At Akvo, innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a mission. In a recent interview with APAC News Network, Navkaran Singh Bagga, CEO of Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems, shared insights into his groundbreaking work transforming air into water, addressing global water scarcity with cutting-edge technology. Continue reading “APAC NEWS Network”
Access to clean drinking water remains a critical issue worldwide, especially for underserved communities facing the challenges of water scarcity. AKVO Atmospheric Water Systems, founded in 2017 by Navkaran Singh Bagga in Kolkata, is pioneering an innovative solution to this pressing problem by turning atmospheric moisture into clean, drinkable water.
We’re thrilled to share a snapshot of change – straight from the heart of Lakshadweep!
The year 2019 marked a leap forward in our journey towards water sustainability as we, Akvosphere, in collaboration with the Airport Authority of India (AAI), brought our state-of-the-art 180K machine to the sun-kissed isle of Agatti.
Educational Empowerment
Nested within the walls of a school that once felt the parched throes of scarcity, now stands a beacon of hope—our Akvo unit. With each drop of clean water it produces, it signifies a tide turning against water scarcity, delivering not just life-sustaining hydration but also seeding the clouds of knowledge about sustainable living and innovation among young minds.
Technology and Community
This picture captures the essence of collaboration, where technology meets humanity. The smiles reflect a community’s resilience and the promise of a future where clean water isn’t a luxury but a given. The Akvo 180K machine is more than an appliance; it’s a testament to human ingenuity and the spirit of CSR that aims to quench the thirst of generations.
Impacting Lives
As we look back at the deployment in Lakshadweep, we are reminded that innovation isn’t just about the machines we build; it’s about the lives we touch. The success of this project has paved the way for many more, spreading ripples of sustainability across the globe.
Join the Conversation
Let’s discuss how we can bring such transformative changes to more communities in need. Share your thoughts on how we can collectively make a difference with innovative water solutions.
The global water crisis is the most pressing issue of our times, making its way across more than two billion people without clean and safe drinking water. Several factors cause this growing scarcity, namely: climate change, rapid urbanisation, and the depletion of freshwater resources. Because of this, the innovation of more presiding pressing water technologies has been their shift towards addressing these challenges, promoting sustainability, and helping in aspects to counteract climate change. One of the exciting innovations in water technology goes by the name of Atmospheric Water Generators or AWGs for short.
India stands at a critical juncture where water scarcity threatens not just rural areas but major urban centers as well. Rapid urbanization, coupled with the erratic monsoon patterns exacerbated by climate change, has led to a severe imbalance between water demand and supply. Major cities like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai, despite their economic might, often find themselves grappling with crippling water shortages. In this scenario, conventional methods of sourcing water—whether from rivers, lakes, or groundwater—are proving unsustainable. It is against this backdrop that innovative solutions, such as Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs), present themselves as more than just technological novelties. They offer a fundamental shift in how we can harness a previously overlooked resource: the humidity in the air.
Water scarcity is one of the most pressing issues faced by small-scale farmers in arid regions. With changing climate patterns and increasing demand for water resources, these farmers often struggle to sustain their livelihoods. However, advancements in water generation technologies are providing new solutions to address this challenge.
Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) is a cutting-edge technology that extracts moisture from the air and converts it into potable water. This technology is particularly beneficial in arid regions where traditional water sources are scarce. AWG systems can operate in a variety of environmental conditions, making them a reliable water source for small-scale farmers.
Benefits for Farmers
AWGs are also proving to be invaluable for indoor farming, particularly hydroponics. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using mineral nutrient solutions in an aqueous solvent. This method requires a consistent and reliable water source, which AWGs can provide.
In addition to AWG, several other water generation technologies are making a positive impact on small-scale farming in arid regions:
Despite the promise of these technologies, there are challenges to their widespread adoption. High initial costs, lack of awareness, and limited technical expertise can hinder implementation. However, with increasing governmental and non-governmental support, these barriers are gradually being addressed.
Public-private partnerships are playing a crucial role in scaling up these technologies. Subsidies, training programs, and awareness campaigns are helping small-scale farmers understand and adopt water generation technologies.
Water generation technologies like AWG, desalination, rainwater harvesting, and solar-powered irrigation are transforming agriculture in arid regions. By providing a reliable and sustainable water supply, these technologies empower small-scale farmers to enhance their productivity and resilience against climate change.
As we continue to innovate and invest in these solutions, the future holds great promise for farmers in arid regions, ensuring that they can thrive despite the challenges posed by water scarcity.
