Coordinating water research in Europe
Water shortage is a looming concern that will affect every sector of industry and society. The chemicals industry is both a major user of water resources and a potential source of solutions to this challenge. The EU-funded CHEMWATER(opens in new window) project brought together European Technology Platforms (ETPs) and Networks of Excellence (NoEs) to develop strategies and plans for improved water efficiency. Consortium members first identified synergies between the various research and industrial organisations, which were grouped into four areas. These cover water quality, water quantity, water–energy nexus and non-technological issues. From this priority-setting exercise, CHEMWATER defined a long-term 2050 vision through three stakeholder workshops. The team also identified technology, methodology and process gaps, which were compiled into implementation actions and strategies. The 2050 vision informed two joint research and development roadmaps (one between ETPs and one between NoEs), as well as a joint action plan. This plan defines several action lines for high-priority research, in addition to strategies to improve commercialisation.Finally CHEMWATER established a new group for policy research in this area. Together, project actions and outcomes will take Europe towards a water-secure future.
