Space technology saving lives

Technology used on early space missions is being revived by two Fife companies to provide clean water for 100,000 people in Pakistan.

ADVES Water Ltd and Bridge Technologies are working with the James Hutton Institute and National University of Science and Technology in Islamabad to deliver a high-quality purification facility for providing clean water.

The original Electro Chemical Activated Solutions technology was developed to create a cleaner for solar panels on Soviet space craft 40 years ago.

International Development Minister Alasdair Allan said:

“This cutting-edge technology is now being applied by Scottish companies to improve drinking water and sanitation and helping to build sustainable communities in Pakistan.

“We have awarded £50,000 in the last two years to enable the installation of the ECAS water treatment generator, which has the potential to benefit tens of thousands of people, building on the strong links between our two countries.”

Tina Wright, ADVES Water Ltd said: ”We are hugely excited by this unique opportunity to share Scottish expertise with our partners in Pakistan.”

Professor Sher Jamal Khan, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad said: “This is a great opportunity to work with both academics and innovators in Scotland to solve critical challenges in Pakistan.

“Water is a particularly significant challenge in Pakistan and there is a real focus for academics working with government and industry to address this underpinning societal issue.”

Dr Richard Allan, James Hutton Institute said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to collaborate with industry and our colleagues at the National University of Sciences and Technology to develop innovation that will have a real impact. The project supports the sustainable development goals and is another great example of the Scottish Governments Hydro Nation Agenda in action.”