TECHNICAL PROGRAM
IDRA WORLD CONGRESS 2024
TECHNICAL PROGRAM
The IDRA World Congress 2024 Technical Program has been meticulously developed through an open call for abstracts, thoroughly reviewed, and ranked by the IDRA World Congress Technical Program Committee. This dedicated committee oversees the entire paper submission, review, and ranking process to ensure the highest quality of presentations. Our esteemed host, the Department of Energy Abu Dhabi, manages the speaker clearance process.
We are thrilled to unveil the Preliminary Technical Program (pending speaker clearance) for the IDRA World Congress 2024!
This comprehensive program features contributions from over 250 experts representing more than 150 leading public and private organizations and universities. Over four transformative days, participants can delve into ten essential technical topics through sessions organized into four parallel tracks, covering fifty-eight subtopics. Join us for an unparalleled deep dive into the latest innovations and solutions in water desalination and reuse to offset water scarcity.
The finalized Advanced Technical Program will be published once the speaker clearance process has been completed.
The full World Congress agenda will span five days, featuring several pre-congress events, a thematic program including a ministerial stream and plenary panels, IDRA Leaders Summit, specialty workshops, and the Majlis Theater program, all complementing the Technical Program.
ABOUT THE TECHNICAL PROGRAM
THE PROGRAM HAS BEEN DEVELOPED TO ADDRESS 10 CRUCIAL TECHNICAL TOPICS AND 54 SUB-TOPICS ON WATER REUSE AND DESALINATION SOLUTIONS.
1. Desalination and Reuse: Regulations
Topic Chair: Dr. Marshall Davert, Executive VP, Global Major Pursuits Director, Stantec
Regulations significantly impact the planning, design, and operation of any water treatment/distribution system. In addition, it also requires existing systems to implement modifications to meet new requirements.
We welcome abstracts on the impact of regulations for the topics listed below.
> Water Quality Monitoring and Health: Addressing PFAS/PFOS, Microplastics, and pollutants.
> Water Reuse Direct Potable Water Reuse and In-direct Potable Water Reuse
> Intake and Outfall Systems > Distribution Network and Systems
> Smart Infrastructure
> Water Usage Optimization
1. Desalination and Reuse: Regulations
Topic Chair: Dr. Marshall Davert, Executive VP, Global Major Pursuits Director, Stantec
Regulations significantly impact the planning, design, and operation of any water treatment/distribution system. In addition, it also requires existing systems to implement modifications to meet new requirements.
We welcome abstracts on the impact of regulations for the topics listed below.
> Water Quality Monitoring and Health: Addressing PFAS/PFOS, Microplastics, and pollutants.
> Water Reuse Direct Potable Water Reuse and In-direct Potable Water Reuse
> Intake and Outfall Systems > Distribution Network and Systems
> Smart Infrastructure
> Water Usage Optimization
2. Desalination and Reuse: Innovation and Emerging Technologies
Topic Chair: Dr. Yvan Treal, Development Director, SUEZ International
Innovation is essential to meet the ever-moving goalposts of water security and sustainability.
Innovation can be a novel and/or emerging technology but it can also be the optimization of an existing technology and/or process-system.
We are interested in receiving papers and case studies on topics such as:
> Reaching the Lowest Cost Desalination and/or reuse plants
> From Ideas to Commercialization: limitations, successes and failures
> Bioengineering
> Membrane Science
> Zombies
> Zero Liquid Discharge
> Transforming Brine into a product and/or brine reuse
> Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Digital Twins
> Benchmarking and Data Ontology
> Data-driven Decision Support
> Cybersecurity in Water
> Engineering Optimization in the Design and Process of Seawater and Brackish
> Desalination and Water Reuse Plants
2. Desalination and Reuse: Innovation and Emerging Technologies
Topic Chair: Dr. Yvan Treal, Development Director, SUEZ International
Innovation is essential to meet the ever-moving goalposts of water security and sustainability.
Innovation can be a novel and/or emerging technology but it can also be the optimization of an existing technology and/or process-system.
We are interested in receiving papers and case studies on topics such as:
> Reaching the Lowest Cost Desalination and/or reuse plants
> From Ideas to Commercialization: limitations, successes and failures
> Bioengineering
> Membrane Science
> Zombies
> Zero Liquid Discharge
> Transforming Brine into a product and/or brine reuse
> Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, Digital Twins
> Benchmarking and Data Ontology
> Data-driven Decision Support
> Cybersecurity in Water
> Engineering Optimization in the Design and Process of Seawater and Brackish
> Desalination and Water Reuse Plants
3. DESALINATION AND REUSE: PPP AND FINANCE
Topic Chair: Mr. Zael Sanz, Senior Water and Sanitation Specialist, World Bank
Financial impact on water cost and project viability is relevant to address the actual macroeconomic situation that could jeopardize the global clean water availability challenge.
