Improving capacity of Jordanian Research in Integrated Renewable Energy and Water supply

Final Report Summary - JORIEW (Improving capacity of Jordanian Research in Integrated Renewable Energy and Water supply)

Executive Summary:
JoRiew is the agreed name of the project that was won and funded by the European Commission which aims at reinforcing the cooperation capacities of Jordanian research centres by facilitating closer scientific collaboration with a number of ERA located research centres and universities on a coordination between several European partners and Jordan researchers. The European partners include: Greece; centres and university, Croatia; The University of Zagreb (UNIZAG-FSB), Serbia; Denmark; Hungary, and Jordan; The Hashemite University.
The underline objective of the JoRiew project is to have capacity building of Jordanian researchers in the area of renewable energy and water supplies concerning the country Jordan. The case of Jordan represents a good model for resolving energy and water issues since for its energy needs it acquires more than 95% of its energy demand from foreign oil while for water, official forecasts show that there is consistent shortage of supplies for meeting required demands. Therefore, assisting Jordan for resolving those two needs, which are so profound to stability, is of great importance since also the solutions may very well be applied to other countries. By facilitating the ground for collaboration among Jordanian researchers with ERA centres and universities, the hope is that valuable knowledge is gained in addition to science and technologies that can assist Jordan in re-assessing the solutions to its energy needs.

The project was focused on the human development regarding research activities with potential of establishing collaboration channels and enduring them rather than being focused at a specific technology development.

Therefore, to accomplish these general objectives, the activities of the various partners included participation in all work packages, that outlines the work tasks, with the greatest efforts during the first half of the project being put in the establishment of the JoRIEW scientific network and the exchange of knowledge between Jordanian members of the JoRIEW scientific network and project partner. However during the second half of the project, emphasis was placed at strengthening exchange of knowledge through the mobility activities and publication of joint research papers. Also, significant efforts were put to organize and make the final conference.
Also measures for JoRiew Network performance evaluation were established as well as recommendations for the development of a Jordanian research strategy on sustainable and renewable energy and water desalination (D5.5). The reports on these activities were completed and submitted per D5.3 and D5.5; respectively.
Project Context and Objectives:
JoRIEW project was meant to reinforce the cooperation capacities of Jordanian research centres by promoting closer scientific collaboration with a number of ERA located research centres and universities. It helped to structure and enhance S&T cooperation in areas of common interest, such as research system integration, integrated energy and water planning, development of water supply systems that can be powered by intermittent renewable energies, in particular flexible pumping techniques and reverse osmosis desalination technology.
JoRIEW project actions aimed to enhance international cooperation with Jordan by including S&T capacity building (human resources, research policy, networks of researchers and research institutes) activities. Project was meant to enable Jordanian researchers to contribute to the solution of local, regional and global problems and to economic and social development. Also, it encouraged Jordanian researchers to compete internationally in terms of scientific excellence and to increase their incentives to continue to base their research activities in Jordan.
JoRIEW project reinforced the cooperation capacities of the Hashemite University (HU) which is Jordanian centre with highest quality of researchers and scientists and enabled them to improve their research activities. This networking helped Jordanian researchers to propose and participate in various projects that will increase overall energy conversion efficiency, cost efficiency, significantly drive down the cost of electricity production from indigenous renewable energy resources, enhance process reliability and further reduce the environmental impact and also to eliminate existing obstacles. Possibility to apply jointly to new research and innovation policy projects in FP7, supported the production and use of scientific knowledge between Hashemite University, other Jordanian organizations in JoRIEW Network and other consortium members.
Contacts are established between European universities, research institutions with their partners in Jordan and Middle East. By successful application of JoRIEW actions ongoing cooperation, S&T dialogues and networks are further enhanced at regional level in order to identify priority areas for international cooperation and to apply joint projects. This network enabled promoting regional integration and it is used for strengthening the coordination of S&T cooperation.
Main objective of JoRIEW project was to improve Jordanian capacities in research and to enhance the collaboration between Jordanian researchers and the ERA partners of the consortium and also to enhance the collaboration between the two regions, achieve transfer-of-knowledge and expertise, and develop a sustainable national research policy which will address the main problems of the Jordanian society and economy. That is why establishment of JoRIEW scientific network was a major activity that helped achieving that goal.
The criteria that have been used for the selection of the members are: scientific relevance, geographical coverage so as to ensure local development, complementarity of expertise between the members of the network, so as to achieve the maximum transfer of knowledge and know-how between the members. European members of the network cover all geographical areas of Europe; north, south, west and east Europe. Also, the same principle was applied in Jordan: organizations from north, middle and south Jordan were approached to participate in the network. The network members include universities, research centers, NGOs and governmental bodies. Such diversity was needed to cover different scientific themes of the project as well as expertise needed such as policy making.
Project Results:
As a result of the JoRiew project dealing with capacity building of advanced-degree holder personnel, the JoRiew project has lead to S&T gained by Jordanian Researchers in the area of Renewable Energy and Water Desalination as a consequent to the project activities. The gain of S&T was facilitated through the following main activities:

a) Through the training programs that were held
b) Through the mobility program of researchers visiting partner's research facilities.
c) Through the JoRiew Seminar, where researchers gathered from Jordan, Europe and neighbouring countries to share development in energy and water.
d) Through joint proposals and publications that were collaborated among Jordanian researchers and European researchers associated with partners centers and universities.
e) Through the viability plans where regular seminars, for example, are now being worked out to be held regularly at the Hashemite University for exchanging knowledge in the area of energy and water.

