A collaborative event will bring together water, wastewater and sustainability experts to explore new ways of tackling fat, oil and grease (FOG) in sewers and pave the way for a blockage-free future.
Now in its third year, the European FOG Summit is set to take place in the UK for the first time, in Brighton, East Sussex, on 14 October 2021. The event will be hosted by technology company SwiftComply, trade association British Water and UK utility Southern Water.
Organisers will follow all government Covid-19 safety guidelines and will monitor the global situation closely, putting contingencies in place should any travel restrictions apply.
Every year, FOG-related sewer blockages and spills cost global water authorities billions to clear and can have devastating impacts on the environment. The European FOG Summit will gather renowned experts to examine the current status of the challenge and what the future might hold, with conversations focusing on proactive mitigation, technological solutions, international research and the role FOG can play in local authorities’ circular initiatives and sustainability goals.
Participants will also have an opportunity to join networking events on 13 October, the day before the summit. These will include a tour of Southern Water’s wastewater treatment works in nearby Peacehaven and a networking lunch and dinner.
SwiftComply’s UK Director, Laura Su said: “We are proud to be co-hosting the 2021 European FOG Summit in the coastal city of Brighton and look forward to welcoming experts from the UK and European water companies, the supply chain and governmental, environmental and circular economy groups.
“We are passionate about industry collaboration and using thought-leadership as a catalyst for change, which is why the summit will not only facilitate these conversations but encourage positive action.
“While we are very much looking forward to hosting a face-to-face event, we will of course be monitoring global travel restrictions closely to ensure it can be held safely and be inclusive to all who wish to join us.”
Mar Batista, head of programmes, British Water, said: “It is a great opportunity for us to be part of the 2021 European FOG Summit. British Water has hosted a FOG conference since 2015 and we are happy to now be partnering with SwiftComply and Southern Water in bringing the conversation to an even wider audience. Only by combining collaboration, education and innovation will we successfully fight the fatberg globally.”
Steve Williams, network protection officer, Southern Water, said: “Southern Water looks forward to jointly hosting the European FOG Summit in Brighton in 2021. Having spoken at both the 2019 and 2020 summits, I know how valuable the event is in bringing together international experts to share best practice and the latest developments in FOG management. Viewing FOG as a resource for conversion to energy or fuel, thereby creating a circular economy, is a conversation that needs to be had globally.”
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