The innovation in financing structures and coverages is relevant to achieving project development even in adverse scenarios. The adaptation capacity of these solutions will open new investment opportunities.
We look for papers and case studies related to topics such as:
> New Creative Financing Structures to Optimize Water Cost
> ESG Financing, Green Bonds
> Innovations on Securities and Guarantees
> Government Support to manage Water Costs, New Tax Structures, Grants… Carbon
> Negative Finance Incentives to Leverage Water Cost Reduction Project Delivery
> Models for Big-Desal > Big Data for Financing Models
> Long-term Successes with Project Models and Financing
> Desalination Price Challenges and Realities
> Water Price, Inflation, Wars, Conflicts, Interest Rates Increase and their impact on water availability
> Financing Adaptation to Particular Conditions to a Project Location
3. DESALINATION AND REUSE: PPP AND FINANCE
Topic Chair: Mr. Zael Sanz, Senior Water and Sanitation Specialist, World Bank
Financial impact on water cost and project viability is relevant to address the actual macroeconomic situation that could jeopardize the global clean water availability challenge.
The innovation in financing structures and coverages is relevant to achieving project development even in adverse scenarios. The adaptation capacity of these solutions will open new investment opportunities.
We look for papers and case studies related to topics such as:
> New Creative Financing Structures to Optimize Water Cost
> ESG Financing, Green Bonds
> Innovations on Securities and Guarantees
> Government Support to manage Water Costs, New Tax Structures, Grants… Carbon
> Negative Finance Incentives to Leverage Water Cost Reduction Project Delivery
> Models for Big-Desal > Big Data for Financing Models
> Long-term Successes with Project Models and Financing
> Desalination Price Challenges and Realities
> Water Price, Inflation, Wars, Conflicts, Interest Rates Increase and their impact on water availability
> Financing Adaptation to Particular Conditions to a Project Location
4. DESALINATION AND REUSE: ENERGY
Energy use in desalination and reuse continues to be a fast-changing area in both how it is produced, and consumed, as well as how it is managed. This is especially true around the world in municipal, industrial, and agricultural applications. We are looking for case studies that show the use of renewable energy including solar, wind, wave, gravity, salinity gradients, etc. In particular, we are looking for case studies of how mega plants are continuing to increase sustainability and at the same time driving down capital and operational costs in relation to energy and the CO2 footprint. We are also interested in the smaller scale applications using renewable energy and innovative energy management, especially research programs leading the way for greater resilience, sustainability, and security. For a totally new area, a couple of papers on atmospheric water harvesting and its implications are encouraged. The smaller-scale applications or unit operations may either be presented as a case study or a research paper.
We welcome the submission of papers and case studies on topics such as:
> Solar, Wind, Wave, Gravity, Salinity Gradient Project Case Studies Nuclear power including fission and fusion
> Improvements for Hybrid Renewable Projects
> Mega Projects Using Renewable Energy
> Cutting-edge Research in Desalination and Renewable Energy Energy Recovery Systems
4. DESALINATION AND REUSE: ENERGY
Topic Chair: Prof. Phil Hart, Chief Researcher, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Research Centre
Energy use in desalination and reuse continues to be a fast-changing area in both how it is produced, and consumed, as well as how it is managed. This is especially true around the world in municipal, industrial, and agricultural applications. We are looking for case studies that show the use of renewable energy including solar, wind, wave, gravity, salinity gradients, etc. In particular, we are looking for case studies of how mega plants are continuing to increase sustainability and at the same time driving down capital and operational costs in relation to energy and the CO2 footprint. We are also interested in the smaller scale applications using renewable energy and innovative energy management, especially research programs leading the way for greater resilience, sustainability, and security. For a totally new area, a couple of papers on atmospheric water harvesting and its implications are encouraged. The smaller-scale applications or unit operations may either be presented as a case study or a research paper.
