The Future of Water Bluefield Research

Podcast host Reese Tisdale talks with Bluefield Analyst Amber Walsh to get the low down on top takeaways from Q2 industrial water analysis. Industrial water markets are seeing a lot of change—from rising demand for data, the energy transition, and a focus on corporate sustainability strategies. In this discussion, Bluefield's water experts share their insights on three hot industries making waves in industrial water management + corporate sustainability, highlighting key water events and trends impacting they way in which companies respond to and address water management challenges and opportunities.



Discussed in the podcast:



1. Bluefield keeps a close eye on government funding in the semiconductor manufacturing industry because of all the capital going towards Greenfield development—and with that comes water management spend and innovative solutions (i.e., reuse) especially in areas of water stress. In Q1, there were questions around the status of government funds from the U.S. CHIPS Act and market challenges. Q2 analysis shows the slow roll out of funds to semiconductor manufacturers GlobalFoundries, TSMC, Micron, Intel, and Samsung. What is the status of the funds and how are these companies responding?



2. In the hydrogen space, although still in early development, we are seeing significant investment being poured into green hydrogen. As Bluefield follows the money, we are expecting this to drive water management opportunities. As water is a key input in hydrogen production—and nearly 2,000 projects have been announced worldwide—Bluefield is estimating US$26.3 billion to be spent on water management in this sector through 2030. 



3. Bluefield is tracking several trends in the food & beverage industry. Wastewater treatment remains a large area of spend for these facilities, increasingly stringent discharge regulations are pushing for advanced treatment. What is the impact of municipal surcharges for treatment that can range from a couple thousand dollars annually to millions? And how are companies dealing with higher operational costs and commodity prices?



4. Let's not forget about corporate sustainability. What is the reality of corporate sustainability in industrial water? Is it a driving factor in corporate water management decisions? Companies have largely been motivated to set water reduction targets and disclose water use. But what does this mean and is the goal actually meaningful? How do 'replenishment projects' work and what are attractive 'sustainable’ business models (i.e., Water-as-a-service, operation management contracts).  



Related Research & Analysis




The Hydrogen Economy: Water Demands, Management Strategies, and Global Forecasts, 2024–2030



Water for Food & Beverage: Market Trends and Forecasts, 2024–2030



Water for Semiconductors: Market Trends and Forecasts, 2023–2030



Corporate Sustainability: Water Management Targets and Goals

Spain’s water sector has evolved in light of the country's unique challenges such as extensive infrastructure buildout in recent decades, population boom, economic recessions, and persistent droughts. Despite these hurdles, Spain has made notable strides in areas including desalination, water management, and technology adoption.



VP & Managing Director Keith Hays and Analyst Maria Cardenal from Bluefield's Europe team sit down with Podcast Host and Bluefield President & CEO Reese Tisdale. Together, they explore three major trends shaping the Spanish water sector: digitalization, smart water management, and the circular economy.



In addition to these trends, Bluefield's Europe water experts delve into several key topics:




Main challenges facing Spain's water sector, and how they are being addressed



The size of Spain’s water sector, including its relativity to other countries in Europe



Government policies and regulations that could influence the development of the water sector moving forward



Prominent key players in the Spanish water sector—utilities, technology providers, and consulting firms



Opportunities for foreign investors and companies looking to enter the Spanish water market




If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.



If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.



Related Research & Analysis:




Spain Municipal Water Market Overview



Europe Municipal Water & Wastewater: CAPEX Market Forecasts, 2024–2030

Update: As of 23 May 2024, deal talks between Schneider Electric and Bentley Systems have ended, with no plans to move forward with an acquisition.

Schneider Electric and Bentley have confirmed ongoing discussions regarding a potential acquisition, marking a significant development in the water industry. With Bentley's market value estimated at approximately US$16 billion, the prospective deal would provide large ramifications across various industries where both companies operate.



While both Schneider and Bentley are prominent players in the digital water realm, other companies including Cadence Design Systems and Siemens could be in the mix as well.



