Final Report Summary - WELL (Water and Energy for Life in Libya)
Executive Summary:
The WELL project aims to strength the capacities of the General Water Authority while turning it into an international centre of excellence, and reinforcing the cooperation capacities and research activities in Libyan’s water and energy sectors by defining research priorities in water and energy to respond to socio-economic needs, facilitating participation in the European water and energy research initiatives and inclusion in the European Research Area. Considering the actual crisis in Libya, WELL project represents a model to overtake “standard” CSA project, pointing out the importance of the Governance inside the “Triple Helix” (Policy, Research and Business) in Libya and fostering capacities of GWA to participate at FP7 Calls.
The specific objectives of WELL project are:
• Better Coordination Between Policy, Research and Business in Libya
• Enabling Better Participation in Framework Programmes
• Enhancement of EU-LIBYA S&T Partnership in Energy and Water Research
• Capacity Building for Solving Specific Energy and Water Issues
• GWA’s Strengthening and Cooperation Capacities Reinforcement
• Energy and Water Research Results Dissemination
• Fostering innovation in Libya through active participation of SMEs in FP7
• Increase job opportunities that encourage gender equality in Libya, in particular for young scientists
The main impact of WELL will be increased capacities of the GWA centre and the structuring and enhancement of the existing EU-Libya support landscape in Energy and Water S&T cooperation through a fourfold way: (i) by proposing a Research-focused Triple Helix Governance Model to enhance stability in the Country, (ii) by supporting the participation of Libya in the FP7 and other EU related initiatives, (iii) knitting together all relevant support schemes, and (iv) facilitating both the uptake of water and energy research areas and the monitoring of the performance and impacts of this cooperation.
The WELL consortium brings together 4 Libyan and EU organisations representing a well-defined mix of competencies and expertise.
The project duration is 24 months.
Project Context and Objectives:
WELL Project: Context and objectives
The WELL project (Water and Energy for Life in Libya) aims to strength the capacities of the General Water Authority while turning it into an international centre of excellence and reinforcing the cooperation capacities and research activities in Libya’s water and energy sectors by defining research priorities in water and energy to respond to socio-economic needs, facilitating participation in the European water research initiatives and inclusion in the European Research Area. Europe needs to improve its knowledge on these areas.
Water and energy challenges are so sensitive to climatic circumstances, and therefore to climate change. The EU needs well developed data-sets and models to be able to identify the best responses to the current – and future - water and energy problems. The development of new technologies and approaches are needed to tackle these problems. This task cannot be performed without the coordination of the EU with other countries, especially those closer countries that are facing similar problems, as it is the Libya case.
Considering the actual crisis (water shortage ) in Libya, WELL project represents a model to overtake “standard” CSA project, pointing out the importance of the Governance inside the Triple Helix (Policy, Research and Business) in Libya and fostering capacities of GWA to participate at FP7 calls. The specific objectives of WELL project are:
• Better coordination between policy, research and business in Libya.
• Enabling better participation in framework programmes.
• Enhancement of EU-Libya S&T partnership in energy and water research.
• Capacity building for solving specific energy and water issues.
• GWA’s strengthening and cooperation capacity reinforcement.
• Energy and water research results dissemination.
• Fostering innovation in Libya through active participation of SMEs in FP7.
• Increase job opportunities that encourage gender equality in Libya, in particular for young scientists.
To achieve these objectives the project was structured on six work packages and 23 activities (Tasks) scheduled.
Work performed and main results achieved
All activities have been implemented according to WPs consigned in DoW, namely:
- (WP1) Project Management and quality Assurance
- (WP2) Analysis of Energy and Water Research Needs and Opportunities
- (WP3) Training and Partnership
- (WP4) Capacity Building
- (WP5) Developing GWA strategy
- (WP6) Network Facilitation and Dissemination
1- Project Management and quality Assurance
WP1 is dedicated to smooth running of project activities from a formal, administrative and financial point of view and ensuring quality of the final results. The tasks related to this WP were all implemented covering the following subjects:
• Administrative and Operational Management. This task is dedicated for overall project coordination, ensuring contractual obligations and sound financial and administrative management.
• Communication with EC and Reporting. The Project Manager will foster formal and informal communication channels with the European Commission while ensuring timely information on project developments, submission of deliverables and regular reporting.
• Quality Assurance and Risk Management. To ensure high quality of WELL results and compliance with the contract commitments, all project deliverables and key events will be monitored and reviewed internally.
All the deliverable reports of (WP1) were monitored, reviewed and uploaded on participant portal, as follow:
• D1.1 report on Quality Assurance Plan: Quality Assurance Plan (Main responsible REDINN) [month 2].