We welcome the submission of papers and case studies on topics such as:
> Solar, Wind, Wave, Gravity, Salinity Gradient Project Case Studies Nuclear power including fission and fusion
> Improvements for Hybrid Renewable Projects
> Mega Projects Using Renewable Energy
> Cutting-edge Research in Desalination and Renewable Energy Energy Recovery Systems
5. DESALINATION AND REUSE: CLIMATE ADAPTATION
Topic Chair: Mr. Thomas Altman, EVP – Innovation & New Technology, ACWA Power
The role of climate on water security has become obvious around the world. It is exposing communities to a wide range of challenges including depleting aquifers, seawater intrusion into the groundwater supplies, and flooding. Water security can be achieved by integrating different technical approaches. In addition, decarbonizing the water sector contributes to less fossil fuel dependency, which enables new water treatment/distribution systems.
We welcome papers and abstracts on climate adaptation and mitigation on topics such as:
> Brine Management, Valorization and Resource Recovery
> Clean Energy > Carbon Neutral/Reduction
> Pre-Treatment and Post-Treatment (marine ecosystems and public health)
> Produced Water > Green (and other colors of) Hydrogen
5. DESALINATION AND REUSE: CLIMATE ADAPTATION
Topic Chair: Mr. Thomas Altman, EVP – Innovation & New Technology, ACWA Power
The role of climate on water security has become obvious around the world. It is exposing communities to a wide range of challenges including depleting aquifers, seawater intrusion into the groundwater supplies, and flooding. Water security can be achieved by integrating different technical approaches. In addition, decarbonizing the water sector contributes to less fossil fuel dependency, which enables new water treatment/distribution systems.
We welcome papers and abstracts on climate adaptation and mitigation on topics such as:
> Brine Management, Valorization and Resource Recovery
> Clean Energy > Carbon Neutral/Reduction
> Pre-Treatment and Post-Treatment (marine ecosystems and public health)
> Produced Water > Green (and other colors of) Hydrogen
6. DESALINATION AND REUSE: SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
Topic Chair: Prof. Hassan A. Arafat, Senior Director, Khalifa University
The IDRA is strongly committed to sustainability and Environmental responsibility in the water sector. We need to be part of the solution, minimizing the negative impact that these solutions could create for the present and for future generations.
We would like to receive papers and case studies on topics such as:
> Water Security
> Pros and Cons of Current Permitting and Regulations Environmental Impact Assessments
> Long-term Impacts of Brine Management on the Environment Energy and
> Chemical Efficiency in Desalination Processes Sludge Treatment in Reuse
> Challenges facing the Oil and Gas industry
6. DESALINATION AND REUSE: SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY
Topic Chair: Prof. Hassan A. Arafat, Senior Director, Khalifa University
The IDRA is strongly committed to sustainability and Environmental responsibility in the water sector. We need to be part of the solution, minimizing the negative impact that these solutions could create for the present and for future generations.
We would like to receive papers and case studies on topics such as:
> Water Security
> Pros and Cons of Current Permitting and Regulations Environmental Impact Assessments
> Long-term Impacts of Brine Management on the Environment Energy and
> Chemical Efficiency in Desalination Processes Sludge Treatment in Reuse
> Challenges facing the Oil and Gas industry
7. DESALINATION AND REUSE: NET ZERO AND A CIRCULAR WATER ECONOMY
Topic Chair: Mr. Adrian Sym, Chief Executive, Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS)
Net zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) that’s produced and the amount that’s removed from the atmosphere. It can be achieved through a combination of emission reduction and emission removal.
The circular water economy is an innovative approach to water management that mimics the natural water cycle by closing the loop on water use and reducing waste.
We would like to receive case studies and papers on topics such as
> Water Footprint
> Carbon Footprint
> Stewardship and Protection of Water Sources
> Closed Loop Systems
7. DESALINATION AND REUSE: NET ZERO AND A CIRCULAR WATER ECONOMY
Topic Chair: Mr. Adrian Sym, Chief Executive, Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS)
Net zero refers to the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) that’s produced and the amount that’s removed from the atmosphere. It can be achieved through a combination of emission reduction and emission removal.
The circular water economy is an innovative approach to water management that mimics the natural water cycle by closing the loop on water use and reducing waste.
We would like to receive case studies and papers on topics such as
> Water Footprint
> Carbon Footprint
> Stewardship and Protection of Water Sources
> Closed Loop Systems
8. DESALINATION AND REUSE: IRRIGATION AND FOOD SECURITY
Topic Chair: Eng. Ali Mahmoud Ahmad Alshrouf, Senior Consultant & Researcher, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA)
The four pillars of food security are availability, access, utilization, and stability.
Agriculture irrigation accounts for 70% of water use worldwide and over 40% in many OECD countries. Intensive groundwater pumping for irrigation depletes aquifers and can lead to negative environmental externalities, causing significant economic impact on the sector and beyond. In addition, agriculture remains a major source of water pollution; agricultural fertilizer run-off and pesticide use contribute to the pollution of waterways and groundwater.
