HYDROUSA is a EU Horizon2020 Innovation Action project approved under the call topic CIRC-02-2016-2017 (Water in the context of the circular economy) (Grant Agreement No. 776643). HYDROUSA aims to revolutionize the water supply chain in Mediterranean regions by demonstrating innovative solutions for water/wastewater treatment and management, which will close the water loops and will also boost their agricultural and energy profile.
DEMONSTRATION OF WATER LOOPS WITH INNOVATIVE REGENERATIVE BUSINESS MODELS FOR THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION
Problem Statement:
Water management in the Mediterranean is currently fragmented and there are several barriers, which need to be overcome in order to close water loops and contribute towards the environmental and economic development of these regions. Mediterranean regions, in particular, face significant challenges in terms of water management and conservation. Water reserves are scarce, while the high touristic activities during the summer months stress the limited water reserves.
HYDROUSA solutions:
To overcome these challenges, a new HORIZON 2020 project, HYDROUSA was launched in July 2018 to reimagine a water resilient economy, mitigate climate change and reform the agro-food system.
HYDROUSA goes beyond the current water and wastewater management practices by adopting innovative, nature-based water management solutions for different types of water characterised by low energy footprint. Clear water loops are demonstrated, recovering added value products, while integrating and interacting with the local market.
These technologies and services are demonstrated at six demonstration sites at full scale in three Mediterranean islands (Lesvos, Mykonos and Tinos) whereas the transferability of HYDROUSA solutions will be assessed in 25 early adopter cases in Mediterranean coastal areas and islands and at several water-stressed rural or peri-urban non-Mediterranean areas in Europe and een beyond Europe.
The additional services that will be provided with the innovative approaches will lead to a win-win-win situation for the economy, the environment, and the community. Comprehensive business models will be developed to demonstrate the economic viability of the aforementioned technologies and services as well as the resulting economic benefits from the recovered materials and energy.
HYDROUSA will not only develop and demonstrate innovative water services, but will revolutionise the water value chains in Mediterranean areas from water abstraction and use up to sewage treatment and reuse. It will change the human water cycle by valorising non-conventional water resources, which are currently not being exploited.
The consortium of HYDROUSA consists of 27 highly competent organisations involved in water management, agricultural activities, ICT and, business/marketing, dissemination/ communication spanning throughout the whole water supply chain.
The project is led and coordinated by National Technical University of Athens, (NTUA).
Contact Person:
Simos Malamis
Email: [email protected]; [email protected];