| projects-291 |
765553 |
EUROFLOW |
A EUROpean training and research network for environmental FLOW management in river basins |
H2020 |
H2020-MSCA-ITN-2017 |
MSCA-ITN-2017 |
2017-09-01 |
2022-02-28 |
Completed |
€ 003 923 988.84 |
A EUROpean training and research network for environmental FLOW management in river basinsThe regulation of river flows is one of the biggest stressors affecting river ecosystems across the world. In manywesternised countries, major legislative efforts are therefore underpinning the development of new approaches to mitigatethe impacts of river flow regulation (e.g. EU WFD, US Clean Water Act, South Africa National Water Act, Australian WaterResources Act). These approaches are based on optimising the management of river flows to maintain services to humans(e.g. water supply, hydropower) whilst protecting and/or rejuvenating the aquatic environment with water of adequatequantity and quality in space and time (i.e. environmental flows, aka e-flows). In this context, a field of applied aquaticscience has developed to generate the evidence base for identifying the best ways to manage the quantity, quality andpatterns of e-flows to sustain river ecosystems. EUROFLOW will train a new cohort of researchers to be future leaders inthis field. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/765553 |
Rivers and estuaries' |
| projects-292 |
895526 |
FORENSHYD |
Forensic Hydrogeology |
H2020 |
H2020-MSCA-IF-2019 |
MSCA-IF-2019 |
2021-01-11 |
2023-01-10 |
Completed |
€ 000 160 932.48 |
Contaminant events disrupt stability and resilience of increasingly vulnerable soil and groundwater. Identifying where, when and how much contaminant spill is released into aquifers is critical for strengthening the competitiveness of EU in risk-reduction management, and Forensic Hydrogeology, a growing discipline that applies scientific knowledge in legal resolutions. Existing model solutions estimate the origin and affected area, but numerical challenges impose too restrictive assumptions to properly account for multiple sources or suitable aquifer characterization. The scientific goal of FORENSHYD is to develop a novel, flexible and reliable ensemble Kalman filter data assimilation method (EnKF) for the optimal identification of contaminant sources and occurrence of reactive pollutants in near-actual conditions. Latest assessed developments of Dr. Gómez-Hernández set EnKF as an excellent optimization tool for the simultaneous identification of the spatial variability of conductivities, the location, and the release function of polluting sources. A step toward coupling the algorithm with machine learning techniques may overcome ill-posed solutions, stemmed from nonlinearities between parameters and variables in the state equation, to solve kinetic-controlled reactive transport problems and to optimize data collection in groundwater observation network systems, a topic of renewal interest in administration and industrial sector. We test spurious effects of aquifer heterogeneity, reactive parameters, and initial/boundary conditions in synthetic scenarios, sandbox experiments and two demonstration sites. Transfer of this novel technology in well-reported, practical and universal open source packages will reinforce the leadership and employability in the global market of intersectorial and interdisciplinary European stakeholders. The societal value of FORENSHYD is to improve mitigation strategies, and clarify environmental liability, in liaises with Horizon 2020. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/895526 |
Groundwater' |
| projects-293 |
842560 |
CALCHAS |
Computational Intelligence for Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data Analytics |
H2020 |
H2020-MSCA-IF-2018 |
MSCA-IF-2018 |
2019-11-01 |
2022-04-30 |
Completed |
€ 000 215 492.16 |
Earth Observation (EO) is undergoing a radical transformation due to the massive volume of observations acquired by remote sensing and in-situ sensor networks. While satellites provide coarse-resolution, yet global-scale monitoring of environmental processes, in-situ sensor networks acquire high-accuracy localized measurements. Extracting information from spaceborne and ground based instruments requires innovative solutions which will allow the autonomous integration of diverse in nature and scale observations in order to provide high-quality geophysical parameter estimation. CALCHAS will demonstrate cutting edge technologies targeting three major factors towards the vision of fully automated multi-source EO data understanding, namely (i) the fusion of observations from different sources and modalities, (ii) the efficient aggregation of the sampling scales associated with spaceborne and in-situ measurements, and (iii) the analysis of time-series of dynamic observations. To that end, the paradigm-shifting signal processing and learning framework of Deep Learning will be utilized and extended through powerful mathematical tools and appropriate methodologies like supervised and generative learning, dramatically extending the current scope of single source data analysis. The developed framework will be employed for analyzing time-series of measurements from active and passive microwave and multispectral spaceborne imaging instruments (SMAP, SMOS and Sentinels), and in-situ sensor measurements, targeting the high-accuracy spatial and temporal resolution enhancement for observations and soil moisture estimation. The merits of the developed technology will be demonstrated in two intelligent water management case studies, namely optimized irrigation management and water pipeline leakage detection. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/842560 |