> We invite you to submit case studies and papers on topics such as:
> Utilization of unconventional water sources, desalination, and water reuse, in water treatment for food, beverage, and agriculture production.
> Development of crops that require less water and/or are more tolerant to higher water salinities.
> Case studies on the efficient use of desalination and recycled water for irrigation.
8. DESALINATION AND REUSE: IRRIGATION AND FOOD SECURITY
Topic Chair: Eng. Ali Mahmoud Ahmad Alshrouf, Senior Consultant & Researcher, Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA)
The four pillars of food security are availability, access, utilization, and stability.
Agriculture irrigation accounts for 70% of water use worldwide and over 40% in many OECD countries. Intensive groundwater pumping for irrigation depletes aquifers and can lead to negative environmental externalities, causing significant economic impact on the sector and beyond. In addition, agriculture remains a major source of water pollution; agricultural fertilizer run-off and pesticide use contribute to the pollution of waterways and groundwater.
> We invite you to submit case studies and papers on topics such as:
> Utilization of unconventional water sources, desalination, and water reuse, in water treatment for food, beverage, and agriculture production.
> Development of crops that require less water and/or are more tolerant to higher water salinities.
> Case studies on the efficient use of desalination and recycled water for irrigation.
9. DESALINATION AND REUSE: SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Topic Chair: Dr. Hoon Hyung, President, LG Water Solutions
Social responsibility is a means of achieving sustainability. Adopting key social responsibility principles, such as accountability and transparency, can help ensure the long-term viability and success of any organization or system. Corporate social responsibility is generally categorized in four ways: environmental responsibility, ethical/human rights responsibility, philanthropic responsibility, and economic responsibility.
We would like to receive case studies and papers on topics such as:
> Generating and providing water in geographically and socially challenged regions.
> Best practices
> Community Engagement and Education
> Economic Benefits of Clean Water for Local Communities
> Environmental practices
> Safety on-site
9. DESALINATION AND REUSE: SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Topic Chair: Dr. Hoon Hyung, President, LG Water Solutions
Social responsibility is a means of achieving sustainability. Adopting key social responsibility principles, such as accountability and transparency, can help ensure the long-term viability and success of any organization or system. Corporate social responsibility is generally categorized in four ways: environmental responsibility, ethical/human rights responsibility, philanthropic responsibility, and economic responsibility.
We would like to receive case studies and papers on topics such as:
> Generating and providing water in geographically and socially challenged regions.
> Best practices
> Community Engagement and Education
> Economic Benefits of Clean Water for Local Communities
> Environmental practices
> Safety on-site
10. LESSONS LEARNED IN DESALINATION AND REUSE
Topic Chair: Mr. Miguel Angel Sanz, President, MS Water Consult
A lesson learned is knowledge or understanding gained by experience. The experience may be positive, as in a successful test or mission, or negative, as in a mishap or failure.
> We look forward to receiving abstracts on topics such as: Project design and implementation
> Operation and maintenance
> Engagement and Education of operators and community White elephants
10. LESSONS LEARNED IN DESALINATION AND REUSE
Topic Chair: Mr. Miguel Angel Sanz, President, MS Water Consult
A lesson learned is knowledge or understanding gained by experience. The experience may be positive, as in a successful test or mission, or negative, as in a mishap or failure.
