Re-using industrial waste water
Port of Amsterdam
The Netherlands faces growing water scarcity due to climate change, with drier summers and increased competition for limited freshwater resources between residential and industrial users. In 2021, industries consumed around 20% of the nation’s water, in the case of Amsterdam drawing from the same sources as drinking water, intensifying the strain on fresh supplies.
Re-using industrial wastewater and integrating rainwater harvesting offer sustainable solutions to reduce water demand and protect essential freshwater reserves. Developing water profiles for industries can identify opportunities for collaboration and efficient water use, fostering a circular water system that supports both environmental and economic resilience.
Why the Port of Amsterdam?
Every step explained
This is a step by step walk through of the process conducted for the Port of Amsterdam. The most important steps taken and most valuable outcomes are presented in this section
Process
Step 1 : Ranking of City Districts for Industrial Symbiosis Potential
To initiate our industrial symbiosis project, we identified the areas within the municipality of Amsterdam with the highest potential for industrial symbiosis. This mapping step was critical in selecting the most appropriate zones for an industrial symbiosis project. This has been done through several steps
Selecting Relevant Companies
Scoring Companies
Ranking City Districts
We analyzed water-intensive industries using data from bedrijvenopdekaart.nl and CBS. Medium-to-large production companies were selected, excluding offices, shops, and services.
Each company was assigned a Water Score (0–10) based on two factors:
• Water Demand: Calculated using sector-specific averages adjusted for company size.
• Openness to Alternative Water Sources: Measured as the percentage of non-freshwater used.
By aggregating Water Scores for all companies in each district, we ranked the areas in Amsterdam. The highest-ranking district was chosen for further analysis.
Outcome step one:
Focus area is Port of Amsterdam
Step 2 : The Water System Analysis of the selected area
To better understand the water system in the Port of Amsterdam, we conducted an analysis through three key perspectives: Legal, Economic, and Logistical. This research was based on desk studies, interviews with six experts in water management, and insights from 10 anonymized companies operating in the port.
Legal
We analyzed water-related policies and regulations across three governance levels: European, national, and municipal. Key topics included water scarcity, industrial wastewater, and rainwater management, examining how legislation at each level shapes water use in the port.
Economic
This analysis focused on the financial aspects of water use, such as costs for water connections, usage, wastewater discharge, and related taxes. The goal was to assess the economic conditions for industrial water reuse and circularity.
Logistical
The logistical perspective explored the types of water used, treatment and discharge methods, and the physical infrastructure for water management. We also evaluated future demand projections to understand potential capacity needs.
Outcome step two:
In depth understanding of the Amsterdam water system
Step 3 : Identification of Potential Suppliers and Demanders in the selected area
To find out if industrial symbiosis if possible, we analysed the water supply and demand dynamics of industries in the selected area. By identifying potential suppliers and demanders, as well as smaller clusters of concentrated opportunities, we aimed to evaluate both large-scale and localized solutions for water exchange.
Identifying Suppliers and Demanders
Calculating Water Supply and Demand
Mapping Hotspots and Opportunities
We categorized companies based on their potential to supply or demand water using a supply-demand formula. This included:
• Suppliers: Companies generating industrial wastewater, stormwater, or rainwater.
• Demanders: Companies requiring water for operations, calculated using sector-specific averages adjusted for company size.
• Industrial Wastewater: Estimated as a fraction of water demand using sector-specific wastewater ratios.
• Stormwater and Rainwater: Calculated using precipitation data, company surface areas, and runoff coefficients to account for losses.
• Demand Value: Determined using formulas and coefficients from Step 1, standardized through z-scores for comparability.
We pinpointed hotspots—clusters of industries with high supply-demand potential—by analyzing over 56 companies. Positive scores identified suppliers, while negative scores indicated demanders. These insights helped explore both broad area-wide solutions and targeted initiatives within specific clusters.
Outcome step 3:
Based on publicly available data
Potential demanders and
suppliers
Low demander
Medium demander
Supplier
High demander
Step 4 : Water Profiles of the companies and identification of potential matches
To enhance our understanding of water dynamics, we interviewed 12 companies in the selected area to gather detailed data on their water use and wastewater outputs. This enabled us to refine our analysis, identify direct matches between companies, and pinpoint cluster-level synergies for water circularity projects.