• D1.2 Periodic Reports: Periodic Reports (according to Guidance Notes on Project Reporting) (Main responsible GWA) [month 12]
• D1.3 Final Reports: Final Reports (according to Guidance Notes on Project Reporting (Main responsible GWA) [month 24]
• D1.4 Final Quality Assurance Report: Final Quality Assurance Report (Main responsible REDINN) [month 24]
2- Analysis of Energy and Water Research Needs and Opportunities
WP2 aims to make an analysis of the priorities and needs of Libya in Energy and Water themes, with the following objectives:
• Perform an analysis of the Libyan territory and businesses needs aiming to highlight the particular needs in the field of water and energy;
• Identification of the research and innovation priorities and available capacities;
• Establishment of a database concerning:
- identification of needs and priority at local and national level in water and energy fields;
- waste water treatment technologies for industrial processes;
- energy technology;
• Provide assistance to businesses and especially to the young entrepreneurs who want to start a spin-off in the water/energy field for treatments and use the water and for energy production. Part of the outcomes of this WP will be shared with MIRA project, particularly the WP7 for shaping a Research Strategic Agenda in support to Horizon 2020.
The main results obtained from WP2 are the following deliverables:
• D2.1 Analysis of National policies and programmes
• D2.2 Research Priorities Report on Energy for GWA
• D2.3 Research Priorities Report on Water for GWA
• D2.4 Database on Libyan’s Energy and Water research and innovation priorities and needs
• D2.5 Report on WEB tools tutorials
• D2.6 Report on the research and commercial opportunities of the Libyan water and energy sectors.
3- Training and Partnership
Two cycles of events organized and are dedicated to:
A. effectively plan, organise and execute regional workshop and knowledge sharing events in order:
• to intensively train the Staff of the GWA on issues concerning EU Framework Programmes
in order to become familiar with the procedures and opportunities for co-operation in the
Environment, Water and Energy Research and related EU programmes (water related
aspects of the Health and KBBE programmes, ICT etc), People (ITN, IRSES, IIF),
Cooperation (Energy, Environment), CIP (IEE);
• to transfer knowledge to GWA to help them become the Environmental National Contact
Point in Libya.
B. support the GWA staff in forming future project consortia to address relevant research challenges of importance in the next calls for proposals for water and energy.
The results achieved from this activity are enhancement of EU-LY S&T Partnerships in Energy and Water Research. Three reports covering the package activities were reviewed internally and uploaded, namely:
• D3.1 Report & Material of training workshops
• D3.2 Roadmap on consortia formation
• D3.3 Report one to one sessions
4- Capacity Building
The objective of WP4 set the assessment of the installation of an innovative chemical and biological laboratory, in order to carry out research on energy production through the study and development of advanced electrochemical reactions and devices, as well as analyses for wastewater characterization, through the detection of the main pollutants in wastewater and its microbiological content.
These objectives aimed to achieve six activities taking into account the situation of the research requirements in Libyan Territories. The activities produced six deliverables uploaded after monitoring and reviewing, these are:
• D4.1 Capacity building Plan Energy
• D4.2 Capacity building Plan Water
• D4.3 Energy Study visit Report
• D4.4 Water Study visit Report
• D4.5 List of Energy field Researchers
• D4.6 List of Water field Researchers
5- Developing GWA strategy
This WP is dedicated to the development of GWA Strategy for internationalization of the research centre, by building up a strategy for GWA in order to advance it into a world best in class entity for energy and water research. The steps suggested to achieve objectives are:
• enlarge scope of research activities and capacity building of researchers;
• create a business plan of an international standard;
• subject GWA to a quality control system;
• apply independent auditing to evaluate GWA’s performance.
Three reports had been prepared to meet the objectives assigned to this strategic work package. The reports relate to:
• D5.1 Strategic Action Plan
• D5.2 List of external experts List of external experts
• D5.3 Guidelines report
6- Network Facilitation and Dissemination
The Network Facilitation and Dissemination work-package deals with important aspects of the work: on the one hand the need to facilitate the contacts and relationship between the Libyan Areas research centers and other European counterparts, on the other with the need to disseminate information about project activities and results to the widest possible audience, so as to maximise the impact of its action.
The objectives of this work-package are:
• provision of the maximum visibility and public awareness of the project progress and results to policy makers, environmental organizations and researcher actors in energy and water sector;
• demonstration of achievements in Energy and Water Research;
• facilitation of the contacts and relationship between the Libyan Areas research centres and European counterparts;
• liaison with relevant ongoing EU projects and initiatives.
Six deliverable reports were prepared under this activity to fulfill its objectives. These are:
D6.1 Project website with team zone and sections for water and energy research
D6.2 Project WELL presentation material
D6.3 Showcase brochures
D6.4 Report on Networking activities
D6.5 Final conference report
D6.6 Database of competitive Water and Energy Research Actors
Project Results:
The description of the main S&T results and foregrounds is detailed, WP per WP, in the following paragraph.
