Alternative water sources for drinking water, agriculture and industry: desalination and water reuse

According to Water Europe, water scarcity already affects 29% of the territory and 38% of the EU population and jeopardizes key industries such as semiconductors, data centres, renewable hydrogen, and electric vehicle battery production. Water scarcity poses a serious threat to human communities and ecosystems, endangering not only economic progress but also the ecological balance needed to sustain future growth and protect our natural capital for future generations. The EU Commission estimated that the EU could face €1.6 trillion in annual damages if the continent does not manage water in an integrated manner. Advanced technologies for alternative water sources could save billions and create new jobs. This workshop will present full scale case studies and innovative solutions tested at relevant technology readiness levels, including relevant focus will be also on energy efficiency and environmental impacts of desalination and water reuse systems, as well as cost analysis and economic feasibility of alternative water sources. 

Session Chairs

Attilio Toscano, Ecomondo STC
Francesco Fatone, Ecomondo STC
Bernd Gawlik/ Roberta Maffettone, European Commission / JRC
Luca Lucentini / Susanna Murtas, ISS (Nation Institute of Health) (TBC)

Program

Introduction by the Chairs

Panel 1. Desalination technology providers and water utility operators
Panel with public bodies, water utilities and private industries

Intro and overview by Utilitalia

Panel 2. Water reuse valur chain: from technical solutions to risk management 

Water Reuse in the European Union: latest updates about Risk Management Approach According to the Regulation (EU) 2020/741 
Roberta Maffettone, European Commission Joint Research Centre (TBC)  

The role of Extraordinary Commissioner for wastewater treatment
Fabio Fatuzzo, Extraordinary Commissioner for wastewater treatment

Regional assessment of alternative water sources: case study in Emilia Romagna 
Attilio Toscano, University of Bologna

Water reuse risk management plans: towards best practice 
Representative of ISS (TBD)

Municipal and stormwater reuse for irrigation, industrial processes and environmental restoration 
Representatives of Marche Polytechnic University, CARDIMED and WATERUN Constortium (TBD)

Conclusions
Angiolo Martinelli, Ministry of Environment and Energy Security (TBC)

Posters selected from the Call for Papers