GE Water & Process Technologies: Clean and Pure

Utility
Friday, 30 November 2007
Making water cleaner and more accessible is a bright idea for this worldwide division of GE. There was a time when GE meant only electricity, but GE’s leadership now includes something that usually doesn’t mix with electricity—water. GE Water & Process Technologies is a division of GE Infrastructure, branded in 2004 when GE integrated GE Betz, GE Osmonics, and GE Water into one operation. GE acquired those entities between 1999 and 2003, and each has its own distinct company history, some of which dates back to the 1920s. Today, the company is involved in many projects not only here at home, but across the planet. GE’s influence in the industry is growing, strengthened by what it calls a commitment to investing in and delivering efficient and affordable solutions for the world’s water needs. One of the keys to GE Water’s long-term growth strategy is expansion into foreign markets. It is involved in projects in places like China, India, Australia, and Africa. With every successful solution, GE Water & Process Technologies builds its reputation worldwide. Since its mission is to become the leader of this global industry, achieving consistent results is of paramount importance. That’s a tall order since many of the projects GE Water takes on are ambitious, complex, and high profile. Projects include electrodialysis reversal (EDR) technologies in operation in countries including Australia, Korea, Mexico, and Spain, used by companies like Kia Motors and Heineken. EDR uses small amounts of electricity to remove particles from water and other fluids, and among the technology’s many applications, it allows GE Water to improve its customer’s drinking water and recycle wastewater. GE recently introduced what it says is the next generation of EDR technology. The improvement to the technology is part of a strategy of innovation designed to strengthen GE Water’s place in the global marketplace. “We are bringing to market an advanced water treatment solution that has one of the highest water recovery rates available,” said Jeff Garwood, president and CEO, GE Water & Process Technologies. “Our EDR technology will expand our capabilities in regions where the demand for robust solutions to tackle water scarcity and water quality challenges continue to grow.” Of GE’s international endeavors, two recent projects it is particularly proud of are in Algeria and China. Last summer, GE announced it would provide water treatment technologies for the first rainwater recycling system in China. The system will be at Beijing’s National Stadium, the site of opening and closing ceremonies for next year’s Olympics. The system will use underground pools to process up to 100 tons of rainwater, 80% of which can be reused for various needs, reducing the stadium’s water consumption. “These technologies are part of a larger effort to help Beijing implement an environmentally sustainable water management solution,” said Steve Bertamini, chairman & CEO of GE in Northeast Asia and China. “We are extremely proud to continue supporting both the Games and China in its effort to adopt solutions that are more green.” In Algeria, GE is building the Hamma Desalination Plant. Built in cooperation with the Algerian Energy Company, the plant is the largest seawater desalination facility in Africa, and it will supply 25% of Algeria’s capital city with drinking water. Through its involvement in these types of bold projects, GE is confident this division will live up to its mission. More to offer In addition to a prolific operational plan, GE Water has an extensive array of water and wastewater treatment products and services. According to Garwood, GE Water aims to have “the broadest set of technologies on the planet.” Achieving this goal is a central aspect of its growth plan. Its expertise and versatility were built over time through the acquisitions that created this division of GE Infrastructure. It designs, builds, installs, and services all kinds of equipment and services used in the industry. GE Water can provide its customers with many chemicals used in water treatment processes, and its field of customers is from well over a dozen industries, including food and beverage companies, power, mining, and transportation. The company is actively working to continue the expansion of its capabilities. For example, in October, GE and the government of Alberta, Canada entered into a research and development agreement to find solutions to issues such as pipeline corrosion. “This collaborative effort will focus on innovative approaches to help meet today’s growing water and wastewater needs in power, oil and gas, healthcare, and various other industries,” said Garwood. The experience in Canada will only help his division’s efforts to enhance its portfolio of services. And with an unlimited supply of potential customers, GE Water has the opportunity to expand to all four corners of the globe in the top position in the industry. Although environmental issues have lately become hot topics, GE Water & Process’ timeline of events illustrate a history of concern for natural resources going back long before it became chic. The companies GE acquired and merged into what is now the GE Water division have been tackling society’s water issues for a long time. For example, Ionics (bought by GE in 2005) was created in 1948 as a pioneer in water purification and wastewater treatment technologies. These resources help GE Water to live up to the mission of GE’s Ecomagination program. Ecomagination is GE’s corporate commitment to invest billions of dollars to develop technologies that protect the environment. And not only does GE work to improve its own environmental record, but it is quick to praise its customers who do the same. In June 2006, GE Water honored Unilever Canada with a 2006 global ecomagination leadership award in recognition of its environmental and operational savings. Unilever saved nearly 13 million gallons of water, reduced its natural gas use by 8%, and saved $300,000. “Unilever Canada demonstrated to the world and to its competitors that, increasingly, what’s good for the environment can also be good for business,” said Garwood.

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