Further elaboration of the above activities follow.

a) Through the training programs that were held in Jordan

Selected subjects of the training programs were carefully tailored toward the needs and what deemed important for the active researchers and interested personnel in Jordan. The selected topics for the trainings were via questionnaires designed to exactly assess the training needs of Jordanian researchers which were circulated among Jordanian network members by HU, collected and analyzed, are:
• How to prepare a good proposal
• Information sources and how to use them
• Electronic tools used in proposal preparation
• Consortium building- The evaluation of proposals
• Team management and international partners
• Financial management and reporting
• Project monitoring and evaluation
• Relevant calls in People and Cooperation
And the additional topics suggested by TETALAP and CERTH are:
• Practical issues of mobility and the role of EURAXESS
• Horizon 2020: the state of the art
The above training topics represented a base ground for establishing collaboration at all levels with international partners with emphasis on European partners. That base ground established the means by which S and T was shared and transferred. To formalize the process, within Task 4.2 "Organisation of training modules on the scientific topic" which was implemented by UNIZAG-FSB and organized the trainings in Jordan and also provided the trainers for the trainings in Jordan. First the Report on the agreed methodology for the organisation of the T.4.2. training modules was prepared based on the results of the mapping exercise in the WP2. That report was submitted in M16 (Deliverable D4.3).
The trainings modules on particular scientific topic were conducted in five consecutive days March 18-22, 2012 in Zarqa, Jordan at the premises of the Hashemite University. The four training modules (one module was dived in two parts) were realized:
1) Planning of Renewable and Sustainable Energy and Water Systems;
2) Modelling and Optimisation of Energy Systems;
3) Systems Using Renewable Energy Sources for Efficient Water Production & Utilization; and
4) Integration of Reverse Osmosis and/or Membrane Bioreactor Processes with Hybrid Power Generation.
The partners of the consortium provided the trainers: UNIZAG-FSB, UOWM, AAU, and CERTH (seven trainers in total). The trainees were selected and invited to trainings based on the questionnaires that the Project coordinator distributed throughout the Jordanian part of the scientific network.
After the trainings finished the WP4 lead beneficiary UNIZAG-FSB made an analysis of evaluation of the trainings that is based on written feedback of participants in order to evaluate trainers, quality of lectures and exercises, knowledge transferred, etc. The question being asked in the valuation form (anonymous) were: Training was relevant to my needs, Length of training time was sufficient, Content was well organized, Questions were encouraged, Instructions were clear and understandable, There was time to practice new information, Training met my expectations, The presenter and/or presentation was very effective, I would recommend this training module to others. From all participants 59 trainees provide their responses.

The overall picture, as well as individual analyses of each separate module, showed that there are much more positive answers than negative ones so it could be fairly concluded that the trainings reached their targets. From the responses it could be also concluded that there were areas in which improvements could be achieved such as the length of trainings (by some insufficient) and the available time for practicing new information. But, due to the limited time and available budget for the trainings, as well as obligations of the trainees and the trainers themselves it was not possible to extend the trainings to more than 5 days (i.e. one week).
This analysis along with all training materials is available in the Report on the results of the T.4.2 training modules (Deliverable D4.4) which is finished but not yet submitted (due to M36).

The trainings modules on particular scientific topic given by UOWM were conducted in four consecutive days March 18-22, 2012 in Zarqa, Jordan at the premises of the Hashemite University. The training module given by UOWM involved Modelling and Optimisation of Energy Systems, Systems Using Renewable Energy Sources. The partners of the consortium provided the trainers: UNIZAG-FSB, UOWM, AAU, and CERTH (seven trainers in total). The trainees were selected and invited to trainings based on the questionnaires that the Project coordinator distributed throughout the Jordanian part of the scientific network.

MODULE 2: Optimisation of Energy Systems (UOWM)

Introduction:

Huge and ever-increasing energy consumption and consequent greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions pose unprecedented challenges to the sustainable development of the international human society. Our existing energy systems, where primary energy is converted to all sorts of final energy services, remain the major contributor to these global energy and environmental challenges. It is becoming a consensus that the conventional energy conversion and utilization mode should make place for a more sustainable one with higher energy conversion efficiency, lower air pollutions and GHG emissions, less dependence on fossil fuels, and more utilization of renewable energy. However, although there exist many technical options and technology pathways to enable this transition, they are usually treated separately by their very own technical communities and political groups without coordination with others, and the overall effect and potential is therefore greatly constrained as compared to a systematic approach where all alternatives are taken into consideration in an integrated way. Energy systems engineering provides a methodological modeling and optimization framework to address the complex energy and environmental problems existed in design and operation of energy systems in an integrated manner. This methodological framework is generic, and it can help to produce optimal design and operational plans for energy systems ranging from nanoscale, microscale, mesoscale, to mega-scale levels over operating horizons from milliseconds to months and years. This course first gives a brief overview of typical methodologies of energy systems engineering, comprising superstructure based modeling, mixed-integer linear and nonlinear programming, multi-objective optimization, optimization under uncertainty, and life-cycle assessment. The concept of energy systems engineering and these methodologies are further illustrated via their applications in some typical real-life energy systems of very different nature and scale, ranging from polygeneration energy systems, hydrogen infrastructure planning, energy systems.

Module description:

During this one-day lecture 3 topics will be presented to the participants. In each topic the state of the art will be presented as well as expected developments in the EU and partner countries of JoRIEW project. The first topic will introduce to basic principles of advanced optimisation techniques including Non-Linear Programming and Mixed-Integer Optimisation. The second topic is more related to how energy systems can be modelled by a set of algebraic equations including both continuous and binary variables. The third topic will focus on hand-on exercises on the optimisation techniques of energy systems using the GAMS modelling and optimisation tool.

