AU Optronics launches AUO Water 2020 -- Water Resource Development Blueprint

AU Optronics (AUO) has announced that its process water full-recycling system, the first of its kind developed in Taiwan*, has been launched at the company's Lungtan site. Process water can be condensed and reduced by 98%, with zero liquid discharge realised with evaporation.

AUO started the research and development of process water recycling in 2010, and had worked with Industrial Technology Research Institute of Taiwan (ITRI) for a year on some of the technologies involved. AUO subsequently proposed its self-designed system and construction plan, and initiated the three-year construction of process water full-recycling system in 2013. The energy-efficient process water full-recycling system at AUO's Lungtan site uses membrane bioreactor technologies, reverse osmosis, electrodialysis reversal, and an evaporator during the various phases of water recycling and reusing to achieve zero liquid discharge. 

AUO also pledged that by year 2020, it will achieve the goals, of water reduction, water creation and Water replenishment. In 2015, the total volume of process water recycled at all sites in Taiwan amounted to 112 million cubic tons, equivalent to the annual water consumption of 373,300 households*. Water creation refers to 10,000 tons of reclaimed water used daily by AUO's Taichung site, which echoes the national water resource policy and significantly increases autonomy in water supply. Water replenishment will be achieved based on Lungtan's zero liquid discharge solution. Additionally, TFT-LCD production water intensity is to be reduced by 30%.

"Under the increasingly extreme weather conditions, risks caused by water shortage present challenge and crises. However, through technological advancements in green and water resource management, AUO continues to create new values and opportunities on the path to sustainability. For instance, we were the first to have engaged in the research of process water full-recycling in 2010**. The system successfully operated in the end of this year, proving that it not impossible to strike a balance between environmental and economic development. Next, through the declaration of the three goals of (the) AUO Water 2020 -- Water Resource Development Blueprint, AUO is committed to safeguarding the water resource on a proactive and long-term basis," said Paul SL Peng, AUO's Chairman & Chief Executive Officer.

AUO also declared today the opening of AUO GreenArk at Lungtan site, which adopts AUO's solar modules and storage system to meet low carbon green concept. It is hoped that through the showcase and guided tours***, the public can better understand AUO's innovative water recycling technologies and water-related knowledge, promoting sustainability.

Interested?

Register for the guided tour at AUO GreenArk (in Chinese only)

*According to Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs, in 2015 the average water consumption per person per day amounted to 274 litres, and each household accounted for three individuals.

**Based on the available market research information as of December 29, 2015.