Urban water' |
| projects-294 |
695916 |
EDI-Net |
EDI-NET – The Energy Data Innovation Network; using smart meter data, campaigns and networking to increase the capacity of public authorities to implement sustainable energy policy |
H2020 |
H2020-EE-2014-2015 |
EE-07-2015 |
2016-03-01 |
2019-02-28 |
Completed |
€ 001 558 800.00 |
The Energy Data Innovation Network (EDI-Net) will use smart energy and water meter data to accelerate the implementation of sustainable energy policy. It will do this by increasing the capacity of EU public authorities to act quickly and decisively. The capacity will be increased by the provision of just the right amount of intelligible information, by training and exchange of experiences of Public authorities and by provision of tools and support to implement and monitor their sustainable energy plans. To move beyond the traditional technical energy manager approach to use the information to engage with decision makers, finance mangers and building users. To make energy more “visible”. To make energy and water date “more exciting” to buildings users. Innovation in terms of using big data analytics to address issues at scale. Big data; thousands of EU public buildings; information for decision makers, finance managers and building users; benchmarking of EU public buildings; and monitoring implementation of Sustainable Energy Action Plans or local Climate Protection Plans.The core of EDI-NET is the analysis of smart meter data from buildings, from renewable energy systems and from building energy management systems (BEMS) using Big Data analytics technologies. The attractive fruit around this core is an online forum to spread knowledge and facilitate exchange of experience and best practice through peer to peer education in a friendly and useful way. The tree that supports and ripens the fruit is the existing European network of Climate Alliance that builds the capacity of EU public authorities to more effectively implement sustainable energy policies. We recognise the smart meter data, by themselves, will not implement sustainable energy policy. However, when combined with on-line discussion forum, local campaigns, awareness raising and peer to peer knowledge transfer it can achieve savings of between 5 and 15 percent; at least 16 GWh/yr, worth over 1.5 M€. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/695916 |
Urban water' |
| projects-295 |
101022905 |
Hydro4U |
Hydropower For You - Sustainable small-scale hydropower in Central Asia |
H2020 |
H2020-LC-SC3-2018-2019-2020 |
LC-SC3-RES-34-2020 |
2021-06-01 |
2026-05-31 |
On going |
€ 011 488 428.03 |
Despite considerable potential to satisfy unmet electricity demand and chart a new way forward in cooperative cross-sectoral management of shared waters, small scale hydropower (SHP) is not extensively exploited in Central Asia (CA). Likewise, vast potential to roll out European SHP approaches in other regions, European technologies have not been widely used due mostly to the lack of adaptation to such contexts; successful test cases are scant as their price point is typically far higher than Asian-manufactured competitors. The Hydro4U project will adapt European technologies to CA, demonstrating viability in a forward-looking cross-border Water/Food/Energy/Climate nexus (WP2) and price-competitiveness through design alterations (WP3) based on a prior analysis of unexploited SHP potential in CA (WP1). Hydro4U will install and assess (WP4) 2 demo plants: 500kW low-head eco-friendly run-of-river plant in KA, 2MW medium-head plant in UZ, both with radically reduced planning and construction costs that do not compromise efficiency. These solutions will be fit-for-purpose based on innovation, modularization, standardisation and radically simplified structural concepts, with longevity, eco-compatibility and socio-political acceptance (WP3). A replication model will be developed to address all SHP potential (WP5). This will demonstrate EU quality standards and create entry points in developing markets for the entire European SHP industry (WP6). Hydro4U brings together a multidisciplinary team (13 partners, 8 countries (DE, AT, CH, LK, ES, BE, CA: UZ, KG, subsidiary in KZ) world-renown experts in design of European SHP from industry (GHE, MUHR, HSOL, ILF) to science (TUM, BOKU, KSTU, EV-INBO, SJE, CARTIF), replication (SEZ, CARTIF), exploitation and D&C experts (SEZ), ‘boots-on-the-ground’ R4D institutes (IWMI, TIIAME) with a legacy of achieving practical impact in the water sector in CA, contributing experience from similar projects in CA and worldwide. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101022905 |
Rivers and estuaries', 'Water reservoir' |
| projects-296 |
101060874 |
Water4All |
Water4All – Water Security for the Planet |
HORIZON |
HORIZON-CL6-2021-CLIMATE-01 |
HORIZON-CL6-2021-CLIMATE-01-02 |
2022-06-01 |
2029-05-31 |
On going |
€ 086 732 609.73 |
