Reducing the ​Stress on ​European Water ​Networks

Trinity researchers to lead a multidisciplinary €2.9m project which aims to mitigate stress on essential water services. 

The project is entitled “Reducing the Energy Dependency of Atlantic area Water Networks” (REDAWN), and funded by the EU.

Reducing the stress on European water networks will be critical in environmental protection efforts, as the water industry is the fourth-most energy intensive sector in the EU.

The energy intensive pumping, water treatment and monitoring processes involved in water servicing contribute directly to carbon dioxide emissions. The energy consumed in these steps also leads indirectly to emissions. 

The REDAWN project aims to improve the efficiency of water networks supporting the irrigation, waste and stormwater, public water supply and process industries. The project will work on the policy and technical challenges related to water efficiency.

Next-generation micro-hydropower energy recovery systems will be implemented in water networks around the Atlantic area, in countries such as Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal and the UK.

Associate Professor in Energy and the Environment in the School of Engineering at Trinity, Dr Aonghus McNabola acknowledged the challenges inherent in the project: “The water industry in Europe contributes significantly to energy consumption and CO2 emissions, which in turn impact negatively on the environment and the economy.” However, he was optimistic that this initiative will lead to real improvements: “The REDAWN project will make significant advances in improving energy efficiency in this sector and it will have positive environmental and economic impacts. The research team is very excited to have received this funding and is looking forward to working on this project in the coming years.”

Source: University Times

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Taxonomy

• Environment
• Energy
• Infrastructure
• Infrastructure Management
• Network Development
• Carbon Emissions