Hot or not? What's set to trend in the world of innovation for 2024...

Our very own innovation guru has shared her top predictions for what she thinks will make waves in the water sector for 2024.

Northumbrian Water’s Angela MacOscar has been predicting innovation trends for the past four years – many of which have come to fruition and have developed into real-life outputs from the water company’s famous Innovation Festival.

Now, for the fifth time, Angela has dusted off her crystal ball and has set out what she thinks the world of innovation will see over the next 12 months…

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According to Angela, the top innovation trends to watch out for in 2024 are:?

1. Action enabled AI

AI (Artificial Intelligence) has been in the charts for a number of years, and in 2023 we saw this becoming ‘business as usual’ for many - from administration and creative use, as well as for operational models.? This powerful technology is fast-tracking learning, improving services and speeding up routine tasks.? Throughout 2024 we will see this applied even more and move from merely generating answers to acting on the data without intervention.

2. Upcycling End of Process Products

In water and wastewater treatment, the need to recycle valuable by-products is taking centre stage - and we need to drive a shift towards more sustainable solutions and long-term environmental impact in new projects. Northumbrian Water exemplifies this commitment, having secured OFWAT funding to explore the capture and re-use of phosphorus and a groundbreaking scheme to convert captured ammonia into hydrogen fuel, with these initiatives set to gain momentum in 2024.

3. Quantum Computing

The potential of quantum computing is nothing short of revolutionary, poised to redefine the boundaries of computational power. Unlike classical computers that use bits (0 or 1), quantum computers leverage qubits, allowing them to exist in multiple states simultaneously. Quantum computers can perform complex calculations exponentially faster than their classical counterparts, unlocking unprecedented computational potential. Quantum computing holds the promise of transforming artificial intelligence which will be leveraged in the water sector.? This is not here yet, but it is coming!

4.? Co-Robotics

The advances in robotics used in other sectors and new business models make the use of robotics more achievable in the water sector. This offers substantial potential for revolutionising operations and eliminating high risk tasks. From autonomous underwater vehicles conducting real-time water quality assessments to robotic systems facilitating infrastructure inspection and repair, the applications are diverse. These technologies enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability, allowing for the enhancement of proactive management of water resources and infrastructure with precision and speed. As the field continues to advance, the synergy of robotics with water management holds the promise of addressing challenges and optimizing resource utilisation in innovative ways.

5. Super Smart Sewers

In 2024 we will see huge advances with smart sewers - with projects already underway to tackle the tough challenge of reducing spills into the environment.? To meet our goal of having the best rivers and beaches, we need to leverage a combination of technologies to maximise capacity in our existing infrastructure, better understand water quality in our environment and leverage digital models to move from reactive to proactive.

6.? True Connection

Collaboration and partnership have made it into the charts in past years and the people part of the innovation equation is a crucial element to get right. Trust-based relationships are essential to create the optimum environment for innovation to thrive - whether this be with our colleagues, across the water sector, or with the customers we serve.? A true and meaningful connection will transform working partnerships and significantly increase the quality of projects and the speed in which projects move forward.? Importantly also, when there is failure, teams can learn and move forward which is a huge part of the innovation journey.

7.? Advanced filtration

Advanced water filtration methods of leveraging nanotechnology is improving filtration membranes, making them more effective at removing micropollutants. Biological filtration, utilising bacteria to purify water and generate electricity, is another key technology. These advancements, along with natural and self-cleaning filters, enhance energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness in water filtration.

8.? New Waste Water Treatment Approaches

Technologies such as advanced oxidation processes, adsorption/biosorption, and biological and anaerobic remedies are demonstrating promising results. In combination with solar irradiation, they effectively absorb pollutants from wastewater and reduce the amount of produced sludge via microbial decomposition. This new way of processing wastewater both reduces contaminants and meets water demands.

9.? Innovative Materials

Recent advancements in material science offer solutions for water supply challenges. We will see an upsurge in technologies like electrode-based reactors, modular adsorbents, nanoparticles and photocatalysts. These materials, with improved chemical and mechanical properties, enhance selectivity, efficiency, and reliability in water systems. Many start-up businesses are creating multifunctional systems, cleverly combining materials with different properties, to create novel and exciting new approaches to water management.? This is a hot area to watch!

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