IFAT Brasil

IFAT Brasil & water

Approximately 35 million people do not have access to treated water in Brazil, while almost 100 million people do not have access to sewage treatment. Brazil’s goal is to provide 99% of the population with drinking water and 90% with sewage treatment by 2033. Over the next decade, Brazil's sanitation sector will experience rapid development thanks to the Government's privatisation strategy and stimulus projects. Private investment will drive tremendous growth in the market for environmental technologies, such as the collection, treatment and distribution of water, as well as the collection and treatment of sewage and solid waste. In this dynamic environment, IFAT Brasil will be the main platform to connect market participants and promote the use of environmental technologies in Brazil and the entire region.

The fair and the market will benefit from IFAT's international network of connections, with its events in Europe, Asia and Africa, and will be fundamental to achieving the Brazilian government's objectives in the areas of drainage, waste management, water and wastewater management by 2033.

The first IFAT Brasil takes place in São Paulo from April 24-26, 2024, in parallel with the established M&T Expo, the largest trade fair for the construction and mining machinery industry in Latin America.

Dutch Water Sector at IFAT Brasil

IFAT Brasil has more than 10,000 square metres of exhibition space and includes an Innovation Pavilion that will be organised in collaboration with ISLE Utilities, one of the world's largest consultants in the field of innovation in the water sector and a trusted partner for water utilities in Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Brazil for more than 10 years. It has deep-rooted knowledge of the local water market dynamics, regulatory landscape and business environment in Latin America. The Netherlands Lounge will be part of the Innovation Pavilion.

The organisations present at the Netherlands Lounge are:

• Azzuro B.V
• Bluecon International B.V.
• Dutch Cleantech
• LG Sonic
• MTD Water
• MVRDV
• Netherlands Water Partnership
• Royal Haskoning DHV
• Solaq International B.V
• SOLiSENZ B.V.

Priority areas for water utilities in Brazil

The Netherlands is known for its integrated approach to water management, in which flood control, water quality, ecosystems, and urban development are considered together. This holistic approach could be useful for Brazil, especially in areas prone to flooding and drought.

A recent survey conducted by the Brazilian Society of Knowledge Management (SBGC) contacted Brazilian water utilities directly to understand their current major challenges. As a result, the following priority areas for water utilities in Brazil were identified:

• Detection and reduction of water leaks
• Technologies for water and wastewater treatment
• Smart water treatment and sewage treatment plants
• Water resources management
• Expanding the coverage of wastewater collection
• Energy efficiency
• Wastewater treatment for small communities
• Monitoring and quality control in water and wastewater treatment plants
• Efficiency improvements in the purification processes
• Pressure and flow monitoring

Brazil offers Dutch companies in the water sector numerous opportunities. The IFAT Brasil conference is therefore interesting for a broad target group. From innovative Dutch SMEs to renowned knowledge institutions. Participation will centre around the following themes that have been identified as promising:

• Technology and Innovation for Wastewater Treatment
• Water & Energy Nexus
• Water Management and Resilience
• Water & Circular Economy