Main topics and schedule:

Linear, Non-Linear and Mixed-Integer Optimisation: Introduction and Basic Principles
3x45 min lecture and 2x 15 min discussion

Techniques for Non-Linear Optimisation. Definition of objective function, operating and design constraints of the problem. Feasible region. Optimal solutions. Solution algorithms.

Modelling with zero-one variables. Logical constraints and objective function. Systematic way of modelling integer decisions.
Mixed-Integer Non-Linear Optimisation. Objective function, operating and design constraints of the problem. Feasible region. Optimal solutions. Solution algorithms

Computer-Aided Modelling of Energy Systems
1x45 min lecture
• Definition of the problem
• Definition of main decision variables (continuous and binary)
• Material and energy balance
• Operating and design constraints
• Objective function
• Example of energy systems modelling including a reverse-osmosis desalination plant.

Optimisation of energy systems using GAMS– Hands on training session
45 min lecture and 60 min discussion & exercises (software)

• Power Generation via Fuel Oil - A Case Study for NLP
• Optimal capacity planning of a power generation firm – case study on MILP
• Optimal Selection of an Energy-Intensive Processes - A Case Study for MINLP
• Design of a Chemical Complex - A Case Study for MILP
• Modelling and Optimization of Polygeneration Energy Systems

Training outcomes:
After the Module 2 participants should be able to understand basics of energy systems optimisation techniques, tools and methodologies and they will be introduced to modelling and optimisation tools of energy systems design, modelling and optimisation..

Training equipment:
PC room with computer for each participant. Only for exercises.

Knowledge requirements:
Basics on energy systems, energy technology, energy systems modelling

Module feedback and examination:
For each topic in Module 2 discussion with the participants is envisaged as well as written feedback and short examination at the end of the module to verify understanding/knowledge transferred.

Lecturers:
Prof. Michael Georgiadis
Michael C. Georgiadis is an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Informatics at the University of Western Macedonia, Greece. Previously he was appointed as Senior Research Fellow in the Centre for Process Systems Engineering at Imperial College London (2005-2008), full-time senior researcher in the Centre for Research and Technology – Hellas, Greece (2000-2003) and senior modelling engineer in Process Systems Enterprise Ltd, London (1998-2000). He holds a first degree in Chemical Engineering from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and a M.Sc. and Ph.D. from Imperial College London. He has authored/ co-authored over 60 peer reviewed journal publications, over 80 conference papers and edited/co-edited 9 books including a textbook on energy and process integration published by Begel House Inc and a 7-volume book series in Process Systems Engineering Published by WILEY-VCH. He has a long experience in the management and participation of more than 20 collaborative research contracts and projects.

After the trainings finished the WP4 lead beneficiary UNIZAG-FSB made an analysis of evaluation of the trainings that is based on written feedback of participants in order to evaluate trainers, quality of lectures and exercises, knowledge transferred, etc. The question being asked in the valuation form (anonymous) were: Training was relevant to my needs, Length of training time was sufficient, Content was well organized, Questions were encouraged, Instructions were clear and understandable, There was time to practice new information, Training met my expectations, The presenter and/or presentation was very effective, I would recommend this training module to others. From all participants 59 trainees provide their responses.

The overall picture, as well as individual analyses of each separate module, showed that there are much more positive answers than negative ones so it could be fairly concluded that the trainings reached their targets. From the responses it could be also concluded that there were areas in which improvements could be achieved such as the length of trainings (by some insufficient) and the available time for practicing new information. But, due to the limited time and available budget for the trainings, as well as obligations of the trainees and the trainers themselves it was not possible to extend the trainings to more than 5 days (i.e. one week).
This analysis along with all training materials is available in the Report on the results of the T.4.2 training modules (Deliverable D4.4) which is finished but not yet submitted (due to M36).

Specific training sessions were held concerning funding, team work and issues related to proposals within EC. These training are considered important to encourage interested researchers for collaboration work within international entities such as the European Commission. To be specific, the agenda of the first two training sessions was as follows:
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Training Session 1: Introduction to FP7
Lecturers: Mr. Dimitrios Sanopoulos, Greece - Mr. Adam Molnar, Hungary
9:00 – 9:30 Opening and welcome address by HU official
9:30 – 10:00 Coffee Break
10:00 – 10:45 Introduction to FP7 Adam Molnar
10:45 – 12:15 Rules of participation in FP7 and funding opportunities in International Cooperation activities Adam Molnar
12:15 – 1:00 Presentation of People programme Dimitrios Sanopoulos
1:00 – 2:00 Lunch
2:00 – 3:00 Researchers’ mobility and the role of EURAXESS Dimitrios Sanopoulos
3:00 – 3:30 Coffee Break
3:30 – 4:20 Next calls Marie Curie Actions Dimitrios Sanopoulos
4:20 – 5:00 Individual consultation with participants

Thursday, April 19, 2012
Training Session 2: Proposal writing and evaluation in FP7
Lecturers: Mr. Adam Molnar, Hungary – Mr. Achilleas Tsiligeridis, Greece
9:30 – 10:30 How to create a successful project idea in FP7 Adam Molnar
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee Break
11:00 – 12:00 Partner search and consortium building Achilleas Tsiligeridis
12:00 – 1:00 Electronic tools for participating in FP7 Achilleas Tsiligeridis
1:00 – 2:00 Lunch
2:00 – 3:00 Online proposal submission: using EPSS and filling in Part A Achilleas Tsiligeridis
2:00 – 3:00 Before proposal submission : what needs to be checked and how to avoid frequent mistakes Adam Molnar
3:00 – 4:00 Evaluation of project proposals in FP7 Adam Molnar
4:00 – 4:30 Coffee Break
4:30 – 5:00 Basic legal documents in FP7: Grant Agreement, Consortium Agreement Adam Molnar
5:00 – 5:30 Individual consultation with participants

The first training session had 32 participants, while the second one had 24 participants. The institutional affiliation of the participants included universities (Balqa’ Applied University, Jordan University, Hashemite University), research organisations (National Energy Research Center), non-profit organisations (Jordanian Society for Microbial Biodiversity, Jordanian Renewable Energy Society) and SMEs (NATURE Renewable, Alternative Energy and Environment Co.). The majority of these institutions are active members of the JoRIEW Scientific Network.
Feedback from the trainings was positive. Most of the participants strongly agreed or agreed with the training being relevant, sufficient and effective. All of them indicated that the trainings met their expectations. The only criticism that participants expressed regarded training time: they would have needed more time for the presentations and more time for practicing or applying the information learnt.
On the basis of the participants’ comments, the next training sessions will be designed with a more practical angle and more time dedicated for interactive exercises.

