Proceedings

Abstract Climate change, increasing demands on water due to global urbanisation and the legal obligations under the EU’s Water Framework Directive are making the water sector an attractive place for technologies that can help reduce costs and contribute to reducing the effects of climate change. Mark Land of ABB discusses the influential role AC drives can play in meeting these challenges.

Keywords AC drives, climate change, global urbanisation, medium voltage drives, pumping, water framework directive

Introduction Water is crucial for the economy. Virtually every industry from agriculture, electric power and industrial manufacturing to beverage, clothing and tourism relies on it to grow and ultimately sustain their business. Yet water is becoming scarcer globally and every indication is that it will become even more so in the future. Decreasing availability, declining quality, and growing demand for water are creating significant challenges to businesses and investors who have traditionally taken clean, reliable and inexpensive water for granted.