Pioneering Bio-fuel collaboration to reshape the future of Green Energy

WABAG enters into a strategic MoU with Peak Sustainability for Installing 100 Bio-CNG Plants

WABAG partnered with Pani Energy Inc. to implement applied AI to its operational excellence. The new category of digital technology is called Operational Intelligence (OI) and is delivered through Pani ZEDTM. This tool aims to optimize OPEX in the plants by reducing downtime, energy consumption, and chemical usage. Additionally, it will expedite crucial decision-making processes and enhance the longevity of critical equipment.

Leveraging its experience and know-how in implementing sustainable solutions, WABAG will serve as the technology partner, overseeing the execution, commissioning, and operation & maintenance (O&M) of the Bio-CNG plants. PEAK, on the other hand, will provide expertise in energy-related areas and assist in raising capital for financing projects at scale. The establishment of 100 Bio-CNG plants is anticipated to generate over 70 million kilograms of Bio-CNG annually, showcasing substantial business potential.

This initiative not only addresses the growing energy demand in a responsible and eco-friendly manner but also contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and mitigates air pollution from methane, which possesses a significantly higher Global Warming Potential (GWP) than carbon dioxide. Moreover, it promises to bolster local and agrarian economies, create employment opportunities, and yield immense ecological benefits, aligning closely with the G20 initiative of the Global Biofuel Alliance and enhancing the energy security of the respective countries.Through this collaboration, WABAG is taking the next step in its green energy segment by producing cleaner and greener fuel, perfectly aligning with the vision of implementing sustainable solutions for a better life.

WABAG’s Advanced & Innovative Technologies Garner Yet Another Recognition

Won the “Best STP/ETP/WWTP – Private” award for its NMDC ZLD Plant at the Water Digest World Water Awards 2023 – 24

WABAG was honored with the “Best STP/ETP/WWTP – Private” award for its Centralized Zero Liquid Discharge (CZLD) Plant designed and executed for NMDC Steel Ltd at the Water Digest World Water Awards 2023 – 24. The Honorable Minister for Jal Shakti, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, presented the award to Team WABAG.

Leveraging advanced technologies, the plant efficiently manages various effluents produced during steel production, achieving an impressive 90% overall efficiency through a multi-stage process, which includes a Reject Reverse Osmosis unit and a Multiple Effect Evaporator with a capacity of 180 m3/h. The ZLD plant demonstrates versatility by treating wastewater from 15 different sources, including those with high Total Dissolved Solids.

Effluents containing high levels of Cyanides, Organic Pollutants, Oil & grease, and Dark-colored impurities, which are off-spec in nature, are handled in the ETP and treated to meet recycling norms for reuse in the utility section of the plant. RO reject with high Dissolved salts passes through a Multi-effect evaporator, with condensate utilized for utility purposes, while the crystallized salt is disposed of in a secured landfill.

With its core mission to achieve Zero Liquid Discharge, the plant treats effluent from NMDC Steel Ltd., facilitating the recycling and reuse of treated effluent as makeup cooling water. This strategic approach establishes a closed water circuit, seamlessly aligning with the steel plant’s commitment to achieving wastewater-free production. As one of the largest centralized ZLD facilities in the Indian Steel Industry, this project holds operational significance and contributes to sustainable development goals.

WABAG Takes a Leap into Artificial Intelligence

To enhance operational efficiency in treatment plants through Pani’s Operational Intelligence Platform

WABAG partnered with Pani Energy Inc. to implement applied AI to its operational excellence. The new category of digital technology is called Operational Intelligence (OI) and is delivered through Pani ZEDTM. This tool aims to optimize OPEX in the plants by reducing downtime, energy consumption, and chemical usage. Additionally, it will expedite crucial decision-making processes and enhance the longevity of critical equipment.

The tool has capability to provide continuous performance analytics, process forecasting, detect operational anomalies, offer actionable insights, and provide set-point recommendations empowers the O&M team to proactively prioritize servicing and maintenance tasks, allocating resources where needed and enabling each facility to achieve more with less.

WABAG has always been a frontrunner in terms of innovation and implementing advanced technologies in its plants. The operational intelligence platform, powered by plant-specific models, artificial intelligence, and digital twins, will enable WABAG to integrate world-class technology into its operations, significantly optimizing water treatment processes.

WABAG is the third-largest private water operator globally, providing safe and clean drinking water and sanitation to over 88.8 million people across the globe. This strategic tie-up will further boost WABAG’s commitment to providing “sustainable solutions for a better life.