The 3rd and 4th module (26 and 27 September 2012): Mobility in FP7; Outlook on Horizon 2020 dealt with the following issues:
• How to prepare a good proposal, with outlook to the open calls in People and Cooperation
• Practical issues of mobility (how to overcome mobility obstacles and the role of EURAXESS)
• Horizon 2020: the state of the art

The agendas of the third and fourth modules of the second training session:
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Training Session 3: Proposal writing and evaluation in FP7
Lecturers: Mr. Dimitrios Sanopoulos (Greece) – Mr. Adam Molnar (Hungary)
9:15 – 9:30 Opening and welcome
9:30 – 9:45 Opportunities offered by the JoRIEW Web Portal Adam Molnar
9:45 – 10:15 Next Calls in Cooperation for 2013 (Energy) Adam Molnar
10:15 – 11:00 Next Calls in People for 2013 (Marie Curie Actions) Dimitrios Sanopoulos
11.00 – 11:30 Coffee break
11:30 – 1:00 Preparing Part B of the proposal Adam Molnar
1:00 – 2:00 Lunch
2:00 – 3:00 Preparing Part B of the proposal - exercises Dimitrios Sanopoulos, Adam Molnar
3:00 – 3:45 Evaluation of proposals in FP7 Adam Molnar
3:45 – 4:00 Individual consultation with participants

Thursday, September 27, 2012
Training Session 4: Project management in FP7
Lecturers: Mr. Adam Molnar (Hungary) – Mr. Achilleas Tsiligeridis (Greece)
9:30 – 10:30 Administrative management of the project from the Grant Agreement until the project end Adam Molnar
10:30 – 11:00 Coffee Break
11:00 – 1:00 Financial rules and management of the project Adam Molnar
1:00 – 2:00 Lunch
2:00 – 3:00 Project reporting and Form C Achilleas Tsiligeridis
3:00 – 3:45 Researchers’ mobility and the role of EURAXESS Achilleas Tsiligeridis
3:45 – 4:00 Individual consultation with participants

Extra training session (8 October 2013, as part of the IREDEW conference): Outlook on Horizon 2020

• Novelties in Horizon 2020
• International cooperation possibilities for Jordan

The agenda of the IREDEW conference containing the extra training session:

The second training session had 23 participants. The extra session was delivered to all participants of the IREDEW conference. The institutional affiliation of the participants included universities (Balqa’ Applied University, Jordan University, Hashemite University), research organisations (National Energy Research Center), non-profit organisations (Jordanian Society for Microbial Biodiversity, Jordanian Renewable Energy Society) and SMEs (NATURE Renewable, Alternative Energy and Environment Co.). The majority of these institutions are active members of the JoRIEW Scientific Network.
Feedback from the trainings was positive. Most of the participants strongly agreed or agreed with the training being relevant, sufficient and effective. All of them indicated that the trainings met their expectations. The only criticism that participants expressed regarded training time: they would have needed more time for the presentations and more time for practicing or applying the information learnt.
Evidently, the training made through the JoReiw project has focused on transferring knowledge as well as giving establishing the ground for building research teams with common goals.
b) Through the mobility program of researchers visiting partner's research facilities.
In the JoRiew project it calls for mobility visits by Jordanian researchers that hold advanced degrees in the area of Energy and Water. These mobility visits are aimed at gaining knowledge from partners centers and be in direct exposures with European colleagues working in the same field. An immediate result of the mobility visits have resulted either in scientific papers, proposed research work as well as collaborated work for organizing scientific activities such as conferences.

Mobility or visit of Croatian researchers to Jordan included following researchers: Hrvoje Mikulčić, Tomislav Pukšec, Boris Ćosić, Neven Duić, Goran Krajačić and Daniel Rolph Schneider (all from UNIZAG-FSB) while the visiting and mobility of Jordanian researchers to Croatia included: Sami Ashhab (HU), Omar Badram (University of Balqa'), Ammar Alkhalidi (HU), Ahmad Khled Al-Qananwah (HU), Manal Mustafa (HU), Amer Ababneh (HU) and Mousa Mohsen (at that time HU, now American University of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates).

