Cis-WEFE-NEX Project: Tackling Water Scarcity with Circular Economy Solutions

From BIOAZUL, in collaboration with an esteemed consortium of European partners, we have launched the Cis-WEFE-NEX project, a major new initiative aimed at addressing water scarcity and promoting sustainability in the Algarve region of Portugal. The project officially started in June 2024, but this was the official launching at national level. The project, with a total investment of around 11 million euros, being 9.6 of them funded by the European Commission, seeks to implement circular economy principles within the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem Nexus (WEFE Nexus). By focusing on closing the loops in the main value chains of food, water, and nutrients, Cis-WEFE-NEX will offer a solution to regions like the Algarve that are experiencing severe water stress.

The official launch event took place on November 20, 2024, at the Corta Vento site, located in Mexilhoeira Grande parish, Portimão municipality. This event marked the first public presentation of the project, attended by regional and local authorities, including representatives from Portimão municipality and CCDR Algarve, as well as local and regional media that covered the visit. Corta Vento site is the one selected for the project demonstration, incorporating a variety of subsystems across an area of approximately six hectares. The demonstration unit will feature an agri-photovoltaic zone, including a farming system and an irrigation pond, a cutting-edge water treatment and desalination unit, solar saltworks, a polyphenols extraction system including a controlled cavitation unit, an anaerobic digestion system and an integrated multi-trophic aquaculture system, showcasing an integrated and circular system that emphasizes sustainability and resilience in water-scarce regions.

First Face-to-Face Meeting of the Consortium: A Milestone for Collaboration

In the first in-person meeting of the Cis-WEFE-NEX project, held on November 20-21, 2024, consortium members gathered in Faro, Portugal. Organized by IN LOCO in collaboration with BIOAZUL, the meeting provided an important opportunity for partners to discuss the project’s progress and align their efforts for the coming months. During the meeting, the team visited the Corta Vento demonstration site for the official launch event, where they were joined by local and regional authorities. The event generated significant local media attention, emphasizing the importance of the project for the Algarve region. Additionally, a press conference was held to further disseminate information about the project and its potential impact.

In addition to that, some project representatives visited Portimão municipality and CCDR Algarve premises to advance on the clarification of all needed licensing and certification issues.

Furthermore, during the meeting key discussions were held on various aspects of the project, including the technical development of the CisWEFE-NEX system once the demonstration site was revised, the related permits, licenses and environmental impact studies, the stakeholders engagement activities and the Gold Standard certification. Furthermore, a session on financial, administrative, and project management matters was held to ensure the smooth progression of the project in the coming years.

Cis-WEFE-NEX at the 12th European Framework Programme Conference

On November 28, 2024, the Cis-WEFE-NEX project was selected to participate in the prestigious 12th Conference of the European Framework Programme in Spain. This conference, organized by CDTI, the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities, and the European Commission, provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on the outcomes of the Horizon Europe programme and explore the future of European research and innovation.

The project’s coordinator, Pilar Zapata, presented a poster showcasing the goals and progress of CisWEFE-NEX project to an audience of experts and stakeholders. The poster presentation was part of a broader exhibition highlighting projects funded by Horizon Europe, demonstrating the importance of international collaboration in tackling global challenges such as water scarcity, among many other topics. The CisWEFE-NEX project was selected for this exhibition based on the quality of its proposal, its alignment with Horizon Europe’s goals, and the strong collaboration among Spanish and international partners.

The participation in the conference allowed CisWEFE-NEX coordinator to network with key players in the European research community, engage in meaningful discussions on future EU programmes, and exchange best practices for project implementation and management.

Looking Ahead: A Collaborative Path to Sustainability

As the CisWEFE-NEX project progresses, the focus will remain on developing a circular and integrated system to promote sustainability in the water-energy-food nexus. The ongoing work will further refine the technical design, complete necessary regulatory approvals, and ensure the full engagement of local stakeholders. With continued collaboration and innovation, the CisWEFE-NEX project aims to provide a scalable model for other water-scarce regions across Europe and beyond.