Workpackage (WP1) - Project Management
The project management is under the responsibility of GWA. GWA is in charge of the main coordination activities and communication with the European Commission, while REDINN is responsible for project’s quality management.
The activities operated under this workpackage oriented as follows:
T1.1 Administrative and Operational Management (M1 – M24)
Task Leader: GWA – Partners involved: All
This task is dedicated for overall project coordination, ensuring contractual obligations and sound financial and administrative management. Proper administrative and contractual relationship ensured both within the consortium and with the EC. All partners participated in providing contributions to the interim and final reports and other administrative issues as required by the EC and the Project Manager. Also, the partners took part in the Project Management Board and participated in all project meetings. Project meetings with all partners organised every six months.
T1.2 Communication with EC and Reporting (M1–M24)
Task Leader: GWA – Partners involved: All The Project Manager fostered formal and informal communication channels with the European Commission while ensuring timely information on project developments, submission of deliverables and regular reporting.
T1.3 Quality Assurance and Risk Management (M1-M24)
Task Leader: REDINN – Partners involved: All
To ensure high quality of WELL results and compliance with the contract commitments, all project deliverables and key events monitored and reviewed internally. Quality Assurance Plan developed at the project start and set the methodology, roles and responsibilities for controlling quality of the outputs. Every activity discussed with responsible implementing partner and specific methodologies and quality requirements set for each activity. Deliverables checked against criteria such as quality of the content, length, language, consistency, major strengths and weaknesses prior to final delivery or submission to the European Commission. Quality assessment procedures also include regular meetings, revisions in particular at milestones, monitoring interactions between tasks and work-packages, and improvement of the deliverables. Upon completion of the project, Final Quality Assurance Report summarizes internal assessment on whole project results.
Workpackage (WP2) - Analysis of Energy and Water Research Needs and Opportunities
T2.1 Analysis of Libyan’s Energy and Water research and innovation priorities, needs and capacities [M3-M4]
Task Leader: GWA
Partners involved: [All]
This task aimed to make an analysis of the priorities and needs of Libya in Energy and Water themes. The analysis of Libyan needs leads to the identification of the national priorities for the socio-economic development of Libyan territory. The study and the characterization of the Libyan available capacities produced a framework of the state of the art of research and technologies in Libya in the field of water and energy (D2.2 and D2.3). The obtained results linked to the Libyan research and innovation priorities in the field of water and energy, brings to the identification of sectors, technologies and relationships improving to satisfy Libyan needs. This kind of analysis leads to creation of database sharing the collected information (D2.4). This database has been utilized by WELL partners to share information within the WELL working group and to permit an interpolation of these data with the EU databases concerning Energy and Water research and opportunities. By this database, international contacts and networking among GWA and European researchers from CTM as well as CIRCE, and their European networks will be intensified. Furthermore it will be important to identify the competitive parties working in the field of water and energy technologies.
An overview of current European Energy and Water research priorities had been done by REDINN and it was also a part of the deliverable. This exercise allowed a comparative overview to identify connections and common issues.
T2.2 Analysis of National Policies and Current S&T Cooperation in Energy and Water and related fields [M5-M6]
Task Leader: CIRCE
Partners involved: [All]
The main objective of this task is underling the national policies of Libya in the field of Energy and Water.
Regarding the energy sector a thorough analysis of the most crucial energy priorities, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and green energies carried out by CIRCE, with special focus on actual needs, readiness and future potential. Regarding the Water sector a thorough analysis of the most crucial water priorities in particular waste water management, water conditioning, alternative water sources such as water reuse, ecosystem risk assessment as well as Life Cycle assessment coupled to economical aspects carried out by CTM and CIRCE, with special focus on actual needs, readiness and future potential, especially considering climate change. Water pollution prevention, for example in industrial and agricultural activities will be also considered. For both sectors a group of local top-experts (from industry, academia, etc.) settled up in GWA and consulted by means of a questionnaire.
Based on the achieved results in terms of research and innovation priorities and needs (T2.1) WELL partners proceeded to compare these data with the over-all political Libyan strategies in order to establish the better applications of GWA capacities and opportunities. Analysis of Libyan policies at national and local level in energy and water related field allow identifying Libyan necessities at short, medium and long term. Through the data collected by the above-mentioned analysis (D2.4) WELL partners proceeded in identifying tools and opportunities to improve the scientific and technological development as well as international cooperation programs, “on –line” technical and FP7 training, application for FP and related programs. Among expected the final aim is to strengthen relationship and cooperation between GWA and Libyan public and private organization in the field of energy and Water and to create a prolific environment and a solid network for the participation in European and international research activities responding to the needs at long, medium and short term of Libya. Cooperation with FP7 other programs foresees in related to WP5 Developing GWA Strategy (in particular for Identification of relevant S&T policy issues of mutual interest and policy workshops and provision of a platform for consultation). In this sense, REDINN promoted a bridge between Euro Mediterranean Partner and European partners and Institutions. REDINN personnel are already involved in a number of ERA WIDE projects in Algeria, Morocco and Jordan.
