Eco-UV · Project

Mercury-Free UV Lamps That Cut Water Disinfection Energy Costs by 80%

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Imagine the UV lights used to kill germs in drinking water — they work, but they guzzle electricity and contain mercury, just like old fluorescent bulbs. This team built a new generation of UV lamps that use 80% less energy and last four times longer, and they got rid of the mercury entirely. They installed these systems at three real water treatment sites across Europe and proved they actually work under everyday conditions. Think of it as the LED revolution, but for the UV systems that keep your tap water safe.

By the numbers

80%

Reduction in energy consumption vs. conventional UV

Increased lamp lifetime vs. traditional UV lamps

EUR 3,949,129

EU funding for development and demonstration

Real-world demonstration sites with extended operation

Mercury-free ultra-high efficiency lamp demonstrators built

High-efficiency lamp systems ready for installation

The business problem

What needed solving

Water utilities and industrial operators spend heavily on UV disinfection — but conventional UV lamps are energy-hungry, contain toxic mercury, and burn out relatively quickly. Replacing lamps frequently drives up maintenance costs, while mercury creates hazardous waste disposal requirements. Operators need UV systems that deliver the same germ-killing performance at a fraction of the energy cost, without the environmental liability of mercury.

The solution

What was built

The project built four mercury-free, ultra-high efficiency UV lamp demonstrators and four complete high-efficiency lamp systems ready for installation. These were deployed and tested at three real-world demonstration sites, with final product specifications delivered for both the lamps and their electronic driving systems.

Audience

Who needs this

Municipal water utilities operating UV disinfection for drinking waterFood and beverage manufacturers using UV for process water treatmentWastewater treatment plant operators pursuing water reusePharmaceutical companies needing chemical-free water purificationUV equipment integrators and OEMs looking for next-generation lamp technology

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Municipal Water Treatment

enterprise

Target: Water utilities and municipal drinking water operators

If you are a water utility spending heavily on UV disinfection energy bills — this project demonstrated mercury-free UV lamps that reduce energy consumption by 80% and last four times longer than conventional systems. The technology was validated at three demonstration sites for drinking water treatment, meaning it has been proven under real operating conditions. Lower energy use plus longer lamp life translates directly to reduced operational expenditure.

Food & Beverage Manufacturing

mid-size

Target: Food processing companies using UV for process water and product safety

If you are a food manufacturer relying on UV systems to disinfect process water and eliminate contaminants like pesticides — this project built high-efficiency UV lamp systems ready for installation that consume 80% less energy. The mercury-free design also removes hazardous waste disposal headaches, which matters when your facility is audited for food safety compliance. Three demonstration sites confirmed the technology inactivates micro-organisms reliably over extended running periods.

Wastewater & Water Reuse

any

Target: Industrial wastewater treatment operators and water reuse service providers

If you are a wastewater operator looking to reduce chemicals like antibiotics and pesticides in treated effluent — this project demonstrated UV systems that handle exactly that, with 80% lower energy consumption than traditional UV technology. The four mercury-free lamp demonstrators were tested for long-term stability and ageing effects, giving you confidence in sustained performance. The full life cycle evaluation showed clear cost and environmental benefits compared to conventional UV setups.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

How much can this technology actually save on operating costs?

The project demonstrated 80% reduced energy consumption compared to traditional UV technology and up to four times increased lamp lifetime. A full life cycle evaluation of cost and environmental benefits was completed, comparing it directly to conventional UV systems in terms of energy, infrastructure, and lifetime costs.

Has this been tested at industrial scale or only in the lab?

This was tested at industrial scale. The technology was installed at three demonstration sites for extended running periods, evaluating treatment performance on real water including drinking water, and measuring inactivation of micro-organisms and reduction of chemicals like antibiotics and pesticides. Four high-efficiency lamp systems were built ready for installation.

What is the IP situation — can I license or buy this technology?

The project coordinator is Hanovia Limited, a UK-based SME that manufactures UV water treatment systems commercially. As an Innovation Action with the manufacturer directly leading the project, the IP is likely held by Hanovia for commercialization. Contact the coordinator to discuss licensing or purchase options.

Does this meet drinking water regulations?

The project specifically tested UV system performance at a test centre for drinking water and derived a new testing protocol for different end-user applications. This protocol was designed to serve as the basis for future standardised validation of industrial UV applications, aligning with regulatory needs.

How long did the demonstration systems run, and are they still reliable?

The demonstration systems were installed for extended running periods at three sites, with full characterisation of long-term stability and ageing effects. The dose-response relationship was also evaluated, giving operators the data needed to predict performance over the lamp's lifetime — which is up to four times longer than conventional UV lamps.

Can this replace our existing UV disinfection setup?

The project specifically designed the lamps to integrate into UV reactors, and evaluated the performance of whole UV systems — not just standalone lamps. Four high-efficiency lamp systems were delivered ready for installation, suggesting the technology is designed as a drop-in upgrade for existing UV infrastructure.

Consortium

Who built it

The Eco-UV consortium is compact and commercially focused: 4 partners across 3 countries (UK, Germany, Sweden) with a EUR 3,949,129 budget. The project is led by Hanovia Limited, a UK-based SME that already manufactures UV water treatment equipment — meaning the technology has a direct route to market through an established product company. The consortium includes 1 industrial partner, 1 university, and 2 research organizations, giving it both scientific depth and commercial grounding. The fact that an SME manufacturer coordinates the project rather than a university signals that commercialization was a priority from day one.

IVL SVENSKA MILJOEINSTITUTET ABparticipant · SE
KARLSRUHER INSTITUT FUER TECHNOLOGIEparticipant · DE
DVGW DEUTSCHER VEREIN DES GAS- UNDWASSERFACHES - TECHNISCH-WISSENSCHAFTLICHER VEREIN EVparticipant · DE

How to reach the team

Hanovia Limited (UK) — an SME specializing in UV water treatment systems. SciTransfer can facilitate an introduction to discuss licensing, integration, or purchase.

Order a report on this consortium

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want to explore how mercury-free UV disinfection could cut your energy costs by 80%? SciTransfer connects you directly with the team behind the technology — contact us for an introduction.

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