Project // "Dŵr Uisce - Energy Efficiency in Water Services"

Our demonstration will be of an integrated approach, as no one technology can solve the water-energy challenge. It will be smart in order to optimise potential savings, and will be low-carbon by developing and deploying technologies with a quick carbon payback. The project will deliver improved efficiency of the water-energy nexus, benefitting two key stakeholders groups: water companies (suppliers) and water consumers (end-users). The current inefficiencies of the water treatment, distribution and use phases in Ireland and Wales present significant environmental and economic problems in the region. The water sector is a key contributor to climate change and is heavily reliant on energy. In addition, this industry is key to the economic activity and growth of the region. With the long-term trend of increasing energy costs, in conjunction with more stringent EU water standards, the costs of water supply and treatment is likely to rise in future, further increasing these impacts and also reducing the competitiveness of the economy through higher water charges. This project will deliver the much-needed action through innovation in the water-energy sector; helping deliver wide-ranging benefits.

Project Targets

Targets to be achieved during the project:

1. Building the innovation capacity of the water sector in Ireland and Wales.
2. Developing new, innovative energy-saving technology platforms, including prototypes, processes & services.
3. Development of a cross-border smart specialisation cluster to stimulate collaboration, knowledge exchange, innovation and economic growth.
4. Climate Change impacts and adaption in the water industry in Ireland and Wales

Dŵr Uisce Operational Strategy

The Dŵr Uisce project will be structured according to three work themes: Technology Platforms, Policy Support & Guidance; and Dissemination & Collaboration. Central to the three themes will be the establishment of the cross-border smart specialisation cluster under the umbrella of which all project activities will fall. Figure 1 illustrates the design of the Dŵr Uisce Project Structure and the interactions among the differing themes and elements within the project. Climate change can also be seen in the project as a cross-cutting theme which will feature in all aspects of the project work.

Funding

The Dŵr Uisce project is funded by the Interreg Ireland-Wales Programme 2014-2020. This is a maritime programme connecting organisations, businesses and communities on the West coast of Wales with the South-East coast of Ireland. The programme is one of a family of ETC programmes which provide opportunities for regions in the EU to work together to address common economic, environmental and social challenges.

Contact

Dr. Aonghus McNabola Project Leader of DWR UISCE
Trinity College Dublin
Email: amcnabol@tcd.ie
Tel: (+353) 1 896 3837
Dr. A Prysor Williams Co-Project Leader of DWR UISCE
Bangor University
Email: prysor.williams@bangor.ac.uk
Tel: (+44) 1248 382637

More Information

Project website: www.dwr-uisce.eu