Technological advancements are revolutionizing water management in Spain.
More than 100,000 smart meters will soon find their place in households.
The PERTE program catalyzes this transformation with major investments.
Companies like Hidroconta and Hidrogea are positioning themselves as leaders in this digital transition. Hidrogea plans to deploy smart meters for about 70% of its residential customers, thereby strengthening the cybersecurity of the network. Meanwhile, AquaOurense aims to install over 63,000 meters, optimizing water management in the Galician region. These initiatives perfectly illustrate the commitment to sustainable and effective management of water resources.
Hidroconta launches over 100,000 smart devices for water management in Spain
As part of the PERTE program (Economic Recovery and Transformation Plan) launched by the Spanish government in 2021, Hidroconta positions itself as a key player in the digitalization of the water cycle. During its first call for projects, the Spanish water meter company announced the delivery of more than 100,000 smart water management devices. This initiative is part of a comprehensive approach aimed at modernizing hydraulic infrastructures and optimizing the use of water resources.
What is the impact of Hidroconta’s smart devices on domestic water management?
The smart devices provided by Hidroconta, based on the NB-IoT technology of their Centaurus model, play a crucial role in the effective management of domestic water. These meters transmit consumption data directly to the Demeter cloud platform, enabling real-time analysis and better resource planning. Thanks to these technologies, about 70% of household customers of the water utility in Cartagena, Hidrogea, will be equipped with smart meters. This will not only allow for precise consumption tracking but also improve the cybersecurity of the network, thus protecting critical infrastructures against cyber threats.
How does Hidroconta contribute to the digitalization of the water cycle?
The digitalization of the water cycle is a central element of projects supported by the PERTE program. Hidroconta, by providing smart meters and data communication modules IRIS, facilitates the integration of advanced technologies into existing infrastructures. For instance, AquaOurense, another beneficiary of the first call, plans to install over 63,000 smart water meters, thereby strengthening sustainable water management in the Ourense region in Galicia. This digitalization allows for continuous monitoring, rapid leak detection, and optimization of distribution, contributing to more sustainable and effective water resource management.
What are the economic and environmental benefits of these initiatives?
The projects funded by the PERTE program, including those of Hidroconta, bring significant economic benefits by stimulating innovation and creating jobs in the green technology sector. Environmentally, the installation of smart meters reduces water waste, optimizes consumption, and improves resource management. Furthermore, Hidroconta is committed to developing solutions that promote more efficient distribution and more sustainable water management, aligned with ecological transition objectives.
What are the future calls for projects from the PERTE program?
After the success of the first call, the PERTE program announced a second phase in October 2023, with a budget of 300 million euros allocated to 50 new projects. Hidroconta is once again among the beneficiaries, this time in partnership with Aguas de Murcia to modernize the hydraulic infrastructures of the municipalities of Abanilla, Alcantarilla, and Murcia. Additionally, a third call was launched in January 2025 with an initial budget of 50 million euros, which can be extended to 100 million euros. These successive calls demonstrate the ongoing commitment of the Spanish government to support the digitalization and modernization of the water sector.
How do these initiatives fit into the European context of water management?
Hidroconta’s initiative in Spain is part of a European momentum towards modernizing water management infrastructures. Similar projects in France, such as the unification of remote reading infrastructures for water and gas, demonstrate a trend towards the integration of smart technologies for optimized resource management. Furthermore, the Swedish group NetMore has launched an innovative on-demand metering service, illustrating the rise of smart solutions in the sector.
What challenges are encountered in the implementation of these smart devices?
Despite the many advantages, the implementation of smart water management devices faces several challenges. One of the main barriers is data security, due to the continuous transmission of sensitive information via IoT networks. Hidroconta addresses this challenge by integrating IRIS communication modules that enhance the cybersecurity of the system. Another challenge is compatibility with existing infrastructures, often requiring retrofits and additional investments. However, the long-term benefits, such as increased efficiency and sustainability, greatly outweigh these initial investments.
What feedback have users and municipalities involved provided?
Feedback from end-users and the municipalities involved in these projects has been overwhelmingly positive. Residents benefit from better visibility into their water consumption, encouraging them to adopt more responsible behaviors. Municipalities, in turn, observe a reduction in water losses and an optimization of resource management. For example, AquaOurense reported a significant improvement in the efficiency of its network thanks to the new smart meters, thereby enhancing citizens’ trust in municipal water management.
How does Hidroconta envision the future of smart water management?
Hidroconta sees a promising future for smart water management, with continuous expansion of IoT technologies and advanced data analytics. The company plans to further develop integrated solutions that not only monitor consumption but also predict future water needs, enabling proactive resource planning. By drawing inspiration from the successes of similar projects, such as the smart water management market that is experiencing remarkable growth, Hidroconta is committed to staying at the forefront of technological innovation to meet the growing challenges of water resource management.
What partnerships is Hidroconta developing to enhance its impact?
To maximize the impact of its initiatives, Hidroconta collaborates with various partners, including local companies like Aguas de Murcia and technology organizations specializing in cybersecurity and data analysis. These partnerships enable the integration of diverse expertise and the development of comprehensive and robust solutions. Additionally, Hidroconta works closely with local authorities and regulators to ensure compliance with environmental and safety standards, thereby guaranteeing the reliability and sustainability of the systems implemented.
What are the long-term benefits for society and the environment?