WABAG Scaling New Heights Global Desalination Arena

Enters the League of Top 05 Desalination Players Globally

WABAG has made a significant mark in the global desalination arena by entering the league of the top 5 desalination players worldwide. Ranked 5th among the world’s top desalination plant suppliers in the recently published annual survey by Global Water Intelligence (GWI) for the year 2022-2023.

WABAG has been advocating desalination as a viable, reliable, affordable, and sustainable alternative for water security in coastal regions. From the construction of the 110 MLD Nemmeli Desalination plant in Chennai in 2013, still the largest municipal desalination plant in India, to the 191 MLD Al-Ghubrah Desalination plant, one of the largest plants in Oman, and the current 400 MLD Perur Desalination plant in Chennai, the largest in South-East Asia, WABAG has been consistently pushing the boundaries to reinforce its commitment towards addressing water scarcity challenges in coastal regions through innovative and sustainable solutions.

Since 1995, WABAG has constructed approximately 60 desalination plants in 17 countries worldwide for various municipalities and industries. These plants currently produce 1.3 million liters of fresh water every day, significantly contributing to the cause of water security.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our valued customers and business associates for their continued trust and support.

National Recognition to WABAG’s Vision of Sustainability

Recognized as ‘Most Admired Company in Water Infrastructure Sector’ by the Times Group

In recognition to WABAG’s steadfast commitment towards nation-building, with a special focus on water and environment, the Times Group has recognized WABAG as the ‘Most Admired Company in the Water Infrastructure Sector’ at the Infra Focus Awards 2023 . This distinguished award was presented to WABAG by Shri Nitin Jairam Gadkari, the Honourable Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Govt. of India.

The Infra Focus Awards is a significant recognition of WABAG’s contributions towards developing sustainable water infrastructure for the nation and is a testimony to WABAG’s vision of sustainability. WABAG is honored to receive this accolade, which underscores its industry leadership and the positive impact of its initiatives in the field of water sector.

The recognition will further motivate WABAG’s Water Professionals to continue pushing boundaries, driving innovation, and setting new benchmarks in the water industry.

Thank you to our valued customers and business associates for being an integral part of our sustainable journey. We look forward to continuing our collaboration and achieving even greater milestones together.

WABAG enters into a strategic alliance with Al Jomaih Energy and Water

To pursue large-scale PPP Projects as an EPC Partner

WABAG entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Al Jomaih Energy and Water (AEW), a leading developer of energy and water projects in the Middle East. This MoU was signed during the India-Saudi Investment Forum held on the 10th and 11th of September, on the occasion of the G20 Summit, aiming to explore collaborative opportunities in water project development across Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East region.

Under this strategic partnership, both WABAG and AEW will cooperate on various aspects, including Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC), project development, and feasibility assessments for potential water projects.

This collaboration will leverage the combined expertise of both organizations to tackle the pressing water challenges in the region. AEW will provide critical support related to local market intelligence, business development, and engagement with potential customers, off-takers, regulators, ministries, lenders, and suppliers in the region. WABAG will contribute technical and commercial expertise required for feasibility assessment and project development.

The MoU signifies a strategic partnership that aims to address the growing demand for sustainable water solutions in the Middle East. Through this collaboration, AEW and WABAG will pool their resources and expertise to drive innovation and contribute to the development of water infrastructure in the region.

Commenting on the agreement, Mr. Pankaj Malhan, Deputy Managing Director & Group CEO of WABAG, expressed his happiness at signing the MOU with Al Jomaih, which is one of the leading developers in Water & Energy Sector. The MOU will help both the organizations in the development collaboration and exploring the feasibility of development and investment opportunities in Water Projects in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia and other geographies in Middle East. We feel that we have aligned ourselves with the strategy of KSA Vision 2030 and also help the country to achieve its sustainable goals.

