AquaLibre

This is what it's all about

AquaLibre develops technologies that can treat water with dissolved impurities to produce clean drinking water. The systems are autonomous and designed for operation in developing countries and other remote locations. With a decentralized approach, expensive water and power infrastructure is avoided via operating with renewable energy. The technologies are based on membrane processes and can be adapted according to water quality. While the implemented technology has been tested short-term in remote locations, there is an unfounded-but-lingering doubt that technology has to be “low-tech” to be relevant to developing countries. To dismiss this misconception the project aims to install a cluster of 10 systems in one region and maintain these in operation for 10 years in order to adapt the technology, implement further research findings and ultimately evaluate real cost and operator effort. In parallel students will have the opportunity to take part in this project and gain very important field experience. The site will most likely be selected in the Rift Valley and will require the engagement of interested communities.

What we want to achieve

AquaLibre aims to build trust for innovative technologies in developing countries and rural regions by operating 10 systems in a cluster over a long-term period. One person will be employed to take care of the operation of the plants. Data will be transferred from the site to KIT where it will be analysed to manage the project and adapt the technology accordingly. The systems will be built and operated by a company so that further systems will be commercially available for other projects. The profits from sale of the water through a dispenser will be organised by the local operators using mobile phone payments, thus generating an income that enables the financing of follow-up projects.

To the website of the Institute for Advanced Membrane Technology (IAMT)

To the website of the Institute of Microstructure Technology (IMT)

Facts and figures

"I have a dream: Safe water for all children’“
Prof. Dr. Andrea Iris Schäfer
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“Clean water from light, we’re getting it right!”
Bryce Sydney Richards
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