Severn Trent Water has taken an option on Lontra’s innovative Blade Compressor™, a move highlighting the water company’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and giving it a leading role in the development of the technology. The deal represents the first development revenues for environmental technology start-up Lontra.

The Blade Compressor™ is a novel, energy efficient technology that can reduce energy spend on compressors by 20%. The water industry is one of the heaviest users of electricity, and energy for waste water aeration is a significant cost for the waste water companies.

Mark R Jones, Severn Trent Water Waste R&D Manager: “It is rare to see such an innovative and revolutionary re-design for a product that has been around for decades. We are very keen to actively pursue any product that can reduce our power costs and improve our operational efficiency. The potential power savings that the Blade Compressor™ offer would make a significant contribution to meeting the carbon reduction challenges the industry and Severn Trent Water will face in the coming years”.

The Blade Compressor™ has additional advantages for the water industry in reduced noise, variable flow to match demand without efficiency loss or additional costs, and the ability to achieve higher pressures than traditional blowers without a reduction in efficiency. Lontra is bringing together a Joint Industry Project to develop products specifically for water industry customers.

Simon Hombersley, Lontra Business Development Director: “We are delighted to be working with Severn Trent Water as we develop the Blade Compressor™ in this first major market for Lontra. The advantages that the technology offers this sector, in particular the cost savings, are relevant to other markets for the Blade Compressor™, and we are working towards similar deals in other sectors.”