Furthermore there were lectures given by the visiting Jordanian researchers in Croatia:
• Lecture “Concept Model of Integrated Renewable Energy Farms (Water-Energy-Food) for Sustainable Development in Arid Communities in Jordan” (Omar Badram, 25.01.2013 UNIZAG-FSB)
• Lecture „The effect of shot peening on the stress corrosion cracking resistance of 304 AISI stainless steel immersed in NaCl solution“ (Omar Badram, 29.01.2013 UNIZAG-FSB)
• Presentation on current research about water and wastewater treatment in addition to energy generation from wastewater (Ammar Alkhalidi, 28.05.2013 UNIZAG-FSB)
• Lecture “Similitude and Model Simulation” (Amer Khalil Ababneh, 17.10.2013 UNIZAG-FSB)
• Lecture “Adaptive tracking control for solar PV” (Sami Ashhab, 17.10.2013 UNIZAG-FSB)
• Lecture „Molecular dynamics simulation of shockwave interaction with nano-structured materials” (Ahmad Khled Al-Qananwah, 27.03.2014 UNIZAG-FSB). The molecular dynamics techniques were introduced and possible research cooperation was discussed.
and by visiting Croatian researchers in Jordan:
Neven Duić, Goran Krajačić and Daniel R. Schneider on March 18, 2012 at Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan, the following lectures:
• “Introduction to Energy Planning and Renewislands methodology and water desalination in islands”
• “Demand and demand scenarios”
• “Systems with high RES penetration, technology and balancing needs”
• “Sustainable waste management - energy perspective”
• “100% RES (renewable energy sources) supply for Jordan”

List of project proposals submitted with the members of the scientific network during the JoRIEW project:
• Regions of Knowledge for Sustainability through research and innovaTion collaborAtion on ResourceS efficiency - RoK STARS, FP7 CAPACITIES WORK PROGRAMME 2012, FP7-INCO-2013-1, 7.1: Bi-regional coordination of S&T cooperation including priority setting and definition of S&T cooperation policies – Activity INCO_NET, CENTRE FOR RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY HELLAS (CERTH), MASINSKI FAKULTET - UNIVERZITETA U NISU, BAY ZOLTAN ALKALMAZOTT KUTATASI KOZHASZNU NONPROFIT KFT. (BZN), SVEUCILISTE U ZAGREBU (UNIZG-FSB), and 7 other partners from Emirates, December 2012 (Proposal was submitted but has not passed)
• DISCOVERY - meDIterranean SCientists OVER the energY borders; project submitted to call ENERGY.2013.2.9.1: Research cooperation and knowledge creation in the area of Renewable energy with Mediterranean partner countries; Co-ordinator SAPIENZA University of Rome, Italy; PARTNERS: JUST Jordan University of Science and Technology, Jordan; CRES -Center For Renewable Energy Sources, Greece, CUT - Cyprus University of Technology, Cyprus; UNIZG University of Zagreb, Croatia; AU Alexandria University, Egypt; AUB American University of Beirut, Lebanon; EGE University, Solar Energy Institute, Turkey; CNRST Centre National pour la Recherche Scientifique et Technique, Morocco; UNIMED, Italy. November 2012 (Proposal was submitted but has not passed).
• PRISMATIC – Promoting Research and Innovation and tackling Social Challenges in the Mediterranean Area Through Increased Cooperation in Energy (Coordinator) University of Zagreb - Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, (UNIZG FSB), Croatia; Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, (CERTH), Greece; Bay Zoltan Alkalmazott Kutatasi Kozhasznu Nonprofi, (BZN) Hungary; Andalusian Institute of Technology, (IAT), Spain; CCI Cote d Azur, (CCI), France; ACE, International Consultants S.L. (ACE) Spain; American University of Beirut, (AUB) Lebanon; The Hashemite University, (HU) Jordan; National Energy Research Center/Royal Scientific Society, (NERC/RSS), Jordan; Centre de Recherché et de Technologie de l Energie, (CRTEn), Tunisia; University Mohammed Premier 1, (UMP), Morocco; Alexandria University, (AU) Egypt; Academy of Scientific Research & Technology- Ministry of Scientific Research and Technology, (ASRT), Egypt; University Saad Dahlab of Blida, (USDB) Algeria
• TEMPUS IV – 6th Call for proposals: Joint Projects / Structural Measures. EMIREUES “Euro-Mediterranean Innovation in Renewable Energy University-Enterprise Services”. EU Partners: Sapienza University di Roma, Italy (Coordinator), University of Cadiz, Spain, TU-Berlin, Germany, University of Zagreb, Croatia, IGFoton, Spain, Mediterranean Countries, PSUT, Jordan, University of Jordan, Jordan, BAU - Beirut Arab University, Lebanon, MUBS - Modern University for Business and science, Lebanon, Arab Academy for Science and Technology and Maritime Transport, Egypt, The American University in Cairo, Egypt, UAE - Abdelmalek Essaâdi University, Morocco, Ibn Tofail, Morocco, March 2013.
• CIP-IEE Call of proposals 2013: INZEBRA: Initiating Nearly Zero Energy Buildings by Roll-out of Accessible and Recognised Continuous Professional Development Courses and Top-Up Trainings for Intermediate and Senior Professionals. SVEUCILISTE U ZAGREBU, Croatia; HEP - ESCO DOO, Croatia; UNIVERSITA DEGLI STUDI DI ROMA LA SAPIENZA, Italy; TECHNISCHE UNIVERSITAET WIEN, Austria; MACEDONIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCES AND ARTS, FYROM; INSTITUTO SUPERIOR TECNICO, Portugal, NATIONAL TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS, Greece May 2013.
• Distributed Knowledge-Based Energy Saving Networks - DISKNET, Pannon Egyetem, Aristotelio Panepistimio Thessalonikis, Centre for Research and Technology Hellas, University of Zagreb-Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, People Marie Curie Actions, International Research Staff Exchange Scheme, Call: FP7-PEOPLE-2011-IRSES, 2012

There was also suggested upon completion of the JoRIEW project to continue with future joint proposal for other projects especially within the H2020/EC framework. The joint proposals would include partners from the JoRIEW consortium but also other members of the JoRIEW scientific network (among which are many ERANET members).

c) Through the JoRiew Seminar, where researchers gathered from Jordan, Europe and neighbouring countries to share development in energy and water.

