PROJECT DESCRIPTION
BACKGROUND
Several European regions are already facing water scarcity and the number of river basins under water scarcity is expected to increase by up to 50% by 2030. Industry is responsible for 20% of water consumption globally, with laundry activities accounting for a significant share. The cost of water for the sector, which is growing by 2.3% annually, is a challenge. The sector moreover generates a significant amount of polluted wastewater composed of substances controlled by EU regulation and emerging pollutants that can threaten the aquatic ecosystems and human health. Nevertheless, laundry sewage is commonly disposed off in the domestic wastewater treatment plants, while the pollutants generated are poorly treated.
OBJECTIVES
The project aims to implement an innovative wastewater recycling solution in three laundries in France, Spain and Luxembourg of different size and water sewage quality. The aim is to demonstrate the cost efficiency of the solution, together with the improvement of water resource efficiency and the reduction of pollutant discharge.
The project will thus contribute to the implementation of EU legislation including:
- The 8th Action Programme for the Environment, by aiming to protect, preserve and restore biodiversity, while enhancing natural capital such as water and freshwater;
- The EU Water Framework Directive, which aims to achieve a good ecological and chemical status for all water bodies;
- The European Green Deal, notably by aiming to promote a modern economy based on the rational and efficient use of resources;
- Directive on priority substances in the field of water policy; and
- The Industrial Emissions Directive, which regulates pollutant emissions from industrial installations and supports the use of best available techniques
RESULTS
Expected results:
- Three prototypes running in three EU countries including a mobile skid allowing at least 50% of water re-use (reduction of water consumption of around 7 500 m3/ year) with potential to reach 80%;
- Three sites are equipped by 2024 with the number increasing to 43 by 2027;
- Reduction of water consumption of 7,500m3/y (by 2024);
- At least 90% removal rates of the emerging micro-pollutants;
- Seven FTE created at TWA by 2024, with seven more added by 2027;
- TWA turnover €0.6 million in 2024 and €2.8m in 2027 (with seven extra employees); and
- 51% reduction of GHG emission to 0.5 tonnes of CO2/year in 2024.
