Guadalquivir River Basin Authority from May 2017 to September 2020, reaching the presidency of the entity from 2012 to 2017.
Vicente Fajardo, Graduated in Pharmacy from the University of Valencia, with extensive experience in the water sector. He began his career at Egevasa, the mixed company of the Diputación de Valencia and Global Omnium, as Director of Wastewater. He is currently the General Director of the Global Omnium group and a member of the executive committee of AEAS-AGA.
iAgua Awards ceremony, recognizing the best initiatives and projects in water management and digitalisation. This celebration will highlight the sector's most significant achievements, incentivizing innovation and excellence.
The event will close with a farewell cocktail, offering a final opportunity for networking and celebrating achievements. This moment will provide attendees with a space to reflect on the sessions and strengthen professional connections.
Tuesday, 17 September 2024
The day begins with the reception of attendees, providing event materials and a warm welcome, setting the stage for a day full of discussions and learning about water management and digitalisation.
A space for networking and interaction among attendees, facilitating the opportunity to establish contacts, share experiences, and discuss the topics covered during the morning sessions in a relaxed environment.
Non-revenue water (NRW) is one of the biggest problems in urban water management, representing significant economic and resource losses. This session offers a comprehensive analysis of strategies and digital technologies used for detecting and reducing NRW in distribution networks. Success stories will be presented, and innovative tools that improve operational efficiency and sustainability will be discussed. Experts will share their experiences in implementing digital solutions to address this critical challenge.
Jon Koldo is the Sales Manager for the Water & Wastewater vertical at Siemens Industry Software.
Prior to joining Siemens, he was the Director of Development at BuntPlanet, a company specializing in artificial intelligence applications for the water sector, until its acquisition by Siemens.
For 33 years, he worked at the multinational water services company SUEZ, serving as the director of the companies located in the Basque Country for the last 16 of those years.
He holds a degree in Chemistry from the University of the Basque Country (UPV), an MBA from the University of Deusto, and has completed an Executive Development Program at ESADE.
Lunch break, providing an excellent opportunity for networking and the exchange of views among event participants. This time will allow for strengthening professional connections and discussing the morning sessions in a more informal setting.
As the frequency and severity of droughts increases, digitalisation becomes an essential tool. This session will address digital tools and innovative strategies for drought management. Monitoring and prediction systems, as well as solutions for optimizing water use during scarcity periods, will be analyzed, demonstrating how technology can predict, mitigate, and manage the impacts of drought.
Industrial Technical Engineer in Electronics, Regulation and Automation from the Polytechnic School of Seville and Director of Integrated Management Systems by AENOR.
She has more than twenty-five years of experience in the water sector. For more than ten years with responsibilities in EMASESA in the areas of Automation, Industrial Control Systems, Operational Intelligence and Operation of Assets. She currently holds the position of Head of Industrial Control Systems and Operations Control Centre at EMASESA.
Civil Engineer from the Polytechnic University of Madrid.
After several years in the private sector, participating in hydraulic works projects and unique structures, she joined Canal de Isabel II in 2002, where she is currently the Deputy Director of Commercial Services. Throughout her professional career, she has held various managerial positions, dealing with, among other things, the operation of the supply network, the management of reuse projects, and the technical management of clients.
She is the director of the remote meter reading project at Canal de Isabel II, where she plays an essential role in defining the strategy, implementing technical solutions, and utilizing the information provided by the meters.
Associate Director and Water Business Leader in Spain.
With 20 years of experience in leading and managing hydraulic, fluvial, and water engineering projects and consultancies, she has carried out civil, hydraulic, and fluvial engineering services during the planning, design, and construction phases of numerous projects and engineering consultancies.
Additionally, she has directed design projects and advisory consultancies covering all phases, from initial design reports, criteria development, and feasibility studies to final design and construction development in Spain, Panama, Peru, Chile, Colombia, the USA, and European countries.
