World news story

Pacific Islands turn to UK firm for fresh water solution

WaveTap technology converts seawater into drinking water. Providing Pacific Islands with a self efficient system for generating fresh water

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
WaveTap in the ocean with fresh tap water arriving on the Pacific Island

WaveTap in action

RCH Renewables, one of the 16 companies that the UK Trade & Investment team represented at the recent Pacific Energy Summit (PES) in Auckland, is doing just that.

They have developed the WaveTap, designed to be able to supply Pacific Islands with a 100% self efficient system for supplying fresh water. RCH co-founder Chris Hassall said:

It was great to get everyone together to look at sustainable solutions for Pacific Islands. I made some incredibly good contacts and met some great industry contacts that we can collaborate with to enter new markets.

Renewable energy specialists, Eureka, are in the business of turning waste heat from refrigerators to free drinkable hot water. 55 McDonald’s stores in the UK have free hot water as a result of installing the Eureka system, with KFC and Pizza Hut also installing the technology. In NZ, Fonterra Brands cheese factory are using the system, along with the New Zealand Fire Service and Statistics NZ.

Eureka distributor, Rick Hudepohl, gained an understanding of how the European Bank and World Bank participate in the region and made strong connections with key Pacific representatives.

The PES gave me a better understanding of the Pacific nation’s needs and where they are going forward with respect to energy. I don’t measure an event like this by sales, but by the relationships I have been able to make.

Speaking from the PES, British High Commissioner Vicki Treadell says:

Britain is a world leader in green technology and innovation and I am delighted that companies like RCH Renewables and Eureka are here to highlight this.

Published 9 April 2013