RECIFE, BRAZIL – On March 29, 2019, the U.S. Trade and Development Agency awarded two grants to Companhia Pernambucana de Saneamento S.A. (Compesa), a water utility company in the State of Pernambuco. One grant supports a study for implementing energy efficiency measures throughout the utility’s network. The other grant supports technical assistance to develop a smart utility road map which will enable Compesa to make a range of automation and technology upgrades to its water and wastewater treatment assets.  Both the feasibility study and technical assistance will produce specifications and requirements for implementing the recommended investments.

With energy and water loss challenges, water utilities in Brazil seek to modernize their operations. Improving efficiency in the water pumping process will improve Compesa’s bottom line and save resources to be dedicated elsewhere. The grants will also help address the high water loss rate in Compesa’s distribution system as well as low deployment of automation. These advancements will result in operational efficiencies and the expansion of water supply and sewage services to new regions across the state.

“U.S. companies are leading innovators of energy efficiency and automation solutions,” said Nathan Younge, USTDA’s Regional Director for Latin America and the Caribbean. “We believe that cutting-edge U.S. solutions can ultimately contribute to Compesa’s strategic objectives.  We look forward to seeing the positive results that will come from these projects.”

U.S. businesses interested in submitting proposals for the USTDA-funded feasibility study and technical assistance should visit the Federal Business Opportunities (FBO) website at www.fbo.gov. A link to the FBO announcement will be posted to USTDA’s website at https://www.ustda.gov/work/bid-on-an-overseas-project.