Water is central to all human activities, to all components of the EU Green Deal and to several UN SDGs. The Water4All Partnership aims at enabling water security for all on the long term through boosting systemic transformations and changes across the entire research – water innovation pipeline, fostering the matchmaking between problem owners and solution providers. It gathers more than 70 partners, R&I funders, environment ministries, local authorities, European, national and regional-scale networks, research performing organisations. It will collaborate with other relevant R&I initiatives.Water4All proposes a portfolio of multi-national, cross-sectoral activities, targeting a variety of actors, intending to generate the following outputs:- Strengthen the water R&I collaboration at European and international levels, across at least 31 countries, notably through Joint Transnational Calls- Coordinate and leverage the activities of the Water R&I community- Support and promote the demonstration and access to market of innovative solutions- Produce, share and better communicate water-related knowledge & data, from local to global scales- Enhance talent development of water R&I professionals- Foster capacity development and life-long training of water policy-makers, stakeholders and civil society- Design & implement approaches for participatory development of innovationWater4All will run its activities across 7 themes of its strategic agenda: water for circular economy; water for ecosystems and biodiversity; sustainable water management; water and health; water infrastructure; international cooperation; water governance.Water4All’s outputs will contribute to: - Deliver sound knowledge, tools and evidence basis on water for policy- & decision-making- Improve consideration of water impacts in all relevant policies- Enhance the field/market use of innovative solutions to water challenges- Increase citizens’ awareness and engagement for an inclusive water |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101060874 |
Urban water', 'Rivers and estuaries', 'Water reservoir', 'Groundwater', 'Wetlands', 'Coastal waters', 'Lake' |
| projects-297 |
101086522 |
RETOUCH Nexus |
REsilienT water gOvernance Under climate CHange within the WEFE NEXUS |
HORIZON |
HORIZON-CL6-2022-GOVERNANCE-01 |
HORIZON-CL6-2022-GOVERNANCE-01-06 |
2023-01-01 |
2026-12-31 |
On going |
€ 002 994 746.75 |
With increased water scarcity due to anthropocentric and natural causes, the trade-offs and synergies intrinsic to efficiently allocate water resources to various competing uses have become more polarized. Realizing the importance of an integrated approach in water governance, the RETOUCH Nexus project introduces and promotes the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystems (WEFE) Nexus as a multi-level and cross-sectoral approach that advocates the EU water economy and, in addition, relies on ecological and social considerations. The overall objective of RETOUCH Nexus is to design and foster integrated, innovative and inclusive Nexus-smart water governance schemes and institutional settings to promote a secure water future in the EU, resilient to climate change. RETOUCH Nexus follows an evidence-based approach to propose, assess and optimize a set of WEFE Nexus smart methods in six different case studies reflecting various cross-sectoral, multi-level and multi-stakeholder water governance contexts. First, the project will monitor water governance by providing a set of Nexus-smart socio-economic and environmental indicators that reflect the cross-sectoral and multi-level nature of water use. Second, RETOUCH Nexus will design integrated and climate-resilient water governance practices that ensure sustainable water systems. It will also develop economic instruments and business models that support robust water management under cross-sectoral competition. Third, RETOUCH Nexus will foster more transparent, inclusive and innovative engagement mechanisms that empower stakeholder and citizen participation in water governance. Finally, RETOUCH Nexus aims to effectively increase the socio-economic and environmental resilience of water governance in Europe by upscaling and endorsing successful and sustainable Nexus-based water governance interventions that will be designed and validated throughout the duration of the project. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101086522 |
Urban water' |
| projects-298 |
101157447 |
GENESIS |
Geologically Enhanced NaturE-based Solutions for climate change resiliency of critical water InfraStructure |
HORIZON |
HORIZON-MISS-2023-CLIMA-01 |
HORIZON-MISS-2023-CLIMA-01-02 |
2024-09-01 |
2028-08-31 |
On going |
€ 010 512 440.00 |
Groundwater represents the largest (and often the only practical) freshwater resource on oceanic islands. Due to the small area of many islands the amount of freshwater is limited, and it is particularly influenced by dynamic processes, including climate change. In the islands of Macaronesia any changes in climate conditions can have more severe negative effects on the available freshwater volume than in a continental environment, therefore, the protection of critical water infrastructure is of the highest priorities. The primary objective of GENESIS is to demonstrate that innovative, nature-based intelligent solutions for enhancing the climate resilience of critical water infrastructure can lead to more reliable and consistent/predictable water management practice by effectively protecting groundwater, by drastically improve the efficiency of water use and reuse, thus sustain social and economic activities while mitigating the potentially severe effects of climate change on local communities. The general concept of GENESIS is testing and showcasing local and regional NbS and delivering a deep demonstrator in the Macaronesian biogeographical area with the long term objective to provide climate-proof critical water infrastructure replicable for other islands and vulnerable zones of the EU mainland. The methodology is designed to provide the full workflow for implementing and demonstrating in operational environments how to capture, storage and protect water in an effective-strategic way (from diverse sources including storm runoff, treated wastewater and irrigation return flows) to mitigate the impacts of extreme events (droughts, floods, wildfires) and how to create climate resilient areas/islands. The development and implementation of systemic nature-based solutions for improved water management in Macaronesia will drastically improve these islands' resilience to climate change impacts by minimising stormwater runoff and soil erosion while enhancing infiltration and underground water storage. