Eduardo Pavani, Suez WTS Latin America regional executive, shares his outlook for how the newly merged businesses of Suez and the former GE Water & Process Technologies aim to serve the Mexico, and Central and South America region.
Q. What are the unique strengths of the newly combined companies in desalination and water reuse globally?
A. “With the creation of Sues’s new business unit, Water Technologies & Solutions, we are offering one of the broadest product and service portfolios in the world addressing water treatment and process challenges. Suez and the former GE Water & Process Technologies business were both strong on technology and digital analytics, and by combining these two we hope to accelerate digital water solutions — to improve operations, to create water and energy efficiencies, and to reduce costs.”
Q. Which Latin American countries are you active in, and how do you envisage that your footprint in the region will develop over the next five years?
A. “We have a presence in Latin America that allows us to reach and respond to the needs of customers in most countries. We expect our footprint to grow in the region in response to industrial production. This means collaborating on water and wastewater solutions for customers in industries that cater to growing populations and infrastructure development.”
Q. Which market segments are you active in globally, and in Latin America specifically?
A. “We are active in all industries that require water treatment, whether it be for drinking water or high-purity process or ingredient water, wastewater treatment for both industrial and utility customers, or process optimisation by combining specialty chemical treatment programs with remote monitoring and diagnostics.
“These industries range from refining and petrochemical, to power, and oil and gas, to food and beverage, to mining, primary metals, and utilities. Additionally in Latin America, there is a strong focus on the sugar and ethanol, and oil exploration and production industries.”
Q. What do you offer in terms of desalination and water reuse expertise that’s relevant for Latin America?
A. “Our packaged seawater reverse osmosis systems provide a low cost, fast installation solution for municipalities and industries. Applications include boiler feedwater, irrigation, plant process water and small community potable water. In Latin America, regions with water scarcity like Chile and Peru are a special focus for desalination plants. We also provide membrane bioreactor solutions for wastewater treatment, which promotes water reuse and acts as another water source.
“With the new platform under Suez WTS, we are able to engage in a broader range of project sizes, from standard equipment to designing and building customised plants.”
Q. What are your expectations for growth in desalination and water reuse?
A. “Cost competitiveness with traditionally lower-priced groundwater sources, and reused water, as well as access and sustainability of these sources, differs by geography and ultimately dictates, or should dictate, the technological mix. Latin America has a lot of growth potential for newer, more energy-efficient water technologies. Globally, we have a lot of potential for water reuse in industry, as only a small percentage is currently reused.”