UK thirsty for Israeli Water Technology

Given the increased concern over drought conditions and the announcement of summer hosepipe bans across seven water utilities in southern and eastern England, there is no doubt that the UK water industry is facing a significant challenge.

More and more, UK water utilities are having to balance an increased demand for clean and secure water while reducing leakage and lowering costs. An increasingly difficult task now set against record low levels of rainfall over the last 17 months.

Salvation for these utilities companies therefore, can only be found through innovation as it is the only realistic way of achieving these demanding targets.

Israel is no stranger to complex and demanding water needs. Having coped with a shortage of water since its beginning in 1948, Israel has moved to establish itself as a world leader in water innovation and technology. For over 60 years, Israel has continued to offer technologies at the forefront of the sector, driving water innovation forward, and earning itself a reputation as a key source for new technologies within the industry.

Last week, the Trade and Economic Office brought to the UK a delegation of Israeli water companies to present to the UK their latest technologies within the sector.

On 8 March, the Technology Splash run by global law firm Pinsent Masons introduced UK investors, utilities and engineering firms to Israeli water-tech companies. The 80 attendees heard presentations from: AGM, Diffusaire, Miltel, PML and Tal-Ya. The technologies on display were focused on wastewater treatment, water analysis and irrigation.

The following day the delegation also attended closed sessions to hear about the UK water industry from the UK’s leading experts, including recent changes and the latest White Paper. This was followed by a presentation from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to learn more about the organisation, its modes of operation and opportunities for water projects in Eastern Europe.

The visit concluded with a roundtable discussion at Bloomberg New Energy Finance on water issues and opportunities in the UK, as well as global trends within the industry.

Oded Distel, head of Israel NewTech, said “Israel’s water industry is recognized as one of the most innovative and successful in the world. We’re pleased to see the investment community in the UK now focusing more and more on the business opportunities presented by innovative Israeli start-ups in the water sphere.” The Israeli Technology Splash was supported by Israel NewTech and the Israel Export Institute.