Finalist award: £50,000
Winner award: £450,000
Led by: Cardiff University and Origin Aqua
Using novel hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) synthesis, the project aims to develop a low energy means of potable water treatment, that is free of disinfection by-products (DBPs).
Potable water disinfection is currently achieved by chlorination. However, chlorine has high embodied energy (carbon footprint) and creates DBPs, which are proven to damage human health /the environment.
By producing hydrogen peroxide in-situ (H2O2 synthesis within the water stream), water is disinfected with a much (100x) higher efficiency than chlorination, with zero DBPs, leading to a step change in water treatment.
The technology avoids high production/ transportation energy use, associated with commercial chlorination.
Cardiff University was announced as one of 10 winners in the Water Discovery Challenge on 20 February 2024 – read more in the announcement blog.
