Singapore International Water Week 2012 to Focus on Industrial Water Solutions, Sustainable Water Management
The Singapore International Water Week 2012 shines its spotlight on the emerging global industrial water sector and sets the stage to accelerate the commercialization of innovative water technologies that address the world's most pressing water challenges.
To be held from 1 to 5 July this year at the Sands Expo & Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands, the fifth edition of Singapore International Water Week provides the global platform for the sharing and co-creation of innovative water solutions and technologies under the theme "Water Solutions for Liveable and Sustainable Cities". The theme underscores the pressing need to integrate sustainable water management strategies into the urban planning process.
Today, the global industrial water sector ranks second in water consumption, taking up an estimated 25% of global water demand, and forcing industries to search for innovative solutions to improve water sustainability across the value chain. According to the Global Water Intelligence, the industrial water and wastewater equipment market will grow at 7.5% a year over the next five years to reach a total value of $22 billion in 2016. Demand for equipment is expected to grow fastest in the oil and gas sector, at an annual rate of more than 24%.
Responding to this shift in global focus, the Water Week takes a four-pronged approach to share and co-create solutions in the industrial water sector, starting with the debut of the Industrial Water Solutions Forum to examine the issues surrounding the water-energy nexus. Themed "Toward Water Sustainability in the Industrial Sectors," this forum is held against the backdrop of increasing water scarcity and more stringent environmental regulation worldwide, with global industries conducting vigorous reviews on their water footprint and how it impacts their operations. Key industries such as oil and gas, mining, food and beverage, and chemical sectors will be in focus to find a global view on how water solutions can turn their challenges into opportunities. In addition, the Water Convention, a key flagship program of the Water Week, will also see its popular Hot Issues workshop discussing "Water Treatment and Management for Industries" and papers presented on industrial water solutions. The Water Week's holistic approach also sees a variety of industrial water events held in co-location.
"As our world's water supply is further stressed by global population growth, it is imperative that industry find sustainable solutions to meet their water demands," said Lisa Henthorne, Chief Technology Officer of Water Standard and chairperson of the Industrial Water Solutions Forum. "The economic prosperity of our planet depends on water just as critically as our human health and welfare does. I'm excited to lead some of our industrial giants on a discussion of finding these solutions."
For more details on the full program for Singapore International Water Week 2012, please visit www.siww.com.sg.