Royal HaskoningDHV has extended interest in Singapore water information consulting scale-up Hydroinformatics Institute (H2i), allowing the strengthening of data-driven climate resilience solutions. The acquisition of majority interest in the latter affirms the former’s commitment to providing H2i with the funding, expertise and network that will allow it to grow, while also enlarging its footprint in data-driven water management and climate resilience solutions in Asia.
H2i and Royal HaskoningDHV first entered into a strategic partnership in 2019, when Royal HaskoningDHV invested in the Singapore-based company. The two have since leveraged their combined strengthens in project including a site-specific study along Singapore’s City-East Coat ahead of the development of a climate resilience masterplan, Shenzhen New Marine City in China, and coastal urban development on reclaiming land on the Pearl River Delta including water quality modelling and a feasibility study for Manila’s Flood Forecasting and Warning System.
Explaining the move, Erik Oostwegel, CEO of Royal HaskoningDHV, said: “By increasing our investment in H2i, we hope to build on the successes we have enjoyed so far. The combination of our deep domain, data, and software expertise and H2i’s advanced technology in machine learning and big data creates a very ambitious union, that is agile enough to rapidly address risks associated with climate change. For example, H2i’s rainfall detection and forecasting system has already proved vital for flood management and operations at Singapore’s national water agency PUB, and our collaboration could lead to opportunities to apply the system in other cities, delivering substantial benefits to residents and businesses.”
This move takes place against the backdrop of more frequently occurring severe weather events caused by climate change, and increased risk of flooding due to extreme rainfall, rising sea levels and ageing infrastructure. Both have the potential to have a major impact on business, physical assets, and society as a whole, explained Gerard Pijcke, chief consultant at H2i.
He said: “The complex topic of climate change requires swiftly evolving science, data and derived insights. Designing and delivering strategies to improve climate resilience against such events is a key focus for both companies. Together, we can drive innovation further and create better solutions that will help clients across the hydrological cycle to adapt, anticipate and prepare for water-related issues. From rainfall forecasting and early flood warnings to flood risk and climate change assessments, the potential to increase our reach beyond Singapore is substantial.”
