ESA Awards Blue Desert Project to Blue-Value

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Following a call for feasibility studies for spacebased services integrating the Internet of Things (IoT), the European Space Agency (ESA) has awarded the Blue Desert project to the Blue Value consortium. This consortium’s software solution will monitor groundwater in desert areas using IoT and satellite Earth observation technology. IGRAC is involved in this project as associate.

“The award of this project shows great recognition of the work done and the opportunity that we foresee here", says Simon van den Dries, co-founder of Blue-Value. "It is vitally important that steps are taken to value and use water much more wisely and effectively.” 

The Blue Desert Project was presented for the first time during the Amsterdam International Water Week on November 1, 2017.

Groundwater challenges

Groundwater is depleting rapidly. Global population growth and high water consumption in combination with severe climate change is resulting in catastrophic water shortages in many areas of the world. For example, Abu Dhabi’s groundwater reserves are set to run out in 50 years if no action is taken.

Internet of Things and satellite earth observation technology

Using IoT sensor data and satellite imagery and infrastructure information, the Blue-Value solution delivers real-time insight into water usage, quality and environmental effects. This will all be made available via an easy-to-use, intuitive web application and a mobile phone app.

The integrated software solution enables services such as automated well monitoring, water abstraction metering and remote waterpump control. It will increase revenues for water authorities and decrease Non-Revenue Water for utilities. At the same time, the solution will enable farmers, miners, constructors and other users of water to manage the quantity and quality of this precious resource.