In this episode, podcast host Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield's Senior Research Director Eric Bindler, and Digital Water Analyst Christine Ow, to explore the potential ripple effect of a Schneider-Bentley deal on the water industry:




Enhancing Operational Efficiency: The convergence of Bentley and Schneider would facilitate the transition from design to operations, unlocking efficiencies throughout the value chain. Their combined expertise would offer a suite of products, bridging crucial gaps in the industry.



Altering the Competitive Landscape: Schneider's diverse portfolio spans various sectors. The integration of Bentley would further strengthen their standing within the water industry, challenging established players.



Navigating Integration Challenges: Beyond the strategic benefits, the acquisition presents integration complexities, including aligning customer bases and merging company cultures.




If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.



If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.



Related Research & Analysis:




Schneider Pursues Bentley, Rounding Out Water Offerings



Modeling Software Players Weigh Growth Options



Idrica Tapped to Integrate Xylem Digital Water Portfolio



Oldcastle Cements Digital Water Strategy via Partnerships and M&A

Bluefield's latest remediation forecast for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) has surged to US$13.5 billion by 2030 in the wake of anticipated maximum contamination limits (MCLs) for drinking water and a significant legal settlement involving 3M in South Carolina. Now, with the EPA confirming these unprecedented contaminant limits, a fresh wave of discussions emerge, touching upon the EPA's authority, states' rights, and the subsequent course of action including the management and responsibility of biosolids disposal—who's ultimately responsible?



In this episode, Podcast Host Reese Tisdale engages in a deep dive discussion with Bluefield's Senior Research Director, Greg Goodwin (a.k.a. Bluefield's policy watcher), exploring recent policy developments regulating 'forever chemicals' in drinking water and their potential ramifications on regulatory frameworks. Key talking points cover what is PFAS (for anyone not in the know), the implications of the EPA establishing its new MCLs for PFAS, the ripple effects on wastewater, and the potential influence of upcoming elections on these policies.



If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.



If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.



Related Research & Analysis:




State of the Market: PFAS Policy Landscape, Forecasts, and Competitive Analysis



3M Windfall for PFAS Impacted Water Systems



Europe to Ramp Up PFAS Water Regulations

While artificial intelligence (AI) has indeed become a prevalent buzzword in many regards, capturing headlines over the past 12 to 18 months, its potential impact remains significant. There are real applications and impacts that are unfolding for AI, including those in the water and wastewater sectors. In the U.S. utility construction sector—which is facing chronic labor shortages amid historic levels of federal infrastructure investment—AI can serve as a powerful tool for increasing productivity, efficiency, and safety on worksites and in back offices alike.



In this episode, Reese Tisdale speaks with Bluefield's Senior Research Director Eric Bindler who recently presented on AI to to the National Utility of Contractors Association (NUCA). Eric answers 3 major questions:




What is AI and its implications for the construction industry?



What is AI's potential impact on jobs?



What are the applications and who are some companies active in the AI space?




If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.



If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.



Related Research & Analysis:




AI in the Utility Construction Industry: Key Market Trends, Applications & Best Practices



Digital Water: Key Trends, Project Activity, and Market Outlook, Q1 2024

Public sector water and wastewater project owners, engineering & design firms, and contractors are facing cost overruns, schedule delays, and contractual disputes that are slowing the execution and delivery of critical infrastructure.



These factors have prompted the development of new policies and project experiences, accelerating collaborative project delivery approaches. The methods include design-build, progressive design-build, construction manager at-risk approaches, and public-private partnerships.



Reese Tisdale is joined by Bluefield Senior Analyst Charlie Suse to discuss his recent analysis of collaborative delivery and its growing impact on water and wastewater infrastructure buildout in the U.S. Charlie outlines three main factors driving interest and policy changes in collaborative delivery:




Legislative momentum



Demonstrated activity and a growing portfolio of projects



Other factors such as utilities’ financial constraints, aging infrastructure, regulatory pressure, and climate change




If you enjoy listening to The Future of Water Podcast, please tell a friend or colleague, and if you haven’t already, please click to follow this podcast wherever you listen.



If you’d like to be informed of water market news, trends, perspectives and analysis from Bluefield Research, subscribe to Waterline, our weekly newsletter published each Wednesday.



Related Research & Analysis:




Collaborative Project Delivery: State Policies and Market Trends for Water and Wastewater Infrastructure