WEMA and TAQA conclude technical visit to Denmark

In light of the pressure on utilities to do more with less, the cross-border knowledge exchange underscores a growing commitment to integrating innovation, efficiency, and resilience across regional water networks

As the Middle East intensifies its efforts to address water scarcity, enhance infrastructure resilience, and meet sustainability targets, the Water Efficiency Middle East Alliance (WEMA), supported by the Danish Trade Council, has concluded a high-level technical visit to Denmark in collaboration with TAQA Water Solutions.

The delegation, comprising senior executives from TAQA Water Solutions and Danish water sector leaders, engaged in practical and scalable discussions on wastewater reuse, circular economy models, and energy-efficient infrastructure. The visit also builds on a longstanding relationship between WEMA and TAQA Water Solutions. Since 2021, they have engaged in a series of joint workshops, feasibility studies, and knowledge exchange activities.

Denmark’s visit comes at a critical juncture as countries in the GCC intensify their investments in sustainable water strategies aligned with national mandates like the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, Net Zero 2050, and Saudi Vision 2030. Denmark provides practical expertise in areas such as wastewater reuse, stormwater resilience, and utility optimisation, which are increasingly relevant to the Middle East. In light of the pressure on utilities to do more with less, this cross-border knowledge exchange underscores a growing commitment to integrating innovation, efficiency, and resilience across regional water networks, the statement said.

“This delegation was more than a visit, it was a strategic exchange of ideas, technology, and shared ambition,” said Astrid SC Nielsen, the Danish Trade Council, Dubai. “TAQA Water Solutions’ commitment to innovation, coupled with Denmark’s decades of water expertise, are the seeds for impactful, long-term collaboration.”

The delegation engaged in discussions with Danish utilities, water tech companies, and research institutions, including site visits and roundtable discussions with prominent WEMA members like AguaGreen, Alfa Laval, Aquaterra, Grundfos, AVK, Danfoss, DHI, NIRAS, Sulfilogger, Watopi, and Aarhus Vand.

Key themes explored include advanced wastewater reuse and sludge handling, energy-efficient pumping and treatment, data-driven smart water infrastructure, and innovative resource recovery and circular economy models. A dedicated session at BIOFOS Utility and Aarhus Water Utility shared practical case studies on sustainable operations and customer-centric water services.

The visit showed potential for future technical cooperation and project development between TAQA Water Solutions and WEMA member companies. Key areas for follow-up collaboration included feasibility assessments for Danish technologies and joint exploration of impactful projects. TAQA Water Solutions highlighted operational focus areas like energy efficiency, sludge handling, large-scale pumping, and odor and infiltration management, presenting opportunities for targeted collaboration and innovation with WEMA member companies, the statement outlined.

“At TAQA Water Solutions, we have experienced firsthand how innovation profoundly drives comprehensive sustainability. It extends far beyond merely securing vital water and energy systems; it is the fundamental cornerstone reinforcing a resilient circular economy. This strategic imperative ensures that every precious drop is meticulously collected, expertly treated, and purposefully reused, thereby setting new benchmarks for responsible resource management and ensuring a water-secure future,” said Ahmed Al Shamsi, CEO of TAQA Water Solutions.

He added, “As part of TAQA Group’s commitment to providing energy and water to communities worldwide, TAQA Water Solutions drives sustainable development and secures global water resources through strategic investments and collaborative partnerships in markets of growth. This visit exemplifies this mission, evolving beyond a technical exchange, profoundly deepening our shared commitment to advancing sustainable water solutions globally. We are grateful for the generous knowledge-sharing and the invaluable opportunity to learn from a community that has integrated sustainability into its daily life, underscoring our belief that innovation truly thrives through reciprocal collaboration.”

WEMA’s ongoing role is to bridge Danish expertise with regional priorities, ensuring that proven solutions are tailored to support local policy frameworks, operational needs, and sustainability goals. This visit marked a significant milestone in the deepening relations between TAQA Water Solutions and WEMA. It followed a high-level meeting in Abu Dhabi earlier this year, where opportunities for deeper collaboration were identified.