PRESS RELEASE – REGULATED INFORMATION
Tielt (Belgium), 20 September 2024 – 17.30 CEST
Ekopak, a company specializing in circular water solutions, is proud to announce the next phase of its ambitious Waterkracht project. After two years of intensive preparation and successful pilot tests, the path is now clear for the construction a state-of-the-art cooling water plant in the port of Antwerp. Cooling water will thus be supplied to the port for 30 years. The basic framework for this has been contractually established and will be further refined as in function of the realization of this groundbreaking project.
The Waterkracht project (‘the power of water’) has a clear purpose: to convert treated wastewater (effluent) from Antwerp residents into high-quality cooling water intended specifically for industrial applications in the port. This circular operation will recycle 20 billion liters of water annually from 2026. That is the equivalent of the annual consumption of 600,000 residents. It will not only reduce pressure on natural water sources, but also provide industry with the necessary, sustainable water sources.
Waterkracht in high gear
Since its launch in 2022, Ekopak has devoted itself to thoroughly analyzing and studying the project. Several pilot tests were conducted to investigate the treated wastewater (effluent), and the most appropriate pipeline route was determined. With the scoping advice obtained, the permitting and construction of the plant can now begin.
Ekopak will build a plant on the Covestro site where water treatment will take place. In fact, purified wastewater (effluent) is an excellent source for various reuse applications. The effluent supplied by Aquafin will be upgraded to cooling water in this new plant using membrane technology.
NextGen district
Separate from the Waterkracht project, Ekopak also has a concession on the NextGen district in Antwerp. A new water factory will be built on the old Opel site that will provide surrounding companies with high quality and sustainable process water. With this decentralized approach, Ekopak will allow the NextGen District to be responsible for its own water supply. The project is currently under development and discussions with current and new concessionaires are ongoing.
Waterkracht: a world’s first
Waterkracht has generated a lot of interest in recent years and has put Ekopak firmly on the map. “We want to continue to pioneer in the field of circular water solutions. The Waterkracht project is a world first and has enormous potential. It is a model that can be rolled out to other cities. The project is now in high gear and we are looking forward to the start-up,” said Pieter Loose, CEO at Ekopak.
Ekopak today confirmed the guidance it gave for 2024. Partly thanks to the Waterkracht project, the WaaS percentage of revenue will increase significantly after 2026. More details will be announced when the half-year results are released on September 23.
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This initiative falls within a program of the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) that is part of the Blue Deal. The Blue Deal is a program launched by the Flemish Government in the fight against water scarcity and drought. The program includes more than 70 actions and 400 projects. With the Blue Deal, Flanders is moving towards less hardening, more humidification and maximum circular water use.
For more information, contact:
Melissa Vanhoecke, Marketing & Communication, marketing@ekopak.be +32 496 36 22 17
Pieter Loose, CEO Ekopak, pieter.loose@ekopak.be, +32 51 75 51 05
