European research projects

The ResNRJwater project aims to harness the potential of water and wastewater infrastructure in North-West Europe to produce renewable energy from sources such as solar, wind, heat and green gas.

By transforming this infrastructure into energy hubs, operators use energy more efficiently, achieve greater self-sufficiency, and strengthen the stability of the energy grid.The project tests this approach through seven pilot projects and develops strategies for regions such as Flanders, the Ruhr area, North Holland and Loire-Atlantique. In addition, the project develops technologies and knowledge to help water sector professionals better apply renewable energy.

The PREWAPHARM project addresses the increasing pharmaceutical contamination of water bodies in North-West Europe, where up to 90% of orally administered medicines enter water systems. This increases the risk of ecosystem disruption, contributes to antibiotic resistance, and hinders drinking water production.

PREWAPHARM brings together experts from the healthcare and water sectors across seven countries to address this challenge. Together, they are developing coordinated strategies, innovative solutions and sustainable measures to reduce the release of pharmaceutical substances at source.

The water sector in coastal areas faces a range of challenges, including water scarcity, increased demand driven by climate change, and economic and population growth. This can lead to overexploitation of resources, declining water quality and regional imbalances in water availability.

To address these challenges, the B-WaterSmart project develops and tests smart technologies and circular solutions to tackle water issues in European coastal areas. Through collaboration among water utilities, researchers, and technology partners, technical, digital, and economic solutions are being developed to use water more efficiently, reuse resources, and reduce freshwater consumption. These solutions are being tested in six Living Labs in European coastal regions: Alicante, Bodø, Flanders, Lisbon, East Frisia and Venice. The aim is to make water systems more sustainable and more resilient to climate change.