Conclusion of the day's activities, wrapping up with a recap of the topics covered and key ideas highlighted. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on the sessions and prepare for the upcoming days of the event, taking with them new perspectives and knowledge in water management and digitalisation.
Wednesday, 18 September 2024
The day begins with the reception of attendees. This initial period will facilitate introductions among participants, setting the context and preparing everyone for the scheduled sessions and activities.
Digitalisation is revolutionizing sanitation and wastewater treatment processes, enabling more efficient and precise management. This session will highlight how advanced technologies, such as sensors, automated control systems, and real-time data analysis, are transforming these operations. Successful implementation cases will be presented, demonstrating improvements in water quality, reduction of operational costs, and resource optimization thanks to the integration of digital solutions.
Industrial digitization engineer with 2 years of experience at Siemens (2022), where he has participated in international projects across various sectors, especially in the water industry. His work focuses on the implementation of advanced technologies such as AI, Edge computing, and digital twins. He holds a master's degree in industrial engineering from the University of Seville, which has allowed him to develop a solid technical foundation and apply innovative solutions in industrial environments.
Director of O&M International Purification and Potabilization, is an Industrial Technical Engineer and MBA, with over 25 years of experience in technical and contractual management of operation and maintenance contracts for wastewater treatment plants (EDAR) and drinking water treatment plants (ETAP) in various countries such as Spain, Australia, the Philippines, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Canada.
A break and networking space for attendees, courtesy of Terranova. This pause offers the perfect opportunity to establish connections, exchange ideas, and discuss the morning sessions in a more informal setting.
The Spanish Water Technology Platform (PTEA) and ICEX will present a detailed study on the mapping of technologies in the water sector in Spain. This comprehensive analysis will showcase the innovations and technological developments that are currently leading the transformation of the water sector. Emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities will be discussed, and success stories highlighting the adoption of new technologies will be presented. This session will provide a comprehensive vision of how Spain is positioning itself at the forefront of water management through advanced technological solutions.
For fifteen years he has worked in the private sector in hydraulic and fluvial engineering and environmental and sustainable water management consultancy, both nationally and internationally.
With a global vision, as a result of having worked on hydraulic works projects and other consultancy projects, such as hydrological planning, flood and drought prevention, environmental impact assessments, among others.
Since 2021 he is Head for the water sector activities at ICEX, as part of the Environment and Climate Change Department.
Professor at the Universitat Politècnica de València and researcher at its Institute of Water and Environmental Engineering (IIAMA).
He is currently president of the Spanish Water Technology Platform and associate editor of the Journal of Hydrology.
He has been a visiting researcher at the universities of Princeton and California.
He is co-author of more than three hundred scientific publications, having directed more than a hundred R&D&I projects in Hydrological Engineering. He has also received the Engineering Innovation Award from the Colegio de Ingenieros de Caminos, C. y P. and the State of the Art Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers.
Economist graduated from the Complutense University of Madrid. She has a solid background in innovation, entrepreneurship and management of technology platforms. She is currently Executive Manager of the Spanish Water Technology Platform (PTEA), where she dedicates her efforts to promoting and fostering R&D&I.
Digitalisation is revolutionizing sanitation and wastewater treatment processes, enabling more efficient and precise management. This session will highlight how advanced technologies, such as sensors, automated control systems, and real-time data analysis, are transforming these operations. Successful implementation cases will be presented, demonstrating improvements in water quality, reduction of operational costs, and resource optimization thanks to the integration of digital solutions.
Lunch break, providing an excellent opportunity for networking and the exchange of ideas among attendees. This time will allow for strengthening professional connections and discussing the morning sessions in a more informal setting.
Energy efficiency is crucial due to its impact on cost savings, the environment, and climate change. This session will explore how digitalisation and advanced technologies are optimizing energy use in water cycle management. Examples of energy-efficient solutions in treatment plants and distribution networks will be presented, highlighting the role of digital tools in improving energy efficiency and reducing operational costs. The discussion will illustrate how the integration of digital technology can transform energy management in the water sector.