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101157447 |
Groundwater', 'Urban water' |
| projects-299 |
101081865 |
NINFA |
TakiNg actIoN to prevent and mitigate pollution oF groundwAter bodies |
HORIZON |
HORIZON-CL6-2022-ZEROPOLLUTION-01 |
HORIZON-CL6-2022-ZEROPOLLUTION-01-01 |
2022-11-01 |
2026-04-30 |
On going |
€ 003 996 824.73 |
Groundwater is a key resource for water supply which is currently jeopardised by: i) saline intrusion; ii) pollution with pesticides and nutrients (agriculture/farming), pharmaceuticals and antibiotic resistance genes from WWTP effluents, hydrocarbons and heavy metals (runoff), and microplastics (both); iii) global and climate change effects. Although several initiatives have developed actions and tools towards groundwater monitoring and protection, additional knowledge is needed to understand the synergistic effects and risks of multiple stressors and pollutants, and to develop cost-efficient groundwater monitoring strategies, pollution prevention/mitigation technologies, and early-warning DSS. NINFA will provide a novel strategy based on an early-warning DSS and knowledge database (NINFA Platform) and innovaDiffuse pollution affects 35% of the area of groundwater bodies with contaminants such as pesticides, herbicides, and nutrients (leading to eutrophication and lack of oxygen). Other pollution sources, including sewage from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and runoff infiltration in cities (especially during storm events), contaminate groundwater with contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) such as pharmaceuticals, microplastics and antibiotic resistance genes and with hydrocarbons and heavy metals, respectively. Moreover, aquifer exploitation for water consumption leads to increased pressure on groundwater resources, which may be aggravated by climate change (lack of aquifers' natural recharge). In coastal aquifers, this problem is worsened due to saline intrusion, mainly caused by water extraction, which affects the quality of the groundwater.The innovative concept of NINFA is to facilitate the transition to a more effective decision-making system in groundwater management, by widening the knowledge on water flows, the in-situ mobility and transformation of CEC and establishing predictive models to promote the treatment and reuse of water and its quality. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101081865 |
Groundwater', 'Coastal waters' |
| projects-300 |
101039426 |
B-WEX |
Balancing clean Water and Energy provision under changing climate and eXtremes |
HORIZON |
ERC-2021-STG |
ERC-2021-STG |
2023-01-01 |
2027-12-31 |
On going |
€ 001 500 000.00 |
Providing clean water and energy simultaneously to a growing global population and under a changing climate is a major challenge. The demand for the two and their systemic interdependencies are particularly strong during droughts and heatwaves. Despite the recent growth in water-energy nexus studies, there is little fundamental understanding of the cascading effects and feedbacks between water and energy systems during extreme weather events. Because existing global model approaches mainly focus on whole-system optimisation and are based on coarse spatiotemporal water and energy system representations, we lack understanding on how water-energy system processes cascade in time and space under a changing climate and extremes. Yet such understanding is urgently needed so that we can balance clean water and energy provision in our changing world in which climate shocks are increasing.In B-WEX, I will develop spatially explicit pathways that reveal how the provision of clean water and energy can be balanced under various water management and energy transition developments, including the feedbacks and cascading mechanisms under present to future droughts and heatwaves in regions worldwide.With my team, I will build a novel global framework which will be the first to integrate high spatiotemporal resolution models of hydrology, water quality, water use and energy systems to estimate how water and energy system processes cascade in time and space. Together with key actors, we will also develop quantitative water management and energy transition (climate action) pathways, which we will then combine with our new framework, enabling us to estimate trade-offs between water and energy systems during present to future droughts and heatwaves. The B-WEX project will greatly deepen our understanding of the cascading effects and feedbacks between clean water and energy systems development that occur under changing climate and extremes, and including climate mitigation actions. |
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101039426 |
Urban water' |