> We look forward to receiving abstracts on topics such as: Project design and implementation
> Operation and maintenance
> Engagement and Education of operators and community White elephants
ABOUT THE TECHNICAL PROGRAM COMMITTEE:
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIRS
The Congress Technical Program Committee is led by three esteemed IDRA Board of Directors members and two distinguished experts from the Department of Energy Abu Dhabi, who will serve as the Technical Program Committee Co-Chairs. Together, they have assembled a global technical committee comprised of nine expert Topic Chairs and forty-nine Session Chairs from diverse areas of expertise who have participated in the review and ranking of submissions and will manage the sessions of the Technical Program
Ms. Jantje Johnson
CEO and Founder, OrangeBoat
Dr. Marshall Davert
Executive Vice President, Global Major Pursuits Director, Stantec
Mr. Victor Verbeek
Head of Technical Development Asia Pacific, Toray Membrane
Dr. Shamma Al Malek
Strategy Development Director, Abu Dhabi Department of Energy
Eng. Jamal Fahmi Shadid
Policy Development Director, Abu Dhabi Department of Energy
technical program
TOPIC CHAIRS
Dr. Marshall Davert
Executive Vice President, Global Major Pursuits Director, Stantec
Dr. Yvan Treal
Development Director, SUEZ International
Dr. Zael Sanz
Senior Water and Sanitation Specialist, World Bank
Prof. Phil Hart
Chief Researcher, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Research Center
Mr. Thomas Altmann
EVP – Innovation and New Technology, ACWA Power
Prof. Hassan A. Arafat
Senior Director, Khalifa University
Mr. Adrian Sym
Chief Executive, Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS)
Dr. Hoon Hyung
President, LG Water Solutions
Mr. Miguel Angel Sanz
President, MS Water Consult
technical program
SESSION CHAIRS
Dr. Mohamed Saleh Alhadhrami
Standards Energy & Water Efficiency Section, Department of Energy Abu Dhabi
Ms. Nadya Mohammed Ali
Policy Development Director, Department of Energy Abu Dhabi
Mr. Pedro Almagro
CEO, Lantania
Dr. Giancarlo Barassi
Independent Consultant
Mr. Mohamed Bayoum
Environment Specialist, UNDP
Ms. Sophie Bertrand
Strategic Development Deputy Director, SUEZ
Mr. Borja Blanco
CEO, Aqua Advise
Dr. Veronique Bonnelye
Technical Support Manager, SUEZ International
Mr. Oscar Calles
Manager, Desalination and Process, TAQA
Dr. Antonio Casañas
Senior Account Manager, DuPont Water Solutions
Mrs. Hattie Wang
Chief Executive Officer, Impact Filtration/ROPV
Dr. Gary Crisp
Chief Engineer, Sequana
Dr. Antonella De Luca
Head of Competence Center Environmental Solutions, Omya International AG
Dr. Mark Dent, Regional Manager
Alliance for Water Stewardship
Dr. Domingo Zarzo
Innovation and Strategic Projects Manager, Sacyr Water
Mr. Rachid Ghamraoui
Vice President, BESIX
Mr. Doug Eisberg
Global Business Development – Avista Membrane Treatment Solutions, Kurita.
Dr. Emilio Gabbrielli
Independent Consultant
Ms. Silvia Gallego
Sales Manager, LG Water Solutions
Dr. Beatriz Garcia
Chief Technology Officer, Waterise
Dr. Noreddine Ghaffour
Professor, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)
Dr. Heike Glade
Senior Researcher, University of Bremen
Dr. Belen Gutierrez
Head of Desalination Department, Research and Development Direction, GS Inima Environment
Prof. Shadi W. Hasan
Director of the Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT), Khalifa University
Mr. Ramashankar Jagwani
General Manager, PROJECX
Mr. Steven Lam
Head of Technology, Gradiant
Dr. Latifa Lahsine
Head of Desalination Centre of Excellence, ENGIE
Prof. Johannes Vrouwenvelder
Director Water Desalination and Reuse Center, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology
Mr. Roberto Magnano
Managing Director, ILF Consulting Engineers
Mr. Jorge J. Malfeito
Director of Innovation Water, ACCIONA
Mr. Naoll Mary
Water Security and Climate Resilient Infrastructure, IFC – International Finance Corporation
Dr. Victor Monsalvo
Head of Eco-efficiency Area – Innovation and Technology Department, FCC Aqualia
Dr. Tariq Nada
Vice President Water Business, ACWA Power
Dr. Abraham Negaresh
Associate Director – Desalination and Reuse Lead, WRc Group
Mr. Silvio Oliva
Water Consultant
Mrs. Delia Pastorelli
Desalination Technical Manager, SUEZ
Mrs. Nuria Pena
Director of Global Scientific Services, H2O Innovation
Mr. Yvan Poussade
Senior Technical Expert, Veolia
Mr. Kevin Price
Principal, AWTT, LLC
Mr. Rob Simm
Senior Vice President, Stantec
Mrs. Olga Sallangos
Dhekelia Desalination Plant Manager, Caramondani Desalination Plant LTD
Mr. Miguel Angel Sanz
President, MS Water Consult
Mrs. Constanze Simmermacher
Portfolio Manager Water Treatment Plants Singapore / Process Engineering Lead, Jacobs
Mr. Lars Spaeth
General Manager, Passavant -Geiger Aqseptance Group
Dr. Rick Stover
Chief Technical Officer
GP Water
Mrs. Marie-Laure Thielen
Ingenieur Specialist, Laborlec NV /Engie
Dr. Vasu Veerapaneni
Associate Vice President, Manager, Water Group, Black & Veatch
Mr. Nikolay Voutchkov
Executive Director, NEOM Research Institute