Smarter water treatment for power generation

Reducing risk, cost and complexity across the UK’s evolving power infrastructure

By Vince Payne, CEO, PureTec Separations

The global power sector is undergoing a profound transformation. Shifts in population, urbanisation, transportation, and the surge in electrically powered devices are redefining global energy demand. Simultaneously, the transition from carbon-based to renewable energy is reshaping the industry landscape. In this evolving environment, reliable, cost-effective, and high-quality water treatment solutions have become more critical than ever.

Water is critical in power generation. It plays a vital role in steam production, cooling, emissions control, and cleaning. If treatment systems underperform, the cost shows up fast: fouling, scaling, corrosion, downtime, and wasted energy. As the energy sector adapts to tighter environmental targets, ageing infrastructure, and rising costs, the role of smarter water treatment is more important than ever.

In this article, Vince Payne, CEO of PureTec Separations, explores how power generators can reduce water-related risk, unlock efficiency, and ensure long-term asset reliability through modern, site-specific solutions.

“The power sector can’t afford water to be an afterthought,” says Vince Payne. “Done right, water treatment becomes a strategic asset, protecting equipment, reducing downtime, and improving performance across the board.”

Understanding water’s role in power generation

Water supports multiple systems in thermal power plants, from boiler feed and steam generation to closed-loop cooling and emissions control. But when water treatment is inadequate or inconsistent, the consequences can be severe: limescale damage, corrosion, higher chemical use, and reduced thermal efficiency.

The PureTec Separations team are specialists at undertaking power plant reviews, asset health assessments and diagnostic benchmarking which helps build a clear picture of the inefficiencies and opportunities.

Many sites still rely on legacy systems that weren’t built for today’s operational pressures. The result is higher running costs, more frequent interventions, and growing difficulty maintaining regulatory compliance. That’s where a smarter, integrated approach comes in.

What does ‘smarter water’ mean?

Smarter water treatment means applying engineering insight, operational knowledge, and the right technology mix to solve problems specific to your site. The key is designing systems that match the scale, throughput, and risk profile of the plant.

At PureTec, we work with power operators to assess the whole picture: source water quality, treatment needs, flow rates, and long-term cost. Our systems are modular and designed for ease of service, control, and optimisation. We offer flexibility for site-specific needs, including bulk chemical storage, variable regeneration modes, and integrated remote access.

Common challenges and solutions

One of the biggest risks in power sites is equipment failure caused by scaling or corrosion. Puretec's solutions use high efficiency softening systems, , anion, cation resins, carbon systems, reverse osmosis, and EDI to reduce hardness and manage water chemistry. This protects boiler tubes, cooling towers, and critical infrastructure, extending lifespan and cutting maintenance costs.

We also help reduce chemical overuse. Many older systems regenerate on time-based intervals, which wastes water and salt. Our volume-based systems, paired with conductivity sensors and PLC controls, only regenerate when needed. This improves efficiency, reduces environmental load, and brings costs down.

The most common water treatment needs that we help resolve in power generation are:

• Contaminant removal: To effectively remove impurities and contaminants from water across various power generation processes.

• Process optimisation: To enhance the efficiency of power generation processes and reduce downtime.

• Equipment protection: Corrosion, fouling and scaling in boilers, turbines, and other critical equipment being improved.

• Cost reduction: To minimise water usage, chemical consumption, and maintenance costs.

• Environmental compliance: Ensuring stringent discharge regulations are met.

Built-in safety, control, and compliance

Power sites demand high standards of safety and control. Our installations meet EU and BS compliance standards, with full documentation, training, and support. Optional remote access gives maintenance teams full visibility and the ability to respond faster, cutting downtime and risk.

All of our equipment and installations are guaranteed to:

• Conform to current legislation.

• Meet British and Nominated European Electrical Supply Industry (ESI) Standards.

• COSHH compliant.

• Meet all regulatory acts and regulations, such as the Health & safety at work act.

• All personnel working on site hold valid safety passports.

• All equipment is PUWER and LOLER compliant.

Smarter water is strategic

As demand on the power grid increases and environmental targets become tighter, plants must get more from every part of their operation. Smarter water treatment delivers measurable improvements: lower operational costs, improved asset protection, reduced chemical handling, and easier compliance.

If your site is still running on outdated water systems, it may be costing more than you think and holding back performance. A better approach is possible. And the returns are real.

To find out more about how we work with the power industry, visit our industry specific page here.

Let’s talk

Want to find out how PureTec can support your energy site? Contact us today.

Written by Vince Payne, CEO, PureTec Separations