“Automation and digitalization have started playing a critical role in the future of municipal water infrastructure in India. These applications will help in real time monitoring and analytics, given that they encompass timesaving and cost-saving elements such as sensors, Internet of Things, data collection mechanisms and predictive analytics.” Raveendra Bhat, Area Sales Director, Water Utility INDO- Region, Grundfos
Grundfos emphasizes energy-efficient and smart pumping solutions. Can you elaborate on how these technologies are helping municipalities in the INDO region address issues like water loss, energy consumption in water treatment and distribution, and the need for more reliable water supply? Could you share some specific examples or case studies?
Yes, we at Grundfos employ a 24/7 pressurized water system called Demand Driven Distribution. It is a unique pressure management system that minimizes water loss and reduces energy consumption when pumps are in operation. The case of Wolsztyn municipality in Poland is relevant here. The municipality was in need of an energy efficiency check at one of their water treatment plants and requested an energy audit. The municipality decided to go ahead with the Grundfos solution as it would allow delivery of the required flow of water and reduction of energy to specific levels. The new system maintained constant pressure, enabled smooth pump speed control, eliminated the water hammer effect and made daily operations easier. Again, a few years later, a large crack appeared on a water tower there. An expert analysis indicated that the upper tank required a major overhaul. The entity was considering renovating the city’s old buffer tanks and establishing an additional booster station. PGK Wolsztyn turned to Grundfos again for problem-solving. Grundfos introduced a DDD-based pressure management solution. The proposed solution included control system modification and delivery of new pumps. The solution helped deliver the desired flow and energy levels and made the exercise a success.
Grundfos’s CR pumps (a vertical, centrifugal energy-efficient variety) have also been used to supply water to over 7000 residents in Ghana and relieve them from a position of water scarcity. Grundfos CR pumps are designed around high-efficiency, user-friendliness and ease of maintenance, thereby consuming less energy to operate and reduce the time for general maintenance.
“We see partnerships with new-age companies providing cutting-edge infrastructure as a key part of our strategy. We at Grundfos are constantly looking to stay ahead of the curve by forging partnerships and investing in cutting-edge technologies.”
Automation and digitalization are becoming increasingly crucial for efficient water management. What role do you see these technologies playing in the future of municipal water infrastructure in India and how is Grundfos partnering with municipalities to implement these solutions?
Automation and digitalization have started playing a critical role in the future of municipal water infrastructure in India. These applications will help in real time monitoring and analytics, given that they encompass timesaving and cost-saving elements such as sensors, Internet of Things, data collection mechanisms and predictive analytics. Automation and digitalization will also help optimize resource allocation by enabling precision in distribution systems and reducing water leaks. They can also identify pollution hotspots and promote the treatment of wastewater and improve the overall water quality of systems. These technologies will no doubt play a huge role in the future of municipal water management.
Technologies such as Grundfos Connect, a plug and play Internet-based software system that is used for municipal water applications are a case in point. Another offering is our Grundfos iSolutions, a cloud-based smart pumping solution that helps control water loss by virtue of features such as real-time monitoring and fault prediction, also merits mention. The Grundfos Utility Analytics helps analyze leaks using technology and data. All these technologies will plan a key part in the future of municipal water infrastructure.
We see partnerships with new-age companies providing cutting-edge infrastructure as a key part of our strategy. We at Grundfos are constantly looking to stay ahead of the curve by forging partnerships and investing in cutting-edge technologies. We have inked a strategic partnership with Baseform, a technology provider for online software, to bring digital services to all water utilities across the globe. It allows utilities to manage water losses, optimize energy usage and perform better overall.
With a growing emphasis on sustainability, how are Grundfos’s solutions contributing to more environmentally responsible water management practices in municipalities?
Sustainability constitutes the DNA of our brand’s promise. It is embedded in every step of our business, from design to execution and beyond. We at Grundfos seek to constantly offer solutions that are innovative, energy-efficient and sustainable. To this end, Grundfos offers a range of solar-powered solutions such as the Grundfos solar pumping system and solar inverter or RSI. These solutions leave a lower carbon footprint. The Grundfos Power Adapt is another case in point. It is a power blending solution that ensures a constant energy output by supplementing solar power with electricity from an additional source. This solution, widely used in many applications, allows the user to maintain solar power as the main source of energy. Other solutions like submersible pumps equipped with unique Smart Trim and Smart Seal features deliver high-efficiency solutions for municipalities and water utilities and also leave lower carbon footprint. Both features contribute to pump efficiency.
