BKT Tomorrow Water Project - Tue, 09/22/2026 - 17:11
sdgs.un.org ·
Progress report for BKT Tomorrow Water Project Achievement at a glance The progress of TWP 2.0 (2021-2027*) continues steadily as we move from individual technology development toward the realization of sustainable wastewater treatment infrastructure. Since its registration as a UN SDG Action initiative, the Tomorrow Water Project has focused on one question: how can wastewater treatment plants remain operational without becoming a financial burden? In 2025, we further advanced our vision of transforming wastewater treatment from a cost-driven public utility into a self-sustaining infrastructure that creates environmental, social, and economic value. Based on the principle of “From Cost Stream to Profit Stream,” we continued integrating resource recovery, energy production, and digital innovation into our implementation model. (*TWP 2.0 2021-2027 / TWP 3.0 2028-2030) <Process Design Progress> Downstream • Proteus continued successful commercialization and global expansion efforts, including activities in North America and Europe. • Proteus was awarded contracts for large-scale municipal applications, including projects exceeding 360,000 m³/d treatment capacity. • Discussions continued with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) regarding demonstration and future commercialization opportunities. Upstream • AMX commercialization and international market expansion discussions continued. • Draco thermal hydrolysis technology advanced toward pilot implementation in North America. • Feasibility Study of AAD(Biogas) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with livestock manure was conducted successfully • Integrated resource recovery concepts combining AMX, Draco, and AAD continued to develop through the Integrated Upstream Process (IUP). Digital Transformation • Development of GWD and AGWD platforms progressed to support planning, operation, and optimization of future wastewater facilities. Most importantly, with support from a government-funded R&D program, BKT has initiated the preparation of a pilot-scale demonstration of the Co-Flow heat exchange system. The project aims to validate the utilization of wastewater as a sustainable thermal resource and to further strengthen the integration of water, energy, and digital infrastructure envisioned under the Co-Flow Campus concept. The pilot is being designed with the long-term goal of supporting next-generation digital infrastructure, including data centers targeting a world-class PUE below 1.10 through the use of wastewater-based cooling. This pilot is expected to provide critical operational data supporting future applications involving data centers, energy recovery, and urban infrastructure development. In addition, the Tomorrow Water Project expanded beyond conventional wastewater treatment through new initiatives, including wastewater-based infectious disease surveillance and integration with emerging climate technologies. These efforts demonstrate our continuing commitment to building sustainable infrastructure that supports public health, climate resilience, and economic development simultaneously. Challenges faced in implementation The implementation of Tomorrow Water Project continues to face challenges associated with the transition from conventional treatment infrastructure into a comprehensive resource recovery and value-generation model. The primary challenge remains the realization of Co-Flow Campus (CFC), which requires coordination among multiple stakeholders including local governments, utilities, regulatory agencies, technology providers, investors, and private sector partners. The concept integrates water, energy, data, and economic value into a single infrastructure platform, requiring institutional cooperation rarely seen in traditional wastewater projects. Another major challenge is securing funding for pilot and demonstration projects. While many stakeholders recognize the long-term benefits of TWP and CFC, funding mechanisms often remain focused on conventional treatment solutions rather than integrated circular economy models. This creates difficulties in advancing demonstration facilities capable of providing the operational data necessary to accelerate broader adoption. We are also working to position several TWP concepts within national and international development financing frameworks, including EDCF-based strategic initiatives aimed at supporting advancing countries. Discussions continue with governmental organizations regarding future implementation opportunities. In addition, the valuation of greenhouse gas reduction, climate resilience benefits, energy recovery, and resource recovery remains challenging due to evolving regulatory frameworks and verification methodologies. While these benefits create substantial economic value, converting them into recognized financial returns requires continued collaboration with both public and private sector stakeholders. Despite these challenges, we remain confident that growing global concerns surrounding water scarcity, climate change, infrastructure financing, and sustainable development will continue creating favorable conditions for the wider implementation of the Tomorrow Water Project. Next Steps 1) Developing New Ideas The Tomorrow Water Project continues expanding beyond traditional wastewater treatment. In 2025, we introduced additional concepts including wastewater-based infectious disease surveillance through cooperation with public health organizations. These initiatives demonstrate how wastewater infrastructure can contribute not only to sanitation but also to public health preparedness and societal resilience. 