The long-term benefits of installing smart water management devices are manifold. For society, this translates into better resource management, a reduction in costs related to leaks, and an increase in the resilience of infrastructure against climate change. Environmentally, optimizing water consumption contributes to the preservation of natural resources, reducing the carbon footprint and promoting sustainable practices. Moreover, these technologies enable more effective adaptation to the changing needs of populations and ecosystems, thereby ensuring harmonious and sustainable water management for future generations.
How does Hidroconta position itself against international competition?
In a global market where smart water management is increasingly competitive, Hidroconta stands out for its commitment to innovation and quality. By offering flexible and scalable solutions, such as the Centaurus meters and IRIS modules, the company meets the diverse needs of municipalities and consumers. Moreover, by actively participating in the calls for projects under the PERTE program, Hidroconta strengthens its position in the Spanish market while exploring opportunities for international expansion. This proactive strategy allows Hidroconta to remain competitive and play a significant role in the transition towards smarter and more sustainable water management on a global scale.
What innovations does Hidroconta foresee for future projects?
Hidroconta continues to invest in research and development to anticipate future needs and propose innovative solutions. Among the upcoming projects, the company is exploring the integration of artificial intelligence for predictive analysis of water consumption and proactive anomaly detection. Additionally, Hidroconta plans to expand its communication capabilities by adopting even more advanced connectivity technologies, thereby facilitating smoother and more responsive management of hydraulic infrastructures. These innovations aim to enhance the reliability, efficiency, and sustainability of water management systems, contributing to a more resilient and environmentally-friendly future.
How do Hidroconta’s initiatives align with sustainable development goals?
Hidroconta’s initiatives closely align with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including access to clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), sustainable economic growth (SDG 8), and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11). By modernizing water infrastructures and optimizing water consumption, Hidroconta helps ensure universal access to quality water while supporting environmentally respectful economic growth. Furthermore, by collaborating with municipalities to improve water management, the company contributes to the development of more resilient and sustainable cities capable of effectively responding to contemporary environmental and socio-economic challenges.
What lessons can be drawn from Hidroconta’s early projects?
The early projects carried out by Hidroconta provide valuable lessons for the future of smart water management. The importance of intersectoral collaboration and the integration of advanced technologies has been highlighted as a key success factor. Moreover, the experience gained in the implementation of smart devices and data management has enabled Hidroconta to refine its solutions and continuously improve its offerings. These lessons will be leveraged for future projects, allowing Hidroconta to enhance its expertise and optimize its deployment strategies to maximize the positive impact on water management in Spain and beyond.
How does the Galician community benefit from Hidroconta’s initiatives?
The Galician region, particularly the city of Ourense, greatly benefits from Hidroconta’s initiatives. With the planned installation of over 63,000 smart water meters by AquaOurense, the region is witnessing a significant improvement in its water resource management. This modernization allows for better consumption monitoring, rapid leak detection, and more efficient management of infrastructures. Additionally, these initiatives contribute to the creation of local jobs and stimulate the regional economy while enhancing the community’s resilience in the face of challenges related to water management and changing climatic conditions.
What is Hidroconta’s strategy to ensure the sustainability of its projects?
Hidroconta adopts a holistic approach to ensure the sustainability of its projects, focusing on product quality, user training, and continuous maintenance of installed systems. The company invests in research and development to create robust and adaptable solutions capable of meeting technological advancements and changing customer needs. Additionally, Hidroconta implements training programs for technicians and water managers, ensuring optimal usage of smart devices. Finally, by establishing strong partnerships with local authorities and service providers, Hidroconta ensures regular maintenance and updates of systems, thereby extending the lifespan and efficiency of installations.
What feedback have partner municipalities provided?
Partner municipalities of Hidroconta, such as Aguas de Murcia and Hidrogea in Cartagena, have expressed satisfaction with the benefits of smart devices. They observe an improvement in water resource management, a reduction in operational costs, and an increase in citizen satisfaction. This positive feedback illustrates the added value of the solutions offered by Hidroconta and reinforces the confidence of municipalities in pursuing similar projects in the future. Moreover, these successful experiences serve as a model for other regions seeking to adopt smart technologies for more effective and sustainable water management.
How does Hidroconta integrate cybersecurity into its solutions?
Cybersecurity is a top priority for Hidroconta, given the sensitivity of the data transmitted by smart devices. The company integrates IRIS communication modules that provide enhanced protection against cyberattacks, ensuring the security of information and the reliability of systems. Additionally, Hidroconta adopts advanced encryption protocols and continuous monitoring mechanisms to detect and prevent any intrusion attempts. By collaborating with cybersecurity experts, Hidroconta ensures that its solutions meet the highest data protection standards, thereby providing peace of mind to users and partner municipalities.
What is Hidroconta’s vision for the future of water management?
Hidroconta envisions a future where water management is fully optimized through smart technologies. The company aspires to play a pioneering role in transforming hydraulic systems by integrating innovative solutions such as artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and advanced connectivity. This vision also includes increased collaboration with both public and private sector players to develop resilient and sustainable infrastructures. By investing in research and development, Hidroconta positions itself to meet future challenges related to water management while contributing to the preservation of natural resources and promoting environmentally friendly economic development.
How do Hidroconta’s initiatives influence public water policies?
Hidroconta’s initiatives have a significant impact on public water management policies in Spain. By demonstrating the advantages of smart technologies, the company encourages policymakers to adopt similar strategies on a national scale. The positive results of pilot projects serve as proof of concept, prompting the government to allocate more funding and support similar programs. Additionally, Hidroconta actively participates in discussions and consultations with authorities, bringing its technical expertise and practical experience to develop robust policies tailored to the real needs of water resource management.
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