The JoReiw Conference title:
Integrated Renewable Energy Desalination and Water (IREDeW)

Conferences are excellent events whereby individuals of similar background and interests are gathered to share and exchange knowledge as well as it is a means by which information is disseminated to a larger community world wide through conference proceedings and documentations. For the JoRiew project, with emphases on research and collaboration, making the conference event was a natural consequence to its objectives, as well as it was necessary to strengthen the network that was established and to expand on it. In addition, it assisted in fulfilling an important outcome of the project which is to leave an enduring value in terms of research and collaboration in the area of Renewable Energy and Water Supplies.

Since the emphasis on a larger audience, the formation of the two key committees; specifically, the organizing and the scientific committees were made up of all European partners as well as members from Ministry of Energy, University of Jordan, German-Jordan University, Balqaa Applied University as well as from the Hashemite University. Table 1 lists the names of the organizing committee members along with their affiliations. The table shows diversity of affiliation of members to cover much of the concerned parties in energy and water; however, more members were selected from the Hashemite University so that work was performed at faster rates. The scientific committee included members from all partners in addition to members from Jordan to assist in the process of evaluation of the scientific papers. Table 2 lists the key members of the scientific members that participated in reviewing and distributing scientific papers for evaluation. Having this many of researchers working on the conference gave the opportunity to build mutual relations and exchanging knowledge.

The theme of the conference was carefully formulated so that it reflected the JoRiew project objectives; specifically, the theme was focused on soliciting researchers in the areas of renewable energy and water supplies.

The title of the conference was also carefully selected to convey the essential theme of the JoRiew project, which is to obtain the country's needed energy from 100% renewable resources. Proposed schemes for utilizing renewable resources at large scales must nearly always come with storage schemes; in particular for the JoRiew, hydraulic storage with desalination plants was the focus. Therefore, the title for the conference was selected to be:

International conference
Integrated Renewable Energy, Desalination and Water Supplies (IREDeW)

The inclusion of international was to encourage participants from across the globe. The sequence of the words was carefully arranged to yield a rhythmic acronym.

Solicitation of researchers focused at the national level from Jordan, the immediate region, and Europe. The layout and the content of the flyer were based on several elaborations among members of the organizing committee during the regular meetings. Thousands of emails, with attachment including the conference flyer, were sent out by the staff members both at the Hashemite University and Zagreb University.

Nearly fifty scientific papers were received which was considered an achievement considering the timing of the conference where it coincided with troubling time in neighboring countries, in addition to the fact that other scheduled conferences were scheduled to occur within the same time proximity; of which one of these conferences was cancelled.

The JoRIEW conference was held at the Hashemite University premises on the days October 7 and 8, 2013. The kickoff of conference was officially started by the president of the HU. Adequate signs, poster and flyer were used to convey the appropriate and the essential theme for the conference.

Two parallel sessions were held simultaneously to accommodate the number of presentations for the accepted papers and to complete the conference in two days. Description of the facility provided by the Hashemite University is given in detail below. Several key note speakers were invited to give extended presentations. The invited speakers are affiliated with the following organizations:

1- The electrical power company
2- Water and Mineral Ministry
3- Jordan University
4- Yarmouk University
5- Zagreb University

The conference was concluded with a meeting with Hashemite University president to further elaborate on the conference and beyond; specifically, the areas of possible collaboration. Among the several issues that were discussed, two main points were emphasized:
1- The possibility of holding the seminar periodically, where the plans are now to hold every two years and the extent of the assistance that the JoRiew consortium can give.
2- Strengthen the research collaboration and extending the areas of collaboration to other fields.
Further details are given in the documentation Organisation of the JoRIEW Conference "D2.5"

d) Through the joint publications that were collaborated among Jordanian researchers and European researchers associated with partners centers and universities.
As a result of the close interaction of the partners several publications were jointly published. The following list include examples of these publications:

- D.R. Schneider, D. Sanopoulos , M. Mohsen, B.V. Mathiesen, P. Voutetakis, G. Krajačić, N. Duić, “Improving capacity of Jordanian Research in Integrated Renewable Energy and Water supply – JoRIEW project” was presented at the 7th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems – SDEWES Conference, held in Ohrid, FYRO Macedonia, in July 1 – 7, 2012 http://ohrid2012.sdewes.org/programme.php )
- T. Novosel, B. Ćosić, G. Krajačić, M. Mohsen, N. Duić, “Implementation of the Red Sea-Dead Sea Canal in Jordan’s energy strategy”, presented at CAPE (Computer Aided Process Engineering) Forum 2012, March 26 – 28, 2012, at Veszprem, Hungary, http://www.cape-wp.eu/page.php?28
- Sanopoulos D, Ćosić B, Mohsen M, Krajačić G, Duić N. Integrated renewable energy systems and water supply. In: 6th SDEWES Conference; 2011; Dubrovnik.
- Sanopoulos D, Ćosić B, Mohsen M, Krajačić G, Duić N. Renewable Energy Solutions for The Regions: Integrated Approach To Energy and Water Systems. In: CEST2011: 12th International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology; 2011; Rhodes Island, Greece.

Also, as a result of the JoRiew activities, there was an organization of a special session “Integration of energy and water in future energy systems in dry climates” at the 8th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems – SDEWES Conference (SDEWES2013), September 22-27, 2013, Dubrovnik, Croatia. The special session was organized by the members of the JoRIEW scientific network Prof. Ababneh (Hashemite University of Jordan), Prof. Mohsen (American University of Ras Al Khaimah), Prof. Alberg Østergaard (Aalborg University, Denmark), Prof. Duić (University of Zagreb-FSB, Croatia). The session was very successful with 20(+4) invited and presented papers.
The special session summary:
“Renewables are becoming viable energy sources and will continue to grow in countries that do not have abundant fossil fuel sources until its intermittency limits the growth. Water systems in dry climates are energy intensive, either because water has to be pumped from afar or it has to be desalinated. Water and energy demand are growing quickly. Integrating water and energy systems could help to significantly increase the penetration of intermittent renewables thereby improving the energy security of supply of countries in dry climates. The session will address issues of integration of energy and water systems, flexible operation of pumps and desalination units, water storage, integration of desalination and pumped hydro storage systems. In addition in some countries, integration of low-quality energy sources such as oil shale will compete with renewable energy sources to meet immediate growing demand for energy.”