2) R&D Completion Research and development continue across several technologies including AGS, OPG, and next-generation AAD solutions. We are particularly focused on improving resource recovery efficiency, reducing operational costs, and increasing energy production from wastewater and organic waste streams. 3) Funding for Demonstration in Advancing Countries We continue exploring funding opportunities for pilot and demonstration projects in advancing countries. Sustainable sanitation remains inaccessible to many communities because conventional treatment systems are too expensive to operate. The Tomorrow Water Project seeks to provide not only advanced treatment performance but also long-term economic sustainability. Demonstration projects remain critical for proving this model under real-world conditions. 4) Marketing Global outreach remains an important component of our initiative. During 2025, we participated in various international exhibitions, government cooperation programs, and industry events, including activities related to Cambodia Water Industry Delegation and WETEX. We will continue promoting the Tomorrow Water Project as a practical model supporting SDGs related to water, sanitation, energy, innovation, climate action, and sustainable cities. Beneficiaries The Tomorrow Water Project serves communities that require access to safe sanitation while facing financial and operational barriers preventing long-term sustainability. Historically, wastewater treatment facilities have operated as public infrastructure that continuously consume financial resources. This model has limited the expansion of sanitation services throughout many parts of the world, particularly in advancing countries where infrastructure development competes with more immediate economic priorities. TWP proposes a different approach. By recovering energy, nutrients, water, heat, and other resources from wastewater, treatment facilities can become contributors to local economies rather than long-term financial burdens. This improves sustainability while allowing communities to maintain essential public health infrastructure. The benefits extend beyond sanitation. Cleaner waterways improve environmental quality and public health. Resource recovery creates local economic opportunities. Energy generation improves resilience against energy insecurity. The integration of digital infrastructure and data centers within future Co-Flow Campus models creates additional employment and tax revenue while supporting the growth of AI and digital industries. For advancing countries, TWP can provide access to sustainable sanitation while reducing dependence on external operating subsidies. For developed countries, TWP provides solutions to aging infrastructure, rising operational costs, water scarcity concerns, and increasing energy demands associated with data-driven economies. Ultimately, the beneficiaries are not limited to wastewater utilities alone. Residents, industries, governments, technology providers, and future generations all benefit from infrastructure that transforms wastewater from an environmental liability into a valuable resource. Actions Recognizable achievements during the reporting period include: • Continued recognition of BKT and its technologies through national and international awards and evaluations. • Expansion of Proteus commercialization activities in Korea and overseas markets. • Continued progress of AMX, Draco, and Integrated Upstream Process technologies through pilot, demonstration, and commercialization efforts. • Advancement of WaterAI-related digital solutions supporting design and operation of future treatment facilities. • Further development of strategic partnerships with public institutions, utilities, engineering companies, climate technology companies, and international stakeholders. • Expansion of research and planning activities related to Co-Flow Campus and wastewater-based data, energy, and resource infrastructure. • Continued participation in international exhibitions, conferences, and outreach activities promoting the Tomorrow Water Project and SDG implementation. • Awarded the Global Sustainable Leader 100, 7 years in a row from Association for Supporting the SDGs for the UN(ASD) • Selected as the top group in the 2025 Sustainable Development Goals Business Index, 7 years in a row from Association for Supporting the SDGs for the UN(ASD) As TWP 2.0 approaches its conclusion, the foundation has been established for the next stage of development, focusing on full integration of water, energy, data, and economic value into future wastewater infrastructure. Guided by the principle of “Leave No One Behind,” we remain committed to delivering sustainable sanitation solutions that generate lasting benefits for people, cities, and the environment. Submitted on 22 September, 2026 Progress Status On track Organization BKT Co.,Ltd. Name Wonwoo Kang Email wwk@bkt21.com
