Event: Spanish Embassy Commercial Office UK – Water Infrastructure Investment & Innovation Forum

Date: July 2024

Location: Spanish Embassy Commercial Office, London

Role: Keynote Speaker

Type of CPD: International collaboration / investment and innovation / environmental performance

Duration: Half‑day event (keynote + panel engagement + bilateral discussions)

Summary of the Event

I was invited as a Keynote Speaker at the Spanish Embassy Commercial Office UK Water Infrastructure Investment Event, held in London in July 2024. The event brought together Spanish and UK utilities, technology companies, investors, engineering consultancies, government representatives and international partners to explore opportunities for cross‑border collaboration, infrastructure investment, and innovation deployment across the water sector.

The programme focused on shared challenges around climate resilience, water scarcity, environmental performance, digital transformation, and advanced monitoring, with Spain’s leadership in reuse, desalination and drought management providing a strong international reference point.

My keynote addressed the role of real‑time biological monitoring, microbial activity sensing, and digital optimisation in strengthening treatment stability, environmental protection and investment value.

My Contribution – Keynote Speaker

• Delivered a keynote presentation on the role of real‑time biological monitoring in improving operational resilience, environmental performance and regulatory compliance.
• Highlighted how microbial activity sensing provides early‑warning capability, supports treatment optimisation and reduces pollution risk.
• Demonstrated how integrating biological, chemical and physical data into digital optimisation platforms enhances asset performance and investment outcomes.
• Provided insight into UK regulatory drivers (including PR24) and how innovation can support long‑term environmental and financial resilience.
• Engaged in panel discussions on innovation adoption, cross‑border investment, and technology transfer between Spain and the UK.
• Participated in bilateral conversations with Spanish utilities, technology providers and investors exploring pilot opportunities and collaborative programmes.

Key Themes Covered

International collaboration and technology exchange Strengthening UK–Spain cooperation across utilities, academia and industry.

Climate resilience and drought management Spanish expertise in reuse, desalination and long‑term water‑resource planning.

Digital transformation and real‑time monitoring AI, automation, digital twins, predictive analytics and integrated data ecosystems.

Environmental performance and river health Pollution reduction, transparency, compliance and ecological outcomes.

Investment and innovation scaling Funding models, cross‑border partnerships, procurement pathways and capability building.

Advanced sensing and biological monitoring High‑resolution data, early‑warning systems and treatment optimisation.