Water scarcity is a pressing challenge that impacts agriculture worldwide. With climate change exacerbating droughts and depleting traditional water sources, farmers face increasing difficulties in securing a reliable water supply for irrigation. This problem is particularly acute in arid and semi-arid regions where agriculture often relies on unpredictable rainfall or over-extracted groundwater. To address these challenges, innovative solutions like Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) technology are emerging as game-changers, offering a consistent and sustainable water source for agricultural use.
Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) is a technology that extracts moisture from the air and converts it into clean, potable water. By harnessing the humidity present in the atmosphere, AWG systems produce water that can be used for a variety of applications, including agriculture. Unlike traditional methods such as borewells or surface water extraction, AWG does not deplete existing water resources. Instead, it taps into a renewable source—the moisture in the air—making it an ideal solution for regions facing water scarcity.
1.Steady Water Supply: One of the most critical focal points of AWG innovation is its capacity to give a reliable water supply. In regions where irrigation is challenging, due to a lack of reliable water sources, AWG can offer a dependable alternative. This helps farmers maintain crop production and reduce their reliance on erratic weather patterns, ultimately improving food security.
2. Scalability and Flexibility: AWG systems, such as Akvo’s modular Water Block, are highly scalable and can be tailored to meet the specific needs of agricultural operations. Whether for small-scale farms or large agricultural estates, these systems can be adjusted to produce the required volume of water, ranging from 50 liters to 100,000 liters per day. This flexibility makes AWG suitable for a wide range of agricultural settings, from greenhouse irrigation to open-field farming.
3. Environmental Sustainability: AWG technology supports sustainable agriculture by reducing the environmental impact associated with traditional water extraction methods. For instance, pumping groundwater or diverting surface water often leads to ecosystem degradation and decreased biodiversity. AWG, on the other hand, extracts water without disturbing natural water bodies or soil. Moreover, advancements in AWG efficiency, such as energy optimization and IoT integration, make these systems increasingly eco-friendly.
AWG technology is already making strides in agriculture, particularly in regions where water scarcity is a critical concern. In India, for example, pilot projects have demonstrated the potential of AWG to support smallholder farmers by providing an alternative water source for crops like rice, wheat, and vegetables. In the GCC region, where water scarcity is a daily reality, AWG systems are being explored to support large-scale agricultural initiatives, helping to reduce dependence on costly and environmentally taxing desalination processes.
While the potential of AWG in agriculture is immense, there are challenges to consider. Initial setup costs and energy requirements are often cited as barriers to widespread adoption. However, continuous innovation in the field is addressing these issues, with new models boasting improved energy efficiency and lower costs. As the technology evolves, it is expected that AWG will become more accessible and economically viable for farmers worldwide.
Integrating AWG technology into agriculture presents a promising solution to the global water scarcity challenge. By providing a sustainable, scalable, and consistent water source, AWG can help farmers maintain productivity and resilience in the face of changing climate conditions. As stakeholders in the agriculture sector look towards innovative ways to enhance water security, AWG stands out as a viable and forward-thinking approach. Embracing this technology can transform water management in agriculture, ensuring a more sustainable future for food production.
Read the original article here to learn more about how AWG technology is revolutionizing agriculture and addressing global water scarcity.
Navkaran Singh Bagga is the CEO & Founder of Akvo.
The traditional reliance on groundwater and river systems is proving inadequate and unsustainable
Many forward-thinking corporates are early adopters of AWG technology, utilizing it to meet their sustainability goals while also curbing costs on drinking water for their workforce. This adoption underscores the practical and economic benefits of AWG
India’s relentless quest for sustainable water resources in the face of escalating scarcity and pollution finds a promising ally in Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG). This innovative technology, which extracts potable water directly from the air, is revolutionizing how we access and ensure water sustainability.
The need for sustainable water solutions:
With urban centres burgeoning and climatic irregularities becoming the norm, the traditional reliance on groundwater and river systems is proving inadequate and unsustainable. The pressing demand for clean water in densely populated and industrial regions is increasingly at odds with the finite and often contaminated natural water supplies.
Science behind atmospheric water generation:
Atmospheric water generation stands out by tapping into the air’s humidity – a vast, underutilized resource. The process is elegantly simple yet profoundly impactful:
1. Air filtration: Initially, air is drawn into the AWG unit, filtering out dust, pollen, and other particles.
2. Condensation: This clean air is then cooled to its dew point, transforming water vapor into droplets.
3. Purification and mineralisation: Finally, these droplets are purified and potentially enhanced with essential minerals, ensuring that the water is both safe and nourishing.
