Speaker Insights

Ahead of the WEX Global Bioeconomy Summit, we asked our speakers to share their perspectives on the opportunities, challenges and innovations shaping the global bioeconomy.

Why is now such an important moment for the water and bioeconomy sectors?

We are increasingly seeing the water and bioeconomy sectors becoming interlinked – also from an agricultural perspective. Initially water reuse was primarily intended as a measure to produce additional (or alternative) water resources, to help address pressures on strained natural resources. But today we are increasingly looking at water reclamation as providing opportunities for the recycling of nutrients and also producing energy. This brings circularity in the water reuse sector – and aligns water reuse with the WEFE-Nexus. This new focus creates opportunities for the development of technologies and applications which enhance circularity potential – supporting increased resilience. It is truly, in my opinion, a defining (and important) moment for the sector.

What is the biggest opportunity in wastewater and resource recovery?

The adoption of the Water Resilience Strategy in the EU brings up increased opportunities for the sector – placing increased emphasis on transforming treated wastewater into a reliable source of irrigation water while recovering nutrients and other valuable resources. Here we are looking at an approach which creates a circular system that supports both agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.

Who are you hoping to connect with at the WEX Global Bioeconomy Summit?

Main interest focuses on solution providers, including startups defining the available technologies in the near future as well as examples of Innovative Technologies successfully and safely adopted in Europe and beyond. Additionally monitoring systems providers as well as regulatory/permitting authorities who work to ensure the safety of such applications are of interest.