With a historic presence, WABAG is a reliable partner in the middle east region with developing several large scale water and wastewater infrastructure. This MoU is a significant step in our commitment to providing sustainable water in Saudi Arabia, and the broader Middle East.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Thiru M. K. Stalin laid the Foundation Stone for Southeast Asia’s Largest Desalination Plant

The 400 MLD Desalination plant to be executed by the Joint Venture comprising VA TECH WABAG and Metito

As a momentous stride towards enhancing water security and ensuring a steadfast supply of clean drinking water for the people of Chennai, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Thiru M. K. Stalin, laid the foundation stone for the 400 MLD Perur SWRO Desalination Plant. The event was attended by distinguished guests including Thiru. K. N. Nehru, Hon’ble Minister for Municipal Administration, Urban and Water Supply, Thiru Shiv Das Meena, I.A.S., Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, Thiru D. Karthikeyan, I.A.S., Principal Secretary – Municipal Administration, Urban and Water Supply, Thiru R. Kirlosh Kumar, I.A.S., Managing Director, CMWSSB, Mr Rajiv Mittal, Chairman & Managing Director – VA Tech WABAG Limited, Mr Philip Johnson, Metito Projects Director, and other dignitaries from Govt. of Tamil Nadu, CMWSSB, JICA, WABAG, Metito and Project Consultants. This ground-breaking event emphasizes the resolute commitment of the Government of Tamil Nadu under the visionary leadership of the Chief Minister towards ensuring water security for Chennai. The project marks a collaborative effort between the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) and a joint venture led by VA TECH WABAG (WABAG) and Metito Overseas Limited (Metito) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The Design, Build, Operate (DBO) project includes the entire spectrum of project development – from design and engineering to procurement, construction, installation, testing, and commissioning. Post successful completion WABAG will be responsible for 20 years of Operation and Maintenance (O&M).

The cutting-edge desalination process includes Lamella Clarifiers, Dissolved Air Flotation System, Gravity Dual Media Filters, Reverse Osmosis, and Re-mineralization. The state-of-the-plant will produce 400 million liters of potable drinking water every day, which will subsequently be distributed to the residents of South Chennai by CMWSSB.

Commenting on this monumental achievement, Mr. Rajiv Mittal, Chairman and Managing Director, VA Tech WABAG, Said, “We are glad to be part of the Govt. of Tamil Nadu’s sustainable initiatives for ensuring water security for Chennai City through using innovative water solutions. With completion of the project, Chennai will emerge as the Desalination Capital of India, with producing over 750 million liters of desalinated water every day out of which WABAG’s contribution will rise to an impressive 70%. The 400 MLD SWRO Desalination Plant will stand as a testament to ingenuity, innovation, and a shared vision for a more sustainable and resilient future for the city and the state. The undertaking of this project underscores WABAG’s dominant position in the global desalination market.”

WABAG secures contract towards Design, Build & Operation of 270 MLD WTP of about INR 420 Crores from CIDCO, Maharashtra

WABAG secured an order worth about INR 420 Crores towards Design, Build and Operation (DBO) of a Water Treatment Plant (WTP) with a capacity of 270 Million Litres per Day (MLD) at Jite, Raigad for City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited (CIDCO).

This project has been planned in order to cater to the future water demand for Navi Mumbai. Water from Hetwane dam will be treated at the proposed 270 MLD WTP and pumped to existing Master Balancing Reservoir (MBR) at Vihal location for further distribution. The scope of the project includes Design, Engineering, Supply, Construction, Installation and Commissioning of the 270 MLD WTP including clear water pumping station within a period of 42 months from commencement and followed by Operation & Maintenance (O&M) for a period of 15 years. The plant will use High Rate Clarifiers for the removal of high-suspended solids followed by Rapid Gravity Sand Filters along with disinfection by chlorine.

Commenting on this order win, Mr. Shailesh Kumar, CEO – India Cluster said, “This is an important and strategic success for us, as we foray back into the DBO space in Maharashtra with this breakthrough order in CIDCO. This project was won against tough competition based on our technical superiority and competitiveness and we are thankful to our client for the confidence they have reposed in us. This project once completed will address the growing water need of the area and also be a key reference in our journey.”

Bangladesh PM, Sheikh Hasina, Lays Foundation Stone for 200 MLD Pagla STP

A Landmark Project by WABAG to Ensure Sustainable Sanitation for the People of Dhaka

The Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina laid the foundation stone for the 200 MLD Pagla Energy Neutral Sewage Treatment Plant on 13th July 2023. The event took place at the Bangabandhu International Conference Center (BICC), Agargaon, Dhaka and was attended by distinguished guests including Mr Md. Tazul Islam, MP, Hon’ble Minister – Ministry of Local Govt., Rural Development and Co-operatives, Mr Muhammad Ibrahim, Secretary – Local Govt. Division, Mr Taqsem A Khan, Managing Director & CEO – Dhaka WASA, Mr Yao Wen, Ambassador – Embassy of China to Bangladesh, Mr Rajiv Mittal, Chairman & Managing Director – VA Tech WABAG Limited and other dignitaries from World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.

