WAS

New systemic solutions to improve the climate resilience of coastal landscapes The COAST-SCAPES project develops and demonstrates innovative solutions to increase the climate resilience of land-coastal-sea systems, addressing the challenges arising from climate change, ecosystem degradation and socio-economic pressures on coastal areas. The project promotes a systemic approach that integrates different sectors and territorial scales to co-design climate resilience plans based on nature-based solutions (NbS) that reduce climate risks and improve ecosystem services. This approach combines advanced scientific tools, climate alert systems, risk analysis models and innovative governance mechanisms to facilitate the implementation of adaptation measures. [...]

Innovative solutions to integrate decentralized and circular water systems that enhance urban resilience to water scarcity. The SOLUCIR project promotes new ways of managing water in cities through decentralized and circular systems that enable resource reuse and reduce dependence on ageing infrastructure. Its goal is to address water scarcity and climate-related challenges. The project analyses the main technical, financial, regulatory and social barriers that hinder the large-scale adoption of these solutions. Based on 23 real-life experiences already in operation, SOLUCIR develops demonstration studies in collaboration with water utilities and local stakeholders to demonstrate their feasibility, scalability [...]

Advancing urban water quality through digital monitoring and management. QleanUp aims to develop an advanced water quality platform to improve resilience, robustness, and adaptability of urban water systems. The project’s ambition is to deliver an integrated, risk-based decision support platform for authorities and utilities to improve water quality.This platform seeks to provide decision-makers with real-time sensor data, digital tools, and water monitoring and management strategies to effectively plan, implement, and manage protection measures. By developing integrated monitoring and decision-support solutions, QleanUp addresses key barriers in urban water management. This approach improves the detection, understanding, and management [...]

Integrated methodology for PFAS removal in drinking water based on advanced technologies Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) represent a growing challenge in drinking water management due to their persistence and their potential impact on public health and the environment. The detection of concentrations exceeding the limits established in the Spanish Royal Decree 3/2023 at various water intake points highlights the urgent need to develop effective solutions that ensure regulatory compliance and the protection of public health. In this context, the PFAS-CLEARWATER project develops and validates an integrated methodology that combines advanced technologies for the effective removal [...]

Using fungi and bacteria to clean European contaminated soils. LIFE InBioSoil develops a new biological technology to decontaminate soils directly in situ, without the need for excavation, using fungi and bacteria that transform pollutants into harmless substances. The project offers a sustainable, efficient, and low-impact solution to restore polluted soils across Europe and drastically reduce the emissions associated with traditional remediation methods such as excavation or thermal treatment, which are also costly, energy-intensive and often destructive to the soil. LIFE InBioSoil combines low-pressure injection, mycoremediation, biosurfactants, and predictive functional genomics to demonstrate that it is possible [...]

Promoting sustainability in the European wine sector. WatEnerWine improves the efficiency of water and energy use in the European wine sector and other agri-food sectors, while promoting the use of renewable energy sources. The project develops a strategy focused on improving the support structures for the sustainable transition of the sector, including the creation of Green Transition Centers to advise wineries on the adoption of new technologies that optimise the use of resources such as water and energy. WatEnerWine also facilitates knowledge transfer within the industry through good practice guides and innovation catalogs, carrying out events [...]

Technological and innovative entrepreneurship program in Lleida. EMPRÈN BIO 4.0 promotes technological and innovative entrepreneurship as a driver of new sustainable business models in Lleida. The project boosts the economic and business fabric through the bioeconomy and its value chains: agri-food, biomaterials, bioenergy, biofertilizers, biofuels, bioproducts, bioplastics and the economic and social valorisation of ecosystem services. EMPRÈN BIO 4.0 supports entrepreneurs through specialised training and mentoring to promote the creation and growth of companies based on innovation, technology and new business models in the field of bioeconomy. The objective is to promote the valorisation of renewable [...]

Application of biochar in regenerative agriculture. BIOSAL applies biochar in regenerative agriculture, promoting the circular bioeconomy and improving soil health. This initiative addresses significant environmental challenges, such as poor soil quality, dependence on chemical fertilisers and inefficient management of organic and forestry residues. Biochar, produced through the pyrolysis of plant residues, has the capacity to enhance soil quality, increase soil biodiversity and reduce the need for chemical inputs. Furthermore, it contributes to climate change mitigation by capturing carbon and improving soil structure. The project evaluates the properties of biochar and other organic amendments in compliance to [...]

Development of a substrate with properties similar to conventional substrates, made from the by-products of the agri-food industry as an alternative to peat and/or coconut fiber. AGRIVAL identifies which by-products and mixtures from the agri-food industry have similar properties to peat and coconut fiber in order to generate sustainable and efficient substrates. Once characterised, the new substrates will be used in crops of local agricultural producers, particularly in strawberry and tomato crops, to assess their technical, economic, and environmental application. Currently, peat and coconut fiber are key components in the production of agricultural substrates, as they [...]

Production of vehicular biomethane from agro-food waste in rural areas. The LIFE CHANDELIER project demonstrates an innovative solution for the production of high-quality vehicular biomethane in rural areas, using agro-food waste. LIFE CHANDELIER addresses one of the great environmental challenges of our time: the mitigation of climate change through the efficient and traceable production of biomethane, a renewable fuel with a significantly lower environmental impact than traditional fossil fuels. The project focuses on the integration of advanced technologies to improve the efficiency and reduce the cost of biomethane production, while ensuring the economic and environmental sustainability [...]

Next generation of battery reverse logistics. The BatteReverse project develops a more efficient and universal method for battery discharge and first diagnosis. BatteReverse improves the safety of Li-ion batteries transportation by developing safety packaging with a monitoring system that can reduce thermal runaway risk. The project also boosts more advanced and precise methods for automated dismantling and sorting of battery components based on a safe and more efficient human-robot collaboration. In addition, BatteReverse develops a more precise and faster Remaining Useful Life assessment of battery modules for second-life applications based on acoustic testing and machine learning [...]

Design, manufacturing and validation of the next generation of battery packs for the automotive mass-market. The MARBEL project develops an innovative and competitive lightweight battery with increased energy density and shorter recharging times with the objective to accelerate the mass market take-up of electric vehicles. The project innovation is based on the following main pillars: Advanced battery packaging using a Design for Assembly (DfA) and Disassembly (DfD) methodology. Lightweight and sustainable Battery Packaging. Solutions and processes for the sustainable dismantling and 2nd life Flexible advanced battery management systems. Ultra-Fast Charging strategies and enhanced thermal management Procedures for [...]

Development of large-scale innovation applications for multiple water users and sectors at various relevant scenarios. The B-WaterSmart project has the objective to accelerate the transformation to water-smart economies and societies in coastal Europe and beyond. The project applies a large-scale systemic innovation approach to select, connect and demonstrate a tailored suite of technology, management and smart data solutions for multiple water users and sectors, and create new business models based on circular economy and water-smartness. In addition, B-WaterSmart project will develop methodologies, tools and processes to allow the safe use of water alternative sources, particularly reused [...]