We at Grundfos also employ other smart features in pumps namely Variable Frequency Drive (VFD), used to control the speed of an electric motor by varying the frequency and voltage of the power supplied to it. Significant power savings can be achieved when using a VFD in a pump. Grundfos has recently introduced the CUE 120, a Variable Frequency Drive-based device developed in India for the Indian market. This device aims to offer more precise control of pump performance with a focus on energy efficiency. It empowers buildings, industries and communities with smarter, energy-efficient pumping solutions for a greener future. DDD concept on the other hand, seeks to minimize water loss and reduce energy consumption, in line with the environmentally conscious nature of the brand. This is a veritable water leakage solution for larger applications. Both applications are used widely in municipalities.
“Grundfos also undertakes many Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) activities at various points. Grundfos India, for instance, has partnered with the Environmental Foundation of India and the Greater Chennai Corporation to restore the Annaikeni pond in Chennai.”
Considering the diverse needs and varying levels of infrastructure development across different municipalities in the INDO region, how does Grundfos tailor its solutions and approaches to meet these specific local contexts? What are some of the key considerations for Grundfos when working with different urban and rural local bodies?
Grundfos tailors its solutions and approaches to varied local contexts by carrying out a thorough water need assessment of the relevant area and understanding the requirements of the local communities. Working closely with different stakeholders, each solution and pump is designed specifically to adapt each region and the communities need respectively. Grundfos also customizes its water solutions based on specific needs of geography. Rural areas may require compact and targeted solutions as they have unreliable power supply and limited tech expertise. Urban areas require large-scale and automated solutions based on IoT. Grundfos has thus adopted a highly adaptive approach.
Grundfos also partners with stakeholders such as NGOs and local government entities to address water needs relating to drinking water, supply, distribution and wastewater treatment and flood control. For instance, the Rural Drinking Water and Sanitation Department in Karnataka seeks to provide drinking water to over 5000 villages in the state by 2028 as part of the Jal Jeevan Mission. However, the villages had been facing difficulty in securing water supply due to power and pump failures of the grid powered network. To address this, Grundfos installed SP pumps along with Power Adapt technology. This enabled the seamless operation of pumps in the region. This has encouraged the state to adopt similar projects and facilitate access to drinking water for the people.
Grundfos also undertakes many Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) activities at various points. Grundfos India, for instance, has partnered with the Environmental Foundation of India and the Greater Chennai Corporation to restore the Annaikeni pond in Chennai. This CSR effort has helped restore the water table in the area and also cater to the water needs of the communities in the vicinity.
We at Grundfos deem it critical to partner with local urban and rural bodies across the world and implement water solutions. We consider factors such as infrastructure requirements of the project, governance frameworks and the environmental footprint the project will leave, while undertaking the collaboration.
“We envision water management from water intake, distribution, sewage treatment to flood control – a future that is sustainable, smart, digitally driven and energy-efficient.”
Looking ahead, what is Grundfos’s vision for the future of municipal water management in the INDO region? What role do you anticipate Grundfos playing in achieving more resilient, efficient, and sustainable water infrastructure for urban and rural communities?
Grundfos has provided solar-powered solutions to various villages in India as well as other regions surrounding the country – this has made great impact on rural communities. Through our Strategy 2025, Grundfos aims to lead with innovation, focusing on energy-efficient pump solutions, digital water technologies, and climate-resilient infrastructure. We have offered intelligent systems that optimize water distribution, improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption in urban environments. This has helped us consolidate our position in the water sector.
We envision water management from water intake, distribution, sewage treatment to flood control – a future that is sustainable, smart, digitally driven and energy-efficient. We also believe that Grundfos will continue to play a leadership role at the national and global levels and strengthen water infrastructure for rural and urban communities in the years ahead.
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Raveendra Bhat, Area Sales Director for Water Utility INDO (India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Maldives) at Grundfos, has over 30 years of extensive experience in business management, development, project execution, sales and marketing within the water sector.
His expertise spans solution selling, direct sales, and channel management across diverse industry segments. Raveendra’s career includes key positions at Bayer ABS Limited, GE, Essar Group, and Xylem Water Solutions, with significant contributions to regional corporate CSR activities across India, Asia, and Africa. He holds a post-graduate degree from CIPET, Chennai, and an Executive MBA from IIM Calcutta. Raveendra is also a flute enthusiast, an astrology aficionado and an avid cook.