Pablo Ema is a computer engineer from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, specialising in data management and Machine Learning, with almost 30 years of experience. He holds a master's degree in Big Data and Business Intelligence, as well as numerous certifications in Azure, AWS, Confluent, Snowflake, among others. His career has been developed mainly in the Security and Defence, Banking and Insurance, and Utilities sectors. Currently, he leads the Utilities area in SDG's Business Insights department, applying his vast experience to drive innovation and efficiency in the sector.
Agriculture is fundamental to our economy and food security, and irrigation plays a crucial role in conserving resources and increasing productivity. This session will highlight the importance of digitalisation in irrigation management. The latest innovations in digital irrigation, focused on improving efficiency and sustainability in agriculture, will be presented. Automated irrigation systems and soil monitoring technologies will be discussed, emphasizing how these technological tools can optimize water use and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Full Professor at the Technical University of Cartagena (UPCT) in Plant Production; Main research topics: Deficit Irrigation scheduling in crops; Water relation in fruit trees; Plant-based sensing for irrigation scheduling; Deficit irrigation and fruit quality. 8 PhD students supervised; all awarded the maximum qualification. Leading and Participation in 10 Research Projects for the last five years only, and 15 contracts with companies. Coordinator of the European project, LIFE TRIPLET: Digitalization of efficient fertigation management for a sustainable agriculture.
Conclusion of the day's activities, wrapping up with a recap of the topics covered and key ideas highlighted. Attendees will have the opportunity to reflect on the sessions and prepare for the final day of the event, taking with them new perspectives and knowledge in water management and digitalisation.
Thursday, 19 September 2024
The day will begin with the reception of attendees. This initial space will facilitate the meeting of participants, setting the context and preparing everyone for the scheduled sessions and activities throughout the day.
This session will address one of the main challenges of digital advances in the water sector: cybersecurity. Water management systems are increasingly vulnerable to threats and cyberattacks that can compromise their operation, integrity, and confidentiality. To tackle this risk, prevention and protection strategies are needed to ensure the security of water infrastructure and the information they generate and manage.
Real cases of cyberattacks in the water sector will be presented, and the measures taken to mitigate their consequences will be shown. Additionally, cybersecurity recommendations and best practices for organizations and professionals working in water and digitalisation will be offered.
Industrial Engineer, Master's in Information Security, and Director of Security.
He has extensive specialized training in IT security, information systems, telecommunications, electricity, automation, instrumentation, and industrial process control. Since 2013, he has been the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at EMASESA, previously serving as Head of Automation and Control. He has represented the Water Sector in the “National Cybersecurity Table for the Protection of Critical Infrastructures,” served on the “AENOR Technical Standardization Committee AEN/CTN 178 - Smart Cities,” and been a member of the Expert Committee for the Andalusian Cybersecurity Strategy.
He is Secretary of the AEAS Cybersecurity Commission and a member of the ASA Cybersecurity Working Group.
Is currently a Product Manager in the Industry sector for Siemens Spain, while also holding a dual role at Siemens AG as Value Sales Enablement for Water. She graduated as an Industrial Technical Engineer from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, specializing in Industrial Electronics.
Her professional career, which she has entirely developed at Siemens, has included positions such as Training for end customers in various sectors, support in factories in the Automotive sector, and later transitioning to product management.
In this latest role, her close relationship with the Water Industry has led her to diversify her functions with an added role as Value Sales at a global level for the sector.
A break and networking space for attendees, courtesy of Terranova. This pause offers the perfect opportunity to establish connections, exchange ideas, and discuss the morning sessions in a more informal setting.
The event will close with a farewell cocktail, offering a final opportunity for networking and celebrating achievements. This moment will provide attendees with a space to reflect on the sessions and strengthen professional connections.