NRI to Inaugurate International Joint Research Project with Research Alliance in Australia’s Queensland to Study Strategic Use of Water Resources

Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. (NRI: Tokyo, Japan; Akihisa Fujinuma, Chairman and President, CEO & COO) initiated a study to implement joint research with the SEQ Urban Water Security Research Alliance^*1 with respect to water resources in South East Queensland, Australia.

To date, in the field of environmental technology in Japan, NRI has examined business models involving a series of activities that start with the implementation of joint research with governments, research institutes and/or companies in other countries. Based on the research findings, a model project is to be established to promote the development of new business with local companies.

As part of these activities, NRI looked for a partner for international joint research to make use of the Japanese technology and expertise related to water resources in Australia. Consequently, on July 11, we signed a Letter of Intent with the SEQ Urban Water Security Research Alliance for the purpose of developing a program of collaborative research.

In the future, in accordance with the South East Queensland Water Strategy^*2 formulated by the Queensland Government, NRI and the SEQ Urban Water Security Research Alliance will endeavor to conduct joint research on water-related issues including securing water resources, preventing water leakage, water saving and the use of reuse, recycled and rain water^*3 during fiscal 2008.

In fiscal 2009 or later, we intend to implement verification experiments. NRI will assume various scenarios such as the introduction of management systems for water leakage prevention and/or monitoring in water distribution networks, and the introduction of a recycled water use system in commercial buildings and public facilities.

For the joint research on Japan’s side, NRI plans to form a consortium. Thus far, NRI has jointly conducted studies on activities to improve the environment by utilizing environmental technologies such as those related to water resources with Kawasaki City (Takao Abe, Mayor) because that city has been making focused efforts to promote international contributions through the employment of environmental technologies. Based on this experience, NRI will widely invite companies such as those located in Kawasaki City to become part of a consortium. The invitation will start today.

Because Japan is blessed with abundant water resources and has a wealth of related technology and expertise, it is a country that can make an international contribution to solving problems related to global water issues.

In order to advance international contributions by utilizing extensive expertise and experience, NRI considers it necessary to promote activities in cooperation with governments, research institutes and/or companies in other countries by envisioning a series of processes from securing water resources to wastewater treatment.

Through this joint research, NRI looks forward to contributing to the addressing of water-related issues all over the world.

*1.	SEQ Urban Water Security Research Alliance: This alliance was formed by four organizations, the Queensland Government, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, the University of Queensland and Griffith University in 2007. With funding amounting to $50 million, the alliance will formulate plans for the South East Queensland Water Strategy and implement specific measures and activities over a five-year period.

*2.	South East Queensland Water Strategy: The Queensland Government announced this strategy in March 2008 to meet water supply needs for the next 50 years in the region of South East Queensland.

*3.	Reuse, recycled and rain water: Rain and recycled water can be positioned between drinking water and wastewater, and refers to rain water and water that has been treated to some degree but is not suitable for drinking. Such water can be used for purposes that can utilize non-potable water such as watering, washing cars, etc.