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Eco Investor February 2016 Unlisted Companies Modular Solar Desalination SystemSolar Blue Innovations is finalizing R&D and commencing commercialization for its innovative modular solar desalination system that can deliver up to 65,000 litres of potable water per year at a capital cost of less than 10 cents per litre. The SolarWell is similar in size to a solar hot water system. It uses a thermal MED (multi effect distillation) technology and can easily desalinate grey water, sea water, bore water or water tainted by pathogens or heavy metals. The modular system can be configured in array to increase supply. It is completely solar powered and so no mains power is required, and there is zero liquid discharge so no brine is returned to the environment. The SolarWell is suited to river, coastal and bore water sites in rural and remote areas including arid regions.
The SolarWell technology was developed in conjunction with JV partner Applidyne Australia Pty Ltd through their joint venture, Solar Pure Technologies. A working prototype engineered by Applidyne Australia is in operation and the technology has won $430,000 in support and grants from the South Australian and Commonwealth Governments. Solar Blue Innovations director Paul Unsworth said most of the R&D modeling and prototyping is completed along with independent market appraisal, patent lodgement and business case development. An independent market analysis by AXANT Corporate says that with strong market take-up the technology is disruptive as it can provide higher yields of water at lower cost and outperform other systems including rain harvest and water filtration. Patents have been secured by Phillips, Ormonde, Fitzpatrick, and plans are in place for a field trial partnership via Micromet Pty Ltd. The next step is commercialization. Initial target markets are domestic and agribusiness markets such as River Murray corridors where water scarcity or water purity are significant issues. There are many international markets with similar scenarios. Potential customers include outback pastoral and agribusiness properties, residential households, national parks and camping areas, caravan parks, local councils, property developers, eco-tourism facilities, high rise residential developments, the international aid sectors and island communities. Mr Unsworth said Solar Blue's connections and project expertise mean it can immediately offer customers a range of affordable and reliable water purity solutions anywhere in regional Australia. Three commercialization models are under consideration - licence the technology, partner with a competitor, and manufacture locally, which is the prefered model. Mr Unsworth said investors are now sought and performance clauses mean they will be free to exit without prejudice if progress is insufficient. Investment to date has been $435,000 cash and $175,000 in kind. The company is seeking $300,000.
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