One thing is clear: 2022 was not the easiest ride for many. But as we near its end and look back on the past 12 months, we reflect on some things which – despite another rollercoaster year in global events – have helped make 2022 a surprisingly good year.
New investment and partners
This year we welcomed Jean-Michel Balmelle to our board as part of Abaque Finance’s multi-million investment into AQUA4D®, to help further boost our international market expansion. Find out more here (Global AgInvesting).
New partnership with Netafim
It’s ever clearer that solving the biggest problems of our times involves unprecedented collaboration. With this in mind, AQUA4D signed a new strategic collaboration with Netafim France to further advance the optimization of water use. With France going through a historic drought in 2022, the need has never been greater. Read more here (Irrigazette).
Huge progress in landscape irrigation
This year saw a significant expansion of AQUA4D® for urban green areas and turf management, including irrigation of a large park in Santiago, Chile, where 40% water savings were achieved within the first year. Find out more here (El Mercurio).
Ongoing impressive results in football turf management
Talking of turf, AQUA4D® continued successes in sports irrigation with notable impressive results at AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands), increasing root system size in just 6 weeks and solving salinity issues – with greener playing surfaces than ever before. Watch the interview here (YouTube).
Expansion into geothermal
Talking of great needs, 2022 was also the year we were confronted with an energy crisis and the need to accelerate a green transition. AQUA4D® continued to illustrate its ability increase near-surface geothermal efficiency and solve the stubborn problem of iron bacteria. Find out more here (AQUA4D).
Game-changing results for Swiss integrated water management pilot
After a year of monitoring and reporting, the first results are out of this exciting pilot project in Valais, Switzerland. The AQUA4D® plot maintained productivity while using 20% less water – and is well on the way to achieving the future 40% target when combining with other technologies. Check out our dedicated mini-site here.
A growing global workforce
Our team continues to grow, with several interns passing through our doors in 2022 (thanks to InTent, EPFL Lausanne, and Waterpreneurs). We also welcomed senior agronomist Fouad Amine to the North Africa team, and a new CTO starting in 2023, Patrice Brand.
Conclusion of H-A MAX trials
Ready for commercialization in 2023, we concluded trials in Brazil, USA, and Spain of our groundbreaking new treatment system for pivot irrigation, funded by the EU’s Horizon 2020. This will bring water savings and salinity management on a never-before-seen scale. Find out more here (European Commission).
AQUA4D selected by CaixaBank (Spain) as water treatment innovation
After passing several EIC (European Innovation Council) selection rounds, AQUA4D will work closely with CaixaBank’s AgroBank to increase sustainable and water-efficient approaches in Spanish agriculture – watch their interview with Javier Meyer here (YouTube).
Ongoing expansion of nut projects in Chile and California
These two key regions for fruit and nut production face similar issues, namely water stress and soil salinity. In 2022, AQUA4D installed a record number of projects at almond, pistachio, and walnut growers, with the often impressive results we have come to expect. Find out more here (Portal Fruticola).
50th public building equipped in Valais, Switzerland
We proudly completed a landmark installation at a public building in the Canton of Valais, the 50th such installation including at fire stations, police stations, schools, and sports facilities, all continuing to benefit from the sustainable treatment of their water systems. Find out more here. (AQUA4D)
Bringing teams together
After a two-year absence, it was a joy to once again welcome our teams around the world to meet and share ideas at our HQ in Sierre, Switzerland:
The return of live events in 2022
This year marked a return to pre-pandemic activity in many ways, and a new normal in other ways. One welcome plus-point was being able to attend events and fairs again – AQUA4D had a strong presence in Chile, Turkey, Italy, Switzerland, California and more.
New warehouse and manufacturing facilities
As a sign of things to come, this year we opened a new production hall across the road in Sierre, Switzerland – with an eye on upscaling of Skid, Pro-M, and new Max systems.
First AQUA4D wine produced in California
At Alban Vineyards (San Luis Obispo County), two years after starting irrigation with AQUA4D®, the first organic wine was produced and sold. See video here (YouTube)
Academic studies published, new research under way
Research was published at University of Lorraine (France) showing how AQUA4D® improves heat exchanger efficiency in buildings (see here), while a study in Brazil proved our technology can increase nutrient uptake and fruit quality (see here). At the same time, new research kicked off in Belgium looking at the movement of AQUA4D® water through soil.
—-
So that was 2022… here’s to an even better 2023!
Global
Precision Irrigation
Field visits: Fouad Amine (AQUA4D Morocco) visiting Swiss colleagues
Santiago, Chile: the AQUA4D LATAM team continues to grow
New faces: Ousmane Ba was one of many internships in 2022
Expansion: new AQUA4D facilities in California