On Friday, ABB Motion, the technology and electrification-focused arm of Swiss engineering multinational ABB announced that it is partnering with Keppel Energy Transition Centre (KETC), the innovation division of Singapore infrastructure giant Keppel, to develop advanced digitalization solutions for water management.
ABB notes that Singapore’s water management system is widely regarded as one of the world’s best, having long implemented state-of-the-art technologies to ensure its resilience. Via the new MoU signed with Keppel, ABB will put forward its products and solutions, including connected energy-efficient motors, variable speed drives, automation and control systems, and instrumentation and water analyzers, to mitigate environmental impacts from the energy intensive processes involved in the safe and sustainable supply of water.
“The water industry is in the midst of a pivotal transition and by working jointly together, we hope to identify opportunities which will not only scale up digital adoption but more importantly elevate Keppel Infrastructure’s operating resilience and performance to the next level,” said Goh Eng Kwang, Executive Director, Project Management and Executive Director, Water Services.
“The goal is really two-fold. The first is looking at the water life cycle holistically to optimize the interaction of big data, clear analytics, and smart devices, and how we can improve data oversight, plant performance, life cycle maintenance as well as utilization of capital assets. The second is centered on accelerating the industry’s shift towards net zero, bringing Keppel a step closer towards our own sustainability goals,” Kwang added.
“We are deeply committed towards working with Keppel to accelerate the deployment of smart technologies to meet Singapore’s water needs today and into the future. In this respect, the MoU is a cornerstone in our bonded water story. Both companies have worked extensively in this industry and we look forward to bringing out the best from each other to build on Singapore’s water management success,” said R. Narayanan, Senior Vice President, Asia, ABB Motion Business Area.
Water demand in Singapore is currently around 430 million gallons a day and is expected to double by 2060. To boost its water security, Singapore is considering desalination as a weather-proof source of water for its growing population of 5.5 million. Desalination is expected to meet up to 30 percent of Singapore’s water demand by 2060. While the availability of desalination contributes immensely to Singapore’s water resilience, it is an energy-intensive process requiring modern methods to boost efficiency and sustainability.
In 2020, ABB deployed various advanced technology solution, including automation and control systems as well as instrumentation and water analyzers, at the Keppel Marina East Desalination Plant (KMEDP), one of the most advanced desalination plants in the world. The plant is designed to produce 30 million gallons of clean water every day.
“Digitalization is the future of water in Singapore. As Singapore seeks to mindfully meet its water needs while limiting greenhouse gas emissions, there is an urgency to tap into emerging technologies which empowers insights for safer, smarter and more sustainable operations. The key is rethinking and taking bold steps to break new grounds together,” Narayanan added.