Progress report for BKT Tomorrow Water Project Achievement at a glance The progress of TWP 2.0 (2021-2027*) continues steadily as we move from individual technology development toward the realization of sustainable wastewater treatment infrastructure. Since its registration as a UN SDG Action initiative, the Tomorrow Water Project has focused on one question: how can wastewater treatment plants remain operational without becoming a financial burden? In 2025, we further advanced our vision of transforming wastewater treatment from a cost-driven public utility into a self-sustaining infrastructure that creates environmental, social, and economic value. Based on the principle of “From Cost Stream to Profit Stream,” we continued integrating resource recovery, energy production, and digital innovation into our implementation model. (*TWP 2.0 2021-2027 / TWP 3.0 2028-2030) <Process Design Progress> Downstream • Proteus continued successful commercialization and global expansion efforts, including activities in North America and Europe. • Proteus was awarded contracts for large-scale municipal applications, including projects exceeding 360,000 m³/d treatment capacity. • Discussions continued with the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District (MMSD) regarding demonstration and future commercialization opportunities. Upstream • AMX commercialization and international market expansion discussions continued. • Draco thermal hydrolysis technology advanced toward pilot implementation in North America. • Feasibility Study of AAD(Biogas) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions with livestock manure was conducted successfully • Integrated resource recovery concepts combining AMX, Draco, and AAD continued to develop through the Integrated Upstream Process (IUP). Digital Transformation • Development of GWD and AGWD platforms progressed to support planning, operation, and optimization of future wastewater facilities. Most importantly, with support from a government-funded R&D program, BKT has initiated the preparation of a pilot-scale demonstration of the Co-Flow heat exchange system. The project aims to validate the utilization of wastewater as a sustainable thermal resource and to further strengthen the integration of water, energy, and digital infrastructure envisioned under the Co-Flow Campus concept. The pilot is being designed with the long-term goal of supporting next-generation digital infrastructure, including data centers targeting a world-class PUE below 1.10 through the use of wastewater-based cooling. This pilot is expected to provide critical operational data supporting future applications involving data centers, energy recovery, and urban infrastructure development. In addition, the Tomorrow Water Project expanded beyond conventional wastewater treatment through new initiatives, including wastewater-based infectious disease surveillance and integration with emerging climate technologies. These efforts demonstrate our continuing commitment to building sustainable infrastructure that supports public health, climate resilience, and economic development simultaneously. Challenges faced in implementation The implementation of Tomorrow Water Project continues to face challenges associated with the transition from conventional treatment infrastructure into a comprehensive resource recovery and value-generation model. The primary challenge remains the realization of Co-Flow Campus (CFC), which requires coordination among multiple stakeholders including local governments, utilities, regulatory agencies, technology providers, investors, and private sector partners. The concept integrates water, energy, data, and economic value into a single infrastructure platform, requiring institutional cooperation rarely seen in traditional wastewater projects. Another major challenge is securing funding for pilot and demonstration projects. While many stakeholders recognize the long-term benefits of TWP and CFC, funding mechanisms often remain focused on conventional treatment solutions rather than integrated circular economy models. This creates difficulties in advancing demonstration facilities capable of providing the operational data necessary to accelerate broader adoption. We are also working to position several TWP concepts within national and international development financing frameworks, including EDCF-based strategic initiatives aimed at supporting advancing countries. Discussions continue with governmental organizations regarding future implementation opportunities. In addition, the valuation of greenhouse gas reduction, climate resilience benefits, energy recovery, and resource recovery remains challenging due to evolving regulatory frameworks and verification methodologies. While these benefits create substantial economic value, converting them into recognized financial returns requires continued collaboration with both public and private sector stakeholders. Despite these challenges, we remain confident that growing global concerns surrounding water scarcity, climate change, infrastructure financing, and sustainable development will continue creating favorable conditions for the wider implementation of the Tomorrow Water Project. Next Steps 1) Developing New Ideas The Tomorrow Water Project continues expanding beyond traditional wastewater treatment. In 2025, we introduced additional concepts including wastewater-based infectious disease surveillance through cooperation with public health organizations. These initiatives demonstrate how wastewater infrastructure can contribute not only to sanitation but also to public health preparedness and societal resilience. 