List of the presented papers:
The “cost-optimal levels”of energy performance requirements and its application in Mediterranean Countries
Lamberto Tronchin*, Kristian Fabbri
Integrated water resource management and energy requirements for water supply in the Copiapó river basin
Francisco Suarez, José F. Muñoz, Bonifacio Fernández, Jean-Marc Dorsaz, Christian K. Hunter, Jorge Gironás*
Sustainable resilience of water systems for business: a socio-technical approach
Eduardo Ortas*, Joanne Tingey-Holyoak, Roger Burritt
Optimal irrigation strategies in rainwater harvesting systems during dry spells
Koichi Unami*, Osama Mohawesh, Erfaneh Sharifi, Junichiro Takeuchi, Masayuki Fujihara
Analysis of China's current energy-water nexus by Sankey diagram
Xunmin Ou*, Yangang Xing, Xiliang Zhang, Xu Zhang, Qian Zhang
Schemes of efficient electrochemical energy conversion and CO2 re-use suitable for large scale applications in water-poor regions
Stefania Marini, Marco Villa*, Mario Berrettoni, Tiziana Zerlia
Evaluation of self-heat recuperative desalination process using fluidized bed
Hiroyuki Mizuno, Yasuki Kansha, Masanori Ishizuka, Atsushi Tsutsumi*
Water supply and water use in the Segura Basin: analysis from the Life Cycle Assessment.
Javier Uche, Amaya Martinez*, Uriel Carmona, Fernando Círez
Possibilities for combining concentrating solar power plants with desalination systems for electricity and water production
Soteris Kalogirou*
A Novel solar trigeneration system integrating Photovoltaic/Thermal solar collectors and seawater desalination: dynamic simulation and economic assessment
Francesco Calise*, Massimo Dentice D'accadia, Antonio Piacentino
Project evaluation for small hydro power investments in Portugal
Jorge Cunha*, Paula Ferreira
Analysis of a innovative small scale solar thermal power plant with osmosis desalination
Mauro Villarini, Enrico Bocci*, Danilo Sbordone, Andrea Di Carlo, Alessandro Dell'era, Maria Carmen Falvo, Maurizio Carlini
Modeling the energy-water nexus of Ethiopia using LEAP and WEAP
Lucia De Strasser*
Optimal management of a hybrid photovoltaic-pump hydro energy storage system by particle swarm optimization theory
Anna Stoppato*, Giovanna Cavazzini, Antonio Rossetti, Guido Ardizzon
Energy and water desalination in the Canary Islands
Julieta Schallenberg-Rodriguez*, Jose Miguel Veza, Ana Maria Blanco-Marigorta
Experimental and numerical analysis of the combustor for a cogeneration system based on the aluminum/water reaction
Luca Montorsi, Massimo Milani*, Stefano Mercati, Matteo Stefani, Fabio Irato
Application of field synergy principle in the convective heat transfer enhancement of a pre-heater in a solar-assisted MED desalination unit
Mohammed Osman Ali Hamid, Luopeng Yang, Bo Zhang*
Energy systems impacts of reverse osmosis and thermal desalination in Jordan
Poul Alberg Østergaard*, Henrik Lund, Brian Vad Mathiesen
Effects of operational shocks on UASB microbial populations
Cátia Couras, André Grilo, Isabel Capela, Luís Arroja, Jorge Leitão, Maria Helena Nadais*
Desalination and Water Storage Modeling in H2RES Energy Planning Model
Manal Mustafa*, Tomislav Novosel, Goran Gašparović, Neven Duić, Goran Krajačić

Also, Croatian researchers were involved (along with researchers from Jordan) in organization of the IREDeW 2013 conference in Amman, Jordan, where they also participated with their papers prepared in collaboration with Jordanian researchers that underwent mobility at UNIZAG-FSB. The plans were set on making this conference periodic (biannual).
During this conference (IREDeW 2013) an idea was suggested to establish programs for exchange of graduate students both at the master level and PhD level between Jordan and European Partners' Centres. That idea was discussed further during one of the visits to the UNIZAG-FSB for possible exchange of graduate students and planning on how such exchange may take place. Such colaboration should be very valuable to Jordan since currently there is no ongoing PhD program in engineering in any of the Jordanian Universities.
Potential Impact:
The focus of the project JoRiew is that it mainly deals with energy and water related to Jordan which are highly regarded at all levels since Jordan is a country that does not produce its oil, the main source of energy nowadays, as well as it is considered one of the poorest countries in terms of water share per capita. Thus assisting Jordan in these two issues will have ever lasting enduring positive effects economically and socially. For example funding that are used to purchase oil, which constitute a large portion for the annual Jordan budget to meet demand of oil which is about 150 thousands barrel/day, can be very well be spent on other social programs, such as education, infrastructure maintenance and development; etc.

