Partners
Forschungsinstitut für Wasserwirtschaft und Klimazukunft an der RWTH Aachen e. V.
(Research Institute for Water Management and Climate Future at RWTH Aachen University e. V.)
Project coordination
FiW is a non-profit research institute that develops and disseminates technical solutions and management strategies for energy and water issues worldwide. From 2021 to 2023, FiW carried out a BMBF-funded initial project in the Eastern Cape of South Africa to increase water security and advised three wastewater treatment plants in Cape Town on biogas/energy issues in 2016/2017.
Project coordinator
Dr.-Ing. Manuel Krauß
Tel. +49 241 80 2 68 43
krauss@fiw.rwth-aachen.de
Project management
Matthias Hirt, M.Sc.
Tel. +49 241 80 2 68 40
hirt@fiw.rwth-aachen.de
As a member of the JRF research community, FiW is funded by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
(Institute of Sanitary Engineering, Water Quality and Waste Management at the University of Stuttgart)
ISWA is a research and training facility at the University of Stuttgart specialising in water quality management, water supply, industrial water technology, wastewater technology, biogas, recycling and waste management and also operates a wastewater treatment plant where experts and operators from Germany and abroad are trained. The ISWA conducts research, for example, in the field of sustainable drinking water supply in prospering water scarce regions in Peru and develops wastewater solutions for newly industrialising and developing countries worldwide with particular challenges in terms of climate.
SEBA Hydrometrie GmbH & Co. KG
SEBA is a medium-sized family business with over 50 years of experience in the development of hydrometric measuring devices for the water industry. SEBA is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of environmental measurement systems in the fields of hydrology, meteorology and wastewater, with particular expertise in video-based flow measurement. SEBA’s patented algorithms enable the real-time analysis of surface velocities and discharges of streams and rivers and the derivation of indications for water allocation and distinctive patterns.
TUG is a nationally and internationally active planning and environmental development company. The competences of TERRA URBANA lie in ecologically oriented planning for the functional protection and development of ecosystems (business field environmental and resource-saving design), as well as in application-oriented research and development of clean and sustainable environmental technologies (business field environmental technology). Through international collaborative and development projects in the field of sustainable food, TUG has increasingly specialized in the development of hydro- and aquaponic recirculation systems and is active in this business field throughout Germany but also in the Asian (Laos, China, Cambodia), as well as African market (Tunisia, Namibia).
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality
Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality (BCMM) established in 2011, is located on South Africa’s southeast coast and serves as a central hub for logistics, business, and government in the Eastern Cape. With a population of nearly one million, it supports key industries including manufacturing, renewable energy, and the automotive sector, with investments from companies like Mercedes-Benz South Africa. The municipality is also home to several academic institutions that contribute to a skilled workforce. Buffalo City has a 68 km coastline and is known for its beaches and cultural events, as well as ongoing infrastructure projects aimed at improving logistics and economic growth.
Associated partners
Mercedes-Benz South Africa Limited
Mercedes-Benz South Africa Limited (MBSA) is a leading automotive manufacturer with a strong presence in Buffalo City, Eastern Cape. As part of its commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship, MBSA actively supports initiatives focused on water reuse and resource efficiency. Collaborating on the ecReUse research project at the East Bank wastewater treatment plant, MBSA contributes to innovative solutions that enhance water security for both industry and the local community.
East London IDZ SOC Limited
East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) is a key economic hub located in Buffalo City, South Africa, dedicated to fostering industrial growth and investment. As a strategic initiative, ELIDZ supports a diverse range of sectors, including automotive manufacturing, renewable energy, and technology. The zone provides a robust infrastructure and business-friendly environment, facilitating both local and international investments.
Department of Water and Sanitation, Republic of South Africa
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) of South Africa is a key governmental body responsible for managing the nation’s water resources and sanitation services. Its purpose is to ensure that the state’s water resources are managed, conserved, developed and used in a sustainable manner.
Institute for Water Research Rhodes University
The Institute for Water Research at Rhodes University (IWR) is a leading research center dedicated to advancing water science and management. With a focus on innovative research and practical solutions, the institute plays a pivotal role in the project and its expertise contributes to the development of effective water management strategies and the promotion of sustainable practices.
GIBB (Pty.) Ltd.
GIBB (Pty) Ltd is one of South Africa’s leading multi-disciplinary engineering consulting firms, with a history spanning more than 60 years. Headquartered in Johannesburg and operating across the African continent, GIBB offers expertise in sectors including water, energy, transport, infrastructure, and environmental services. The company works with public and private clients to deliver sustainable, high-quality engineering solutions, from feasibility studies and design to project management and implementation. With a strong focus on innovation, capacity building, and community impact, GIBB contributes to strategic infrastructure projects that support economic growth and climate resilience in South Africa and beyond.
Oldenburgisch-Ostfriesischer Wasserverband
The Oldenburgisch-Ostfriesischer Wasserverband (OOWV) is one of Germany’s largest municipal water service providers, supplying drinking water and managing wastewater for over one million people in Lower Saxony. With extensive expertise in sustainable water management, OOWV engages in international cooperation to promote resilient and efficient utility operations. Together with the Wupperverband, OOWV partners with Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality in South Africa through an Operator Partnership funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), fostering knowledge exchange and capacity building in water and wastewater services.
WBG Wasserbaugesellschaft Kulmbach mbH
WBG Wasserbaugesellschaft Kulmbach mbH is a German engineering company specialising in water treatment and hydraulic engineering solutions. With proven expertise in technologies such as continuous sand filtration, sedimentation, and water purification systems, WBG delivers customised designs for drinking water production, wastewater treatment, and process water applications. The company combines advanced technical know-how with decades of practical experience to provide sustainable, reliable, and efficient water management solutions for clients in Germany and internationally.
Subcontracts
Dehoust GmbH
Dehoust GmbH is a German manufacturer of high-quality tank systems, water treatment plants, and innovative solutions for sustainable water use. In the field of greywater treatment, Dehoust develops customised systems that combine resource fficiency with operational reliability. For the ecReUse project, Dehoust manufactured the Membrane Bioreactor (MBR), enabling energy-efficient treatment of municipal wastewater and making a key contribution to water reuse.
Membion GmbH
Membion GmbH is a German company specialising in the development and production of advanced membrane filtration systems for wastewater treatment and water reuse. Their innovative membrane technology combines high performance with low energy consumption and operational robustness. Within one of the Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) lines of the ecReUse project, Membion’s membrane system is applied to ensure efficient solid-liquid separation and high-quality effluent for safe and sustainable reuse.