The Kompetenzzentrum Wasser Berlin is up and running. A year after the signature of the Berlin Water contract, which included the creation of a research centre, this international centre for water research, training and scientific exchange starts its operations. The capabilities of the universities and research institutes of Berlin, the Berlinwasser Group and Vivendi Water will be united. For the first time, a network will be formed combining renowned universities and research institutes, a large and efficient metropolitan water supplier and the leader of the international water business.
The centre will offer a variety of approaches through international research programs and key projects with industrial applications; technical support; the organization of conferences and seminars on leading subjects. In the first stage until the end of 2000, the competence centre will have a permanent staff of about 20 people seconded from partner organizations.
For the first ten years of operations Vivendi has committed to support the centre through an overall contribution valued at DM 100 million (50 million euros).
The initial program of activities focuses on three fields in which Berlin and the partners have particularly strong capabilities:
- the use of information technologies in water services management;
- sustainable management of water resources;
- technical innovation in wastewater treatment.
The research programs
As a start, 7 projects have been initiated in 2000, representing an overall cost of DM 15 million (7.5 million euros). For example, one of the projects deals with the implementation of a non-conventional wastewater system, based on the separation of domestic waste water types and their recycling in the homes. Another project aims to set up a mobile high tech device, which should increase three-fold the service efficiency of field technicians.
Environmental and economic benefits
All the activities of the competence centre aim to improve the protection of the environment and the water management while meeting Berlin residents needs and with minimum impact on the prize of water. Further industrial applications could meet similar needs anywhere around the world. In the long term, the Kompetenzzentrum Wasser Berlin will thus contribute to the preservation of water resources in Berlin and other countries.
In terms of economic benefits, one can highlight initiatives which will assist in the control of the price of water, activities which will enhance the development of Berlin water companies, and the setting up of new ventures creating new employment opportunities.
Therefore, the centre will entirely fulfil its mission as stated by the land of Berlin.
Press contact : Anne FROGER +33 (1) 49 24 31 18
Françoise NOWAK + 33 (1) 49 24 30 83
Vivendi Water :
52 rue d'Anjou
75384 PARIS Cedex 08
