Frost & Sullivan acknowledge Grundfos’s work to deliver pioneering, sustainable water solutions to a world where millions still lack access to safe water.

UK: Frost & Sullivan has presented Grundfos with this year’s award for best practices in Emerging Market Innovation in sustainable water solutions.

The global research company praises Grundfos for addressing water challenges in emerging markets by introducing solar-powered water pumps that are straightforward to install while also – as another initiative – innovating new business models that make pumps available in a more affordable way.

Grundfos works with local partners to deliver on its commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 6 and 13. After the initial installation process, Grundfos recruits and trains local technicians on the operation and maintenance of the pump systems, thereby creating local expertise.

Dedicated to Partners and Colleagues
“It makes all our efforts worthwhile when our innovations improve the lives of people around the world, especially those who did not have access before; this is the very essence of our purpose,” says Ulrik Gernow, Group Executive Vice President, CMO, Grundfos.

“We could never have accomplished the same results without our partners in these projects nor the relentlessly ambitious colleagues bringing these solutions forward throughout the world. This award is dedicated to them.”

Committed Approach
According to Frost & Sullivan, Grundfos gives customers across the globe better access to sustainable water pump systems supported by innovative, reliable technology and expert service, including solar-powered water pumps and the Lifelink product line.

“Grundfos ensures affordable products and services by minimizing the total lifecycle and deployment costs and offering its unified solutions under the Lifelink Water Solutions line, developed specifically for emerging markets,” said Anamika Risal, Research Analyst. “For instance, AQtap, a Lifelink product, combines smart payment cards called WaterCards, a water ATM (dispenser) unit, and a water management system to supply water securely. The cloud-based water management system receives and publishes all transactional and operational data from each water dispenser so local committee members can manage the revenue for community welfare.”

In rural areas, especially in off-grid areas, the AQtap system draws groundwater through the SQFlex submersible and CRFlex surface water pumps, which are fitted with permanent magnet motors for high-energy efficiency operations. Each motor contains built-in electronics that use renewable energy, thereby replacing conventional fossil fuels, and in turn, reducing CO2 emissions. These pumps are used for larger irrigation and livestock applications in countries like Nepal and India, where electricity and diesel supply is limited.

In emerging markets, Grundfos works with local partners such as NGOs, INGOs, and other governmental bodies to install suitable solar-powered water pumps. After the initial installation process, it recruits and trains technicians in the operation and maintenance of the pumps, thereby creating local expertise. Significantly, the Lifelink Water Solutions product line is designed to last 15 years with minimal maintenance and running costs.

“In 2019, Grundfos rolled out a performance-based contract model in Cambodia’s rural areas, wherein it worked with local water utilities to educate people on optimal water usage. Following the success of this model, it is planning to replicate it in many other emerging markets,” noted Risal. “Overall, by means of advanced algorithms and water network optimization techniques, Grundfos is helping utilities save operational costs, conserve water, and increase revenues for local water committees.”

“We see Grundfos as a company that has committed itself to delivering cost-effective solutions that strengthen the reliability and sustainability of safe water supply in emerging economies. The company has shown commitment to customized solutions and to gain a thorough understanding of emerging market requirements, which have helped Grundfos expand its presence in emerging markets,” says Fredrick Royan, Global Vice President for Research in Sustainability & Circular Economy, Frost & Sullivan.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents the Emerging Market Innovation award to companies that have demonstrated exemplary performance in delivering innovative customized solutions to solve emerging market challenges and drive economic development.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.

For over five decades, Frost & Sullivan has become world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success.

Grundfos Pumps India Pvt. Ltd. (Grundfos India) a wholly-owned subsidiary of Grundfos Holdings was established on March 13, 1998. Grundfos India is responsible for sales of Grundfos products in India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, and Nepal. Currently, Grundfos India has more than 360 employees and works with 200 distributors and dealers with 14 offices across India. Grundfos India provides energy-efficient pumps and smart pumping solutions for various applications – heating and hot water service systems, cooling and air-conditioning systems, industrial applications, pressure boosting and liquid transfer, groundwater supply, domestic water supply, sewage and wastewater, dosing, chlorination systems, disinfection systems and pumps running on renewable energy.

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