How Matt Damon's WaterEquity Powers Sustainable Energy
WaterEquity has launched its Water & Climate Resilience Fund with an initial US$5m investment in Savant Group, an organisation synonymous with significant advancements in renewable energy solutions, notably through climate-tech platform SunCulture.
This investment highlights a pivotal step in financing for climate-resilient water and sanitation infrastructure.
Designed to support growth-stage companies, WaterEquity's fund aims to bridge water access gaps, bolster resilience and generate long-term sustainable value within the energy sector.
SunCulture delivers on these objectives by producing solar-powered water pumps, reducing dependency on diesel and manual systems.
This technology is not only pivotal for irrigation but also enhances household water security, a crucial factor in rural areas where water collection duties typically fall on women and girls.
Global investors in renewable energy
WaterEquity's investment will empower SunCulture to extend its reach, enhancing access for millions of farmers and families across Africa.
The Water & Climate Resilience Fund has already secured over US$100m in commitments from a diverse group of investors.
Microsoft has joined via its Climate Innovation Fund as an anchor investor, with strategic partnerships from Starbucks and Xylem underscoring the importance of cross-sector collaboration in renewable energy and water solutions.
"Water is at the core of every major global challenge we face today,” says Matt Damon, Co-founder of WaterEquity and Water.org.
“Addressing the global water and sanitation crisis is not just about providing access to safe water; it’s about building resilience to climate change, advancing global gender equality and transforming health and education outcomes for millions of people.
“Investing in water infrastructure is one of the most powerful ways we can create a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone."
Ecolab's corporate leadership and technology
Ecolab's involvement with the fund reinforces its aim to navigate the convergence of water, energy and climate.
“As Chief Sustainability Officer at Ecolab, I see every day the power of water in improving business, operational and environmental impact,” says Emilio Tenuta, SVP and Chief Sustainability Office at EcoLab.
“By leaning into this potential and leveraging technology, we can drive greater performance and positive impact in 2025.”
A partnership with Exelon Generation has led to over 1.5 billion gallons of water being saved in a single year, showcasing the powerful impact of smart strategies.
These outcomes demonstrate how integrated solutions can turn water conservation into a competitive advantage.
Building resilient water systems
Co-founded by Gary White and Matt Damon WaterEquity is strategically aligning private capital into essential components of the water value chain - the pair also founded Water.org in 2009.
The new fund is expected to provide safe water and sanitation to 15 million people across Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Coupling financial investment with technical support from Water.org ensures robust operational resilience.
"By bringing together a diverse group of committed water and climate partners, we are directly addressing the need for water and sanitation solutions in communities vulnerable to the impacts of climate change,” comments Paul O’Connell, President and CEO of WaterEquity.
“Our hope is the Water & Climate Resilience Fund will become a testament to the powerful role that strategic collective investments can play in building resilience, protecting lives and ensuring a sustainable future."
Ecolab’s active role underlines how corporate leadership, in tandem with innovative financing and local solutions, can scale resilient water systems, essential as climate change exacerbates water scarcity.
The US$100m+ already raised signifies a stride towards meeting Sustainable Development Goal 6: clean water and sanitation for all.
“Our investments in climate-resilient water infrastructure and innovative solutions are not just intended to meet for immediate needs but also to build long-term resilience for millions of people in low-income populations,” says Marlene Hormes, Former Chief Investment Officer at WaterEquity and current Chair of the Investment Committee at African Development Bank Group.
“This strategy has the power to transform communities, secure water resources and create lasting impacts for generations.
“The Water & Climate Resilience Fund will exemplify how private investment can tackle the most urgent water and sanitation challenges in emerging markets."
