Power-saving water-pump solutions company Grundfos presents municipalities with improved energy efficient pumps that allow them to lower their demand on the national power grid, says sub-Saharan Africa regional head Henning Sandager.

“Water, wastewater removal and electricity are the main services that municipalities deliver. Bringing water to end-users, the removal and treatment of wastewater, and the production of energy requires a lot of pumping. Throughout this process, massive energy optimisation and cost savings can easily be realised.”

He says, while the country’s leadership looks for ways to create additional power generating capacity and contain costs, some key aspects of the solution are often neglected.

Sandager adds that water-pump systems account for a staggering 10% of the world’s electrical energy consumption; however, switching to energy efficient pumps can save up to 50% of that energy.

He points out that the more municipalities save on energy, the more they can deliver in other areas and help to grow the economy.

He says smart technologies, such as the Grundfos Demand-Driven Distribution (DDD) pressure control system, demonstrate how municipalities can reduce both water and power consumption by up to 20%.

“This is achieved by automatically monitoring grid-use patterns with remote sensors and adjusting water pressure accordingly to deliver optimal water pressure at any given time.”

Sandager notes that DDD smart technology was applied by the municipality of Bucharest, in southern Romania.

“In this Romanian capital, one of four water supply zones providing water to over 200 000 citizens, reduced water losses from 50% to 30% over ten years by installing new pumps, replacing pipes and dropping pressure at night. “While water leakage was reduced significantly, the municipality was surprised by the substantial energy savings accrued.”

He highlights the Romanian capital as an example of how municipalities around the world are getting smart and adjusting operations to efficient distribution systems, proving substantial reductions in water leakage losses and energy costs.

“It is these types of savings we are committed to bringing to municipalities, industries and businesses around the world. With our range of energy efficient waterpump solutions, municipalities should take advantage of the latest technologies available to them to help solve their most pressing challenges.”

He notes that, according to the United Nations, access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy is crucial to achieving many of the Sustainable Development Goals.

“Energy access, however, varies widely across countries and the current rate of progress falls short of what is required to achieve this goal.”

Sandager indicates that redoubled efforts will be needed, particularly in countries with large energy access deficits and high energy consumption like South Africa.

South Africa’s National Development Plan states that by 2030, South Africa’s network of robust infrastructure will be the bedrock of growth and job creation.

This infrastructure will efficiently deliver electricity, water, sanitation, telecoms and transport services, power the economy, and support manufacturing, trade and exports.