Detailed Water Profiles
Perfecting data analysis
Identifying potential matches and clusters
Through company interviews, we collected specific data on water needs and wastewater characteristics, improving accuracy in categorizing companies as water suppliers or demanders. This data also helped confirm or adjust hotspot identifications from earlier analyses.
After the in-dept interviews we were able to process this newly gained information about the water profiles to the already existing data analysis and make corrections where needed
After analysing the updated and corrected data of the 56 companies, we were able to draw up potential direct matches and potential clusters.
Outcome step 4:
Potential matches and clusters
Step 5 : Co-creation with stakeholders and experts
To develop a feasible and effective industrial symbiosis system for wastewater reuse in the Port of Amsterdam, we organized two collaborative co-creation sessions. These sessions brought together experts and local stakeholders to explore both logistical and economic aspects, allowing us to critically evaluate different design possibilities and make informed decisions.
Co-creation with Experts
• Objective: In the first session, experts in industrial symbiosis, water management, and subsidies discussed the key design possibilities for the wastewater reuse system.
Focus: The session concentrated on answering four central questions:
• Should the system be centralized or decentralized?
• How and where should the wastewater be stored and distributed?
• What is the economic feasibility of industrial symbiosis?
Co-creation with Stakeholders
Objective: In the second session, a broader group of 12 stakeholders—including company representatives, water experts, and infrastructure engineers—collaborated to design the wastewater reuse system.
Focus: The session was divided into two parts:
• Logistics: Participants discussed water storage, distribution methods, and the centralization vs. decentralization debate. They used a map of the Port of Amsterdam to visualize potential suppliers and demanders of water.
• Economics: Discussions focused on water quality, investment responsibilities, and the financial model for the system, with predefined options and the flexibility to suggest alternatives.
Outcome step 5:
Optimistic and insightful discussions with companies and experts
Step 6 : Development of the design for industrial symbiosis in the selected area
Comprehensive Design for Industrial Symbiosis
The final design for industrial symbiosis in the Port of Amsterdam synthesized insights from co-creation sessions, water system analysis, and industrial water profiles. It proposed a wastewater reuse system that optimizes water use while ensuring operational feasibility.
Key Design Elements and Collaboration
The design focused on centralized vs. decentralized systems, water storage and distribution, and fair economic models for reuse. Stakeholder collaboration clarified challenges and solutions, highlighting the need for a flexible approach to meet diverse company needs. A co-created map visualized water resources and potential synergies.
Step 7 : Development economic scenarios
Economic scenarios play a crucial role in evaluating the financial feasibility of proposed solutions, particularly in systems that involve resource exchange, such as industrial symbiosis. They help anticipate costs, benefits, and risks under different conditions. These scenarios are essential for informed decision-making, as they provide stakeholders with insights into potential investment returns, payback periods, and the financial sustainability of projects.
Data Collection
Scenario Development
Financial Analysis
By gathering data on investments and operational costs, such as infrastructure expenses, treatment costs, and revenue streams from water reuse, we identified the baseline financial requirements for implementing the proposed system. This allowed us to estimate the project’s economic feasibility.
By defining optimistic, realistic, and pessimistic scenarios, based on factors like varying water prices, demand fluctuations, potential subsidies and regulatory changes, we determined how different conditions could impact the project’s financial outcomes. This helped us to get an idea of under which circumstances industrial symbiosis can be financially feasible.
By calculating payback periods and return on investment (ROI) for each scenario, we discovered how quickly the project could recover its costs and generate financial benefits. We also analysed the viability of the water treatment plant itself. This analysis highlighted the scenarios under which the project would be most feasible.
Outcome step 7:
Economic scenarios
Step 8 : Development of Decision Support Model (extra)
Based on all results of the Amsterdam project we developed a Decision Support model. This model functions as a guideline when developing industrial symbiosis. The guidelines are all drawn up from research and several co-design sessions with companies and experts.