WABAG received the breakthrough Design, Build and Operate (DBO) order of worth ~ USD 100 Million from Dhaka Water Supply & Sewerage Authority (Dhaka WASA) during March 2023. The scope includes Design, Engineering, Supply, Construction, Installation and Commissioning of the 200 MLD STP followed by Operation & Maintenance (O&M) for a period of 60 months. The project is funded by Multi-Lateral Funding Agencies – World Bank and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) under Dhaka Sanitation Improvement Project (DSIP).

This project is being designed on Activated Sludge Treatment Process where it would use Green Fuel (Biogas) generated during the waste water treatment process producing Green Energy required for running the plant. This process also meets the best in class Environmental norms and the production of Renewable Energy contributes to the cause of combating global climate change.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh emphasized that the development of such Power-neutral Sewage Treatment Plants will position Bangladesh as a leader in South and South East Asia, promoting sustainability and addressing global climate change.

Commenting on this occasion, Mr Rajiv Mittal, CMD – VA Tech WABAG said, “Being a water technology company it has been our endeavour to promote innovative and sustainable technologies for water and wastewater management that ensures improved water and sanitation for people across the globe and aligns to SDG 06 Goals of the UN. The Pagla STP reinforces our commitment by playing a crucial role assuring efficient treatment and discharge of treated wastewater and thus will improve water quality of the Buriganga-Dhaleswari system. Also, powered with resource recovery model, the STP will produce renewable energy from the biogas to run the plants leading to lower OPEX.

WABAG is a leading player in the rejuvenation of River Ganga under the Clean Ganga Mission in India. We are glad to be part of this river rejuvenation at Bangladesh too. The project will have a positive impact on the water quality of Dhaka’s rivers. It will significantly reduce the volume of untreated wastewater and fecal sludge discharged into the rivers, contributing to the larger effort to improve sanitation services in the city.”

Mr. Arvind Dullu, Regional Business Head – South Asia said, “We are proud to be associated with Government of Bangladesh’s vision to provide clean and safe sanitation services to the citizens of Dhaka. We are thankful to our client Dhaka WASA for the confidence they have reposed in us for building the sustainable wastewater infrastructure for Dhaka.”

WABAG and ADB enter into a Strategic funding tie up

ADB to invest Rs. 200 Crores in Non-Convertible Debentures

VA TECH WABAG LIMITED signed an agreement with Asian Development Bank (‘ADB’) towards raising Rs. 200 crores through unlisted Non-Convertible Debentures (‘NCD’) carrying a 5 years and 3 months tenor which will be subscribed by ADB over a 12 month period. This will be ADB’s first investment in a Water sector company in India.

This is in continuation to the ongoing debt optimization efforts of the Company through long term and low cost funding sources. The capital raised through this NCD issuance will be used towards working capital requirements of the Company and this will be within the current borrowing limits, thereby not increasing the debt levels of the Company.

Commenting on this key milestone, Mr. Skandaprasad Seetharaman, Chief Financial Officer of WABAG said, “This is an important milestone for WABAG, as we add another feather to our cap with this strategic funding tie up with ADB. ADB’s decision to collaborate with WABAG, in their first private sector water investment in India is a key validation of WABAG’s leadership in the water sector and its focus on clean, green, and sustainable technologies. We have been working for many years on projects funded by multilateral agencies including ADB. This is indeed now a great moment for us to be directly associated with ADB, showing ADB’s confidence in WABAG’s credibility and credentials in the water sector.”

Ms. Suzanne Gaboury, ADB Private Sector Operations Department Director General, said, “The disposal of wastewater without proper treatment has put significant pressure on India’s already scarce water resources and the quality of those resources. This project is ADB’s first private sector financing in India’s water sector and will help to crowd in urgently needed international and domestic financing for the sector to ease water stress as demand increases.”

WABAG is a global leader in the water industry backed by rich experience spanning over 98 years globally and over 25 years in India. Being a pure-play water technology multinational, WABAG offers a complete range of technologies and services for Total Water Solutions in both Municipal and Industrial sectors. With over 1,600 water professionals, spread over 25 countries in 4 continents, WABAG is touching millions of lives every day. With passion for innovation, WABAG has developed 3 dedicated R&D centers located in Austria, India, and Switzerland. ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members – 49 from the region.