2) R&D Completion Research and development continue across several technologies including AGS, OPG, and next-generation AAD solutions. We are particularly focused on improving resource recovery efficiency, reducing operational costs, and increasing energy production from wastewater and organic waste streams. 3) Funding for Demonstration in Advancing Countries We continue exploring funding opportunities for pilot and demonstration projects in advancing countries. Sustainable sanitation remains inaccessible to many communities because conventional treatment systems are too expensive to operate. The Tomorrow Water Project seeks to provide not only advanced treatment performance but also long-term economic sustainability. Demonstration projects remain critical for proving this model under real-world conditions. 4) Marketing Global outreach remains an important component of our initiative. During 2025, we participated in various international exhibitions, government cooperation programs, and industry events, including activities related to Cambodia Water Industry Delegation and WETEX. We will continue promoting the Tomorrow Water Project as a practical model supporting SDGs related to water, sanitation, energy, innovation, climate action, and sustainable cities. Beneficiaries The Tomorrow Water Project serves communities that require access to safe sanitation while facing financial and operational barriers preventing long-term sustainability. Historically, wastewater treatment facilities have operated as public infrastructure that continuously consume financial resources. This model has limited the expansion of sanitation services throughout many parts of the world, particularly in advancing countries where infrastructure development competes with more immediate economic priorities. TWP proposes a different approach. By recovering energy, nutrients, water, heat, and other resources from wastewater, treatment facilities can become contributors to local economies rather than long-term financial burdens. This improves sustainability while allowing communities to maintain essential public health infrastructure. The benefits extend beyond sanitation. Cleaner waterways improve environmental quality and public health. Resource recovery creates local economic opportunities. Energy generation improves resilience against energy insecurity. The integration of digital infrastructure and data centers within future Co-Flow Campus models creates additional employment and tax revenue while supporting the growth of AI and digital industries. For advancing countries, TWP can provide access to sustainable sanitation while reducing dependence on external operating subsidies. For developed countries, TWP provides solutions to aging infrastructure, rising operational costs, water scarcity concerns, and increasing energy demands associated with data-driven economies. Ultimately, the beneficiaries are not limited to wastewater utilities alone. Residents, industries, governments, technology providers, and future generations all benefit from infrastructure that transforms wastewater from an environmental liability into a valuable resource. Actions Recognizable achievements during the reporting period include: • Continued recognition of BKT and its technologies through national and international awards and evaluations. • Expansion of Proteus commercialization activities in Korea and overseas markets. • Continued progress of AMX, Draco, and Integrated Upstream Process technologies through pilot, demonstration, and commercialization efforts. • Advancement of WaterAI-related digital solutions supporting design and operation of future treatment facilities. • Further development of strategic partnerships with public institutions, utilities, engineering companies, climate technology companies, and international stakeholders. • Expansion of research and planning activities related to Co-Flow Campus and wastewater-based data, energy, and resource infrastructure. • Continued participation in international exhibitions, conferences, and outreach activities promoting the Tomorrow Water Project and SDG implementation. • Awarded the Global Sustainable Leader 100, 7 years in a row from Association for Supporting the SDGs for the UN(ASD) • Selected as the top group in the 2025 Sustainable Development Goals Business Index, 7 years in a row from Association for Supporting the SDGs for the UN(ASD) As TWP 2.0 approaches its conclusion, the foundation has been established for the next stage of development, focusing on full integration of water, energy, data, and economic value into future wastewater infrastructure. Guided by the principle of “Leave No One Behind,” we remain committed to delivering sustainable sanitation solutions that generate lasting benefits for people, cities, and the environment. Submitted on 22 September, 2026 Progress Status On track Organization BKT Co.,Ltd. Name Wonwoo Kang Email wwk@bkt21.com