Restoring performance, upgrading plants in stressed areas and those serving mining communities are Headstream's initial focus in South Africa. There are three projects under consideration, one in the North West Province, one in Mpumalanga and one in the North eastern part of the country.

Daniel Ishag, CEO of Bluewater Bio said: “South Africa is a priority region for Bluewater Bio because many plants in the country are dysfunctional. This is down to poor maintenance, lack of capital expenditure and, most importantly, overloading because of population growth.”

Headstream wants to use Bluewater Bio’s Hybacs wastewater treatment process in South Africa, because it avoids large civil works and can provide up to 50% energy savings. Headstream is negotiating a co-operation agreement with the largest independent operator of wastewater plants in South Africa.

Bluewater Bio and Headstream expect to expand into other sub Saharan African countries approximately 12-18 months after the South African launch.