The main objective of this project is to develop and demonstrate a highly resource-efficient desalination concept where the seawater that is subtracted from nature is fully converted into either water amenable for different uses or for valuable products that can be used internally or valorized in other industries. The proposed approach involves the demonstration at a pilot- scale desalination plant where the different treatment and recovery systems that comprise LIFE DREAMER were implemented. This plant is representative of full-scale conditions and is suited for the treatment of real seawater and concentrated brines.
The specific objectives of the project:
• To increase the water recovery of desalination systems from the 50% conventionally achieved in reverse osmosis (RO) treatment plants to over 90%.
• To decrease the pollution and environmental impact associated to RO desalination systems by reducing the waste generated and discharged by at least 80%.
• To reduce 50% the internal use of chemicals used in desalination (specifically, reagents for remineralization and those for RO membrane fouling prevention) thanks to the removal and recovery of products contained in seawater.
• To reduce the specific energy consumption per unit of water produced (and associated greenhouse gas emissions) of desalination to 10% thanks to the increased water recovery and the optimized operation of the treatment and recovery systems.
• To replicate the approach and transfer the knowledge to stakeholders by means of specific engagement and dissemination strategies and platforms as well as recommendations to policy makers.
Under the Project, WE&B succesfully developed/ delivered the following services:
WE&B lead the Socio-economic response of the project which focussed on:
• Monitoring the Socio-Economic Impact of the Project: The potential socio-economic impacts of the project were closely monitored through a range of indicators, carefully defined by WE&B, to ensure comprehensive assessment and accurate tracking.
• Public Engagement and Awareness Initiatives: WE&B organized two Open Days and facilitated three focus group sessions aimed at promoting public awareness and effectively disseminating the project’s findings.
• WE&B produced an accessible Layman’s Report (factsheet) that summarized the project results in clear, simple terms for a broader audience.
• WE&B delivered detailed final reports that analyzed the socio-economic situation from three perspectives: Reference, Context, and Local. These reports provided an in-depth understanding of the socio-economic implications, ensuring all relevant viewpoints were considered.
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