EPS recently played a key role in Enterprise Ireland’s two-day ‘Efficiency Through Innovation’ event held in Dublin. A 65-strong delegation of UK water companies, consultants, Tier 1 contractors and Irish SMEs were hosted by Enterprise Ireland at their headquarters under their ‘HubH2O’ initiative. The event comprised of a half day conference and a series of site visits to showcase Irish innovation in the water sector and to offer the UK visitors a fresh perspective on efficiency options in the delivery of treatment solutions.
The event kicked off with a half day conference held at the Enterprise Ireland headquarters. Following insightful presentations from Regina Finn (ex-Ofwat CEO), Yorkshire Water and Irish Water, EPS provided an overview of the Nereda® granular activated sludge technology. Michael O’Sullivan outlined the benefits and successes of the operational plants at Clonakilty and Carrigtwohill, and demonstrated how the learning from these installations is being used to drive further efficiencies in the current project at Cork Lower Harbour and the upcoming schemes across the UK. EPS are the Nereda® licensees for Ireland and are also working in partnership with IP holders Royal Haskoning DHV to develop and deliver schemes for Scottish Water, Thames Water, United Utilities and Anglian Water.
EPS are also currently leading the way in the delivery of new assets to the UK water sector using BIM-led digital design systems and off-site construction techniques, mostly through its MEPS Joint Venture vehicle. Shaun Stevens, EPS Business Development Manager, used a series of case studies to illustrate to the assembled audience the company’s capabilities in this area. Particular focus was given to the substantial project-level benefits that can be earned by adopting key methodologies such as early supplier engagement, cross-functional collaborative planning, federated modelling, 4D rehearsed installation and digital commissioning.
Finally, EPS took the delegation on a guided tour of the wastewater neutralisation plant at the Diageo Guinness Brewery in Dublin city centre, which they have delivered as a design-build turnkey project. The plant is confined to a small corner of this vast industrial site, and was constructed in and around the previous end-of-life treatment system, presenting significant challenges in terms of space and clash detection. EPS used off-site thinking to deliver an innovative solution, locating much of the new plant on elevated platforms, leaving the old plant to continue functioning beneath and around it, until it could be switched off and removed.
Commenting on the event, Shaun Stevens gave a glowing assessment: “It was a real pleasure to be able to showcase EPS to such a strong group of assembled visitors. The intelligence of the questioning demonstrated the quality of the delegates present, and the level of interaction showed that they were fully engaged with the technologies and techniques presented to them. We believe that the visitors went away with a far deeper understanding of how EPS can work with them to deliver their treatment solutions with unrivalled expertise, innovation and efficiency.”
He continued: “We must extend our gratitude to Enterprise Ireland and Diageo for giving us the opportunity to share our capabilities and experiences with the delegation, and for their impeccable organisation of the event.”
The success of the event was summarised by Marina Donohoe, Enterprise Ireland’s Director UK and Northern Europe: “The calibre of Irish companies that participated in Enterprise Ireland’s showcase demonstrates that Ireland is a world-class supplier of goods and services and an attractive trading partner offering competitive, high quality and technologically advanced solutions. The Showcase, and its related business events and networking opportunities, will help to strengthen existing business relationships for Irish clients companies and their international partners. It will also stimulate opportunities for new business partnerships and collaboration and open dialogue with key individuals and organisations within the UK regulated water market”