Water shortages are becoming a reality that many regions are grappling with, and the agricultural sector is feeling the heat. As irrigation systems face mounting pressure from dwindling water supplies, the need for innovative water management strategies has never been more urgent. Enter Calgary-based Ionic Solutions, which is stepping up to the plate with a groundbreaking approach to desalination that could redefine how we think about water reuse, particularly in the context of coal bed methane production.
Traditionally, extracting methane from coal beds involves pumping out any accumulated water, which is then typically disposed of in oilfield disposal wells. This water, while surprisingly clean due to the natural filtration process of carbon coal, often contains high concentrations of dissolved ions, rendering it unsuitable for agricultural use. With parched fields begging for hydration, this wasted resource presents a glaring opportunity for innovation.
Ionic Solutions is tackling this challenge head-on with their C-EDR (Capacitive Electrodialysis Reversal) technology. Unlike conventional desalination methods that rely on energy-intensive reverse osmosis, C-EDR operates at a mere 30 psi—about the same pressure you’d find in your kitchen sink. This significant reduction in pressure not only makes the process more energy-efficient but also cost-effective, allowing for the possibility of transforming previously unusable water into a viable resource for agricultural irrigation.
Jordan Grose, the executive vice president of Ionic Solutions, emphasizes the transformative potential of their technology: “Our technology offers a solution that can make previously unusable water sources viable for various applications, helping to mitigate the impact of water shortages we are beginning to feel here in Alberta, and globally.” This is not just talk; initial findings suggest that after treatment with C-EDR, the resulting water is cleaner than some current irrigation sources. That’s a game-changer.
The collaboration with Ember Resources and Alberta Innovates has been pivotal in pushing this project forward. Grose notes, “Working with Alberta Innovates on this project allowed us to get exposure to other water industries that we weren’t a part of and to gain a better understanding of how our technology can address broader water issues facing our province, the country, and the world.” This partnership highlights the importance of cross-industry collaboration in tackling complex challenges.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. The regulatory landscape presents significant hurdles. Currently, there’s no established pathway for repurposing water produced from oil and gas operations for agricultural use. Regulations dictate that this water must be disposed of, which stifles innovation. The team at Ionic Solutions is hopeful that the promising results from their C-EDR trials will persuade regulatory bodies to pave the way for new pathways in water reuse.
While they await regulatory changes, Ionic Solutions is also addressing another pressing issue: stormwater contamination from road salt. Their mobile C-EDR unit is set to desalinate this stormwater, showcasing the versatility of their technology in various contexts, from golf courses to potential applications in the power sector in Saskatchewan and New York.
As we stand on the precipice of a water crisis, the innovations from Ionic Solutions could serve as a beacon of hope. By making strides in desalination technology and pushing for regulatory changes, they are not just addressing a local problem; they are potentially setting a precedent for water management practices worldwide. This could be the beginning of a new era in how we approach water scarcity, making it imperative for stakeholders in agriculture and energy to pay attention. The future of water reuse is not just a matter of necessity; it’s an opportunity for sustainable growth and resilience in the face of climate change.
