Don’t Waste the Pressure: Turn Drinking Water Into Renewable Energy
Did you know that drinking water systems hold untapped potential for renewable energy from water? Every day, millions of liters of water flow through municipal and industrial networks under high pressure. Traditionally, this pressure is controlled and dissipated using pressure-reducing valves, but what if we could harness it instead of wasting it?
At GUGLER Water Turbines, we specialize in transforming existing water infrastructure into a sustainable energy source, helping cities and industries generate hydropower in drinking water systems without disrupting water supply or quality. By integrating hydropower turbines into drinking and tap water systems, we can convert excess pressure into electricity. These turbines operate within existing pipelines, replacing conventional pressure-reducing valves. The result is a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to lower electricity expenses, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and optimize water networks. Municipalities, industries, and water utilities can turn their infrastructure into an energy-generating asset while reducing CO₂ emissions and contributing to a greener future.
Because these turbines are installed in drinking water networks, water safety is top priority. Our turbines are specially designed to meet strict hygiene and material requirements, ensuring that the water remains completely uncontaminated. We achieve this by using stainless steel components that prevent corrosion and contamination, as well as certified coatings that are approved for drinking water applications. Advanced sealing technology ensures that there is no unwanted interaction between the turbine and the water. If necessary, our systems incorporate corrosion-resistant materials, allowing them to function even in seawater and industrial service water environments.
The effectiveness of this technology has already been proven in our projects around the world. In Bogotá, Colombia drinking water turbines generate megawatts of renewable energy, turning a previously wasted resource into a valuable power source. In Salzburg, Austria, a compact turbine installation supports municipal operations with clean electricity. Cities such as Iquique in Chile and Geneva in Switzerland have successfully implemented this solution, proving that energy generation from water infrastructure can be effectively integrated into urban water systems. Additionally, similar systems are operational or in development in locations such as Hushan in Taiwan, Pueblo Whitlock in the USA further demonstrating the global adaptability and potential of this technology.
By using drinking and tap water systems for energy recovery, municipalities and industries can benefit in multiple ways. Energy costs are significantly reduced, as power is generated directly within the existing infrastructure. CO₂ emissions are lowered, supporting climate goals and sustainability initiatives. Water networks become more efficient, as energy is recovered from what was previously considered wasted potential. Most importantly, this solution requires minimal additional investment, as it builds upon pipelines, reservoirs, and distribution systems that are already in place.
Drinking water flows through cities every day—why not use it to produce clean energy? At GUGLER we help our partners unlock the hidden potential in their water networks and create a more sustainable future. Contact us today to explore how your drinking water system can become a renewable energy source.
Explore some of our drinking water projects in action:
(April 2025)
About GUGLER Water Turbines GmbH:
GUGLER Water Turbines GmbH is a leading supplier of – state of the art – turbine technology, supplying all types of Francis, Kaplan and Pelton turbines up to 40 MW per unit and related electro-mechanical equipment for small and medium sized hydro power plants (water to wire).
GUGLER Water Turbines GmbH supplies also special turbines, such as micro turbines, container turbines, siphon turbines, gates turbines, turbines for drinking water, waste water and salt water systems on a global basis.
