The aim of the Sustainable Desalination LivingLAB is to improve the water-energy-food nexus in semi-arid regions by implementing smart technologies and promoting strategic management of resources, recognizing the added value of using sustainable water sources for agriculture and tourism industries. It is based in Almería, a paradigm of intensive agriculture and tourism development with scarce water resources in Eastern Andalucía. The specific objectives are: (i) reduce carbon footprint of desalination; (ii) implement circular economy in desalination; (iii) use seawater as a source of scarce critical raw materials. The LivingLAB members represent Academia (CIEMAT and CIESOL), Government (Provincial Council of Almería), Society (Visitor Centre of Plataforma Solar de Almería) and Industry (Junta Central de Usuarios de los Acuíferos del Poniente Almeriense, constituted by irrigation communities representing 20,000 Ha of greenhouse horticulture production and six municipalities with significant tourism activities related to beach resorts, marinas and golf courses). To guarantee technology neutrality, desalination companies are in the Advisory Committee. Our Community of Practice (CoP) includes citizens, water users, technology developers and suppliers on agricultural, solar and water sector (desalination), agriculture producers, exporters and consultants, desalination promoters and operators, researchers on water, energy and agriculture, and government agencies at local and regional level dealing with water and energy.
Areas of activity
Renewable energy & environment
Solar energy technologyWater energy
Water cycle and air quality
Saving water in intensive industrial manufacturingTechniques for the re-use of water
We aim to improve the water-energy-food nexus in semi-arid regions by implementing sustainable desalination technologies and promoting strategic management of resources, for transitioning to sustainable water for agriculture and tourism industries
Consulting
Technologies
Technology Transfer
Agrofood & resources
Research & Development
Water cycle and air quality
Renewable energy & environment
Education, Training & Qualifying
Author
Director at CIEMAT - Sustainable Desalination Living Lab