Atmospheric water generation, the game-changer:
Sustainability and scalability: AWG can run on renewable energy, aligning with global carbon reduction goals. The scalability from personal units in homes to larger systems for industrial applications illustrates its versatility, catering to various needs without depleting natural resources. Also Read – Vembu slams ‘Liver Doc’ for calling him ‘health illiterate boomer uncle’
Uncompromised quality: The resultant water is purer than most natural sources, reducing reliance on chemical treatments and promoting health.
Early adoption by corporates: Many forward-thinking corporates are early adopters of AWG technology, utilizing it to meet their sustainability goals while also curbing costs on drinking water for their workforce. This adoption underscores the practical and economic benefits of AWG, making it an attractive option for businesses aiming to enhance their operational sustainability. As these companies integrate AWG into their daily operations, they not only contribute to environmental conservation but also establish a blueprint for others in the corporate sector.
Bringing AWG to life in India: In India, AWG’s potential is particularly significant. It can transform rural areas with limited infrastructure by providing reliable access to clean water, or support urban centers with supplementary supplies, ensuring resilience against shortages. Industries requiring high-quality water, like pharmaceuticals and food processing, could see substantial benefits, enhancing both their sustainability and operational reliability.
Looking ahead: The traction AWG is gaining in urban areas signals a robust trend for the next few years, with more businesses and residential complexes likely to adopt this technology. As promising as AWG technology is, it faces hurdles like dependence on specific climatic conditions and the initial costs and energy requirements. However, ongoing advancements and increasing scale are likely to diminish these barriers, making AWG a cornerstone of India’s strategy to overcome its water challenges.
In line with the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and other sustainability initiatives, embracing AWG could place India at the forefront of global water management innovation.
The path forward will involve not only adopting but also adapting this technology to meet local needs and conditions, setting a precedent for others to follow in the pursuit of a sustainable future.
Discover more about how AWG technology is revolutionizing sustainable water solutions in India by reading the full article here.
(The writer is the founder and CEO of Akvo)
Introduction
Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems, established in 2017 and headquartered in Kolkata, stands at the forefront in addressing global water scarcity through innovative technology. Akvo focuses on extracting clean drinking water from atmospheric moisture, offering a sustainable solution to the challenge of water access worldwide.
Technological Innovation
Akvo specializes in Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) systems, which harness moisture from the air to produce potable water. This technology is particularly valuable for remote areas lacking traditional water infrastructure, eliminating the need for extensive pipelines and minimizing environmental impact. The AWG units are designed to operate efficiently across various humidity levels and can be integrated with solar power, enhancing sustainability and reducing operational costs.
Economic Viability
Despite higher initial costs compared to conventional methods such as Reverse Osmosis (RO), Akvo’s Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis over five years demonstrates significant cost-effectiveness. With a competitive cost per liter of 2.22 INR (0.027 USD), Akvo’s AWG systems prove financially viable in the long term, making them a preferred choice for communities seeking reliable water sources.
Global Impact
Operating in 15 countries with a daily production capacity of 250,000 liters of water, Akvo has established a robust global footprint. This widespread presence highlights the universal applicability of AWG technology in addressing water scarcity challenges across diverse regions and cultures.
Strategic Partnerships
Looking forward, Akvo continues to expand its influence through strategic collaborations across sectors. By partnering with corporate entities and engaging in humanitarian efforts, Akvo aims to extend the benefits of its AWG technology to residential communities, support disaster relief efforts and enhance water resilience in vulnerable regions worldwide.
Conclusion
Akvo Atmospheric Water Systems exemplifies how innovation and sustainability intersect to address one of humanity’s most pressing issues. By utilizing atmospheric moisture to generate clean drinking water, Akvo not only meets immediate water needs but also contributes to a more sustainable and water-secure future for communities globally.
Full article link: Bringing Sustainable Solutions to the Tap: Accessibility to Clean Drinking Water Globally
We are thrilled to collaborate with Anuj Ramatri, who has shared our vision in such an inspiring way. Our innovative air-to-water solution, which transforms air into fresh, potable water. This technology holds immense potential to provide clean drinking water to communities in need and we are grateful to Anuj for helping us spread the word about a sustainable future where water is available anywhere, anytime.
Turning Air into Fresh Drinking Water: How Akvosphere Does It!
Imagine a world where fresh water is available anywhere, anytime, just by harnessing the power of air. That’s the future Akvosphere is building!
In this video, we dive deep into their innovative technology that extracts clean drinking water right from the air. You’ll discover:
Whether you’re interested in sustainable solutions, cutting-edge technology or simply curious about the future of water, this video is for you!