As the project JoRiew was concerned with capacity building for advanced-degree holders, several interesting research that dealt with the issue of the Dead Sea depletion, which is currently occurring at an alarming levels; some studies suggest that its surface level is falling at ~1 m annually. This is happening because of intensive drawing of water from the Jordan River which is the main supply for the Dead Sea. To compensate for this depletion, the Red Sea and Dead Sea canal was proposed. However, associated with the canal, high cost which is both initial capital and operational cost where the later is because the canal requires initial pumping of water to bring it from the Red Sea before it begins its natural decent in addition to some scheduled maintenance. This amounting cost may be eased by incorporating schemes that include renewable energy and water desalination, where energy is produced by both hydraulic and solar/wind. The scheme would be large enough to supply the required initial pumping when energy production is reaching its minimum levels. This is uncontrollable since renewable energy sources are intermittent by its nature. However, when renewable energy is produced nominally or reaching higher levels then water desalination is activated for producing fresh water. Such schemes would have profound and lasting impact on the society of Jordan; that is, resolving the Dead Sea depletion as well as supplying fresh water. To demonstrate the importance of water to the Jordanian society, Tables 1 and 2 below show the projected need for water as well as the available resources; respectively. Comparison of the two tables shows that there is a continuous deficit in water for meeting the water demand. Thus developing new schemes for producing fresh water is of great importance to every one living in Jordan. Furthermore, utilizing renewable energy resources can help to maintain the cost of production at low levels for several years to come. Once again this mega project requires intensive modeling and simulation so that a reasonable system with some an optimal efficiency is arrived at. Such work requires highly trained personnel and this is where the contribution of the JoRiew through the capacity building plays an important role. More importantly because of the wide exposure of the JoRiew project has attracted interested researchers mainly from Europe to examine the Jordan situation, as will be evident from the research papers given here.

Table ‎1: Projected Annual Water Demand per Sector including Physical Losses
Sector Water Demand (including physical losses) [MCM, (%)]
2005 2010 2015 2020
Municipal and Tourist 372 (24) 415 (27) 460 (29) 513 (32)
Indust 59 (4) 77 (5) 100 (6) 120 (7)
Agriculture 1102 (72) 1072 (69) 1040 (65) 983 (61)
Total 1534 (100) 1564 (100) 1600 (100) 1616 (100)

Table 2: Resource Availability in Jordan for the Years 2005 - 2020
Year Additional Resources Baseflow Ground-water Dam Safe Yield1 Non-Conventional Water2 Total
2005 343.6 157.1 259.1 224.8 34.3 1018.9
2010 511.2 144.1 259.1 259.9 69.3 1243.7
2015 453.9 144.1 259.1 274.4 88.6 1220.1
2020 455.9 132.5 259.1 300.9 101.2 1249.6

Two additional areas that are potentially will be impacted by the JoRiew project: 1) the economic sector, and 2) the environment. For Jordan to invest and utilize renewable energy resources that it enjoys will definitely assist the country in saving of significant portion of the budget that are otherwise used for purchasing foreign oil. In addition, building power plants that utilizes renewable energy resources will have a positive impact on the local economy during the build up operation and during its life time for obvious reasons. Also, using less of fossil fuel in generating electricity will contribute to the global endeavor to reduce the carbon dioxide emission since pollution knows no geographical boundaries.

Most importantly, resolving energy and water issues for the country Jordan will definitely assist Jordan in maintaining its stability.

As mentioned earlier because of the JoRiew activities and through the collaboration work of the JoRIEW consortium it has resulted into wider spread of information dissemination through conferences. A list of these conferences is given below.

Dissemination of the project activities and results on the SDEWES conferences in the form of scientific papers presentations, presentation of the JoRIEW project, organization of the special sessions and distribution of dissemination materials (poster, leaflets):
• 8th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems – SDEWES Conference (SDEWES2013), September 22-27, 2013, Dubrovnik, Croatia
• International Conference on Integrated Renewable Energy, Desalination and Water Supply (IREDeW 2013), October 7-9, 2013, Amman, Jordan
• 7th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems – SDEWES Conference, 1–7 July 2012, Ohrid, FYRO Macedonia
• 6th Conference on Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems – SDEWES Conference (SDEWES2011), September 25-29, 2011, Dubrovnik, Croatia
• 9th Hellenic conference on Chemical Engineering, Athens, 23-25 May 2013
• CAPE Forum 2012, 26-28 March 2012, Veszprem, Hungary
• 2nd International 100% Renewable Energy Conference and Exhibition, 28-30 June 2012, Istanbul, Turkey

All information exchanged through the activities of the JoRIEW project was made public so that it can benefit society. Nearly all information was in the form of joint publications, joint proposals, and establish work groups with similar interests. All this information is available through journal publications, seminars and conferences.

4.3 Report on societal implication
The societal implication as of the project is at two levels: 1) at the local level in Jordan, and 2) at the level of collaboration with European institutions.

For the Jordan, community the project has left an impression for every individual that was involved in the project and since these are at most are educators at universities and high-level institutions will eventually that gain of knowledge will be passed in some form to students and eventually to the wider community. Also, the project has increased awareness of researchers in the area of renewable energy and water desalination with its potential and its importance to the country Jordan. As an example, the government of Jordan is planning for 10% to be the share for renewable by 2020. Now researchers are geared for evaluating and modeling cases for 100% renewable. Additionally, resolving energy and water will ease the financial burden on the government and make it more possible to spend money on other social programs such education and health.

Collaboration with European institutions. The immediate consequence of working on the project JoRiew with European partners has opened other potential opportunities for further collaboration, thus overcoming boundaries and societal cultures with the purpose of working on common goals and together resolving technical problems. Also, this culture of collaboration and the potential of opportunities has been spread through the conferences, training programs and workshops to a larger audience whereby emphasizing the joint work.
List of Websites:
http://www.joriew.eu/
Prof. Amer Ababaneh, +962 777 632 504
ababneh_hu@hu.edu.jo

Final Report Summary - JORIEW (Improving capacity of Jordanian Research in Integrated Renewable Energy and Water supply)

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