T2.3 Analysis of the importance of the WEB for GWA in Research and Innovation [M3-M6]
Task Leader: REDINN
Partners involved: [All] Internet is nowadays the most potent communication and diffusion tool and has highly accelerated the information transfer making it accessible to large audiences at greatly reduced expense and time delay. The objective of this task is to support GWA to get the maximum exploitation of the web tools in order to reinforce the center research activities and the projects management, to favor and to participate, with applied research, in cultural, institutional and political growth of Libya and, last but not the least, to improve its visualization worldwide by:
- Restructuration of GWA webpage based on areas of expertise and potential services for private companies (energy analysis, water analysis, tailor-made research projects for SME’s etc.)
- Linking GWA website to the WELL website that delivered in Task 6.1
- Tutorial on technology watch tools such as ISI web of knowledge, new ventures etc.
- Tutorial on on-line journal literature search
- Use of skype and other instant message tools
- Use file-sharing software such as dropbox
A Report on WEB tools tutorials (D2.5) is achieved in M4.
T2.4 Foreseen opportunities in Energy and Water fields [M5-M8]
Task Leader: CTM
Partners involved: [All]
This task is aimed at analysing the current situation of the Libyan water and energy sectors in relation to
production capacity, innovation capacity and export rates in order to prepare a diagnosis report (D 2.6) on potential commercial opportunities for the water and energy sectors. The information collected including:
- Evaluation of energy production in Libya
- Evaluation of wastewater treatment and water reclamation technologies currently utilized
- Analysis of water supply coverage at local and national level
- Analysis of existing SMEs in water and energy clusters
- Analysis of water and energy related fields industry and production/treatment capacity
- Analysis of public and private organizations committed in water sectors
- Analysis of water and energy markets and exports
- Assessing current trends in research and development in the Libyan water and energy sectors and its impact on local economy.
The collaboration of Libyan Ministries and other government departments performed to gather the necessary data to prepare a report (D2.6) on opportunities and threats of the water and energy sectors. During the training activities (WP3) there were the opportunity to collect opinions about the constraints and needs of the energy and water industries to create new opportunities improve its competitiveness.
Workpackage (WP3) - Training and Partnership
Two cycles of events organised. During the first cycle, trans-national events organised in Libyan Territories with the aim to provide GWA with information on the funding opportunities provided by the Framework Programme in water and energy related areas. During the second cycle, two mentoring workshop organised with the aim to transfer knowledge on the specific thematic priorities that are of interest to the selected organisations and relate to the current or upcoming calls of the Environment and PEOPLE programme.
Cooperation with INCONET MIRA project on the selected themes, the dates and agenda is envisaged in order to avoid duplication of efforts and confusion of the target group with too many training offers. Co-organisation of several training events is envisaged, as well as cross promotion of the events.
T3.1 Organization of training workshop (M6 - M20)
Task Leader: REDINN – Partners involved: All
This task comprised the following activities: (a) elaboration of training material, (b) selection of speakers, (c) invitation of the selected participants, and (d) delivery of the workshop. The workshop sessions covered the following topics:
• General presentation of FP7 as well as of the Environment Programme
• Guidelines on where to look for funding opportunities
• Guidelines on how to form a successful consortium
• Guidelines on how to prepare a proposal
• Information on contracting rules and project management
• Methods of work and communication in a European RTD project
Two Mentoring Workshops (three days each) were scheduled in Libya (but held in Tunisia): one was organised in month 6th and the second was organised in month 18th. The workshop organised in: i) invited lectures on the EU programme and cooperation opportunities covering the above-mentioned topics ; ii) seminars of Additional knowledge performed by researchers with experience in EU projects and mainly addressed to a wide audience, to provide skills in the organisation and management of international cooperation research projects. At the same time, a series of knowledge sharing events (in the form of one day seminars) organized by REDINN and GWA in the first six months of the WELL project in order to provide the researchers of the Libyan area about the tools, the procedures and opportunities for future co-operation in the EU projects. These workshops were conducted in Tunisia due to the situation in Libya.
T3.2 Evaluation of training workshop (M6 - M20)
Task Leader: GWA – Partners involved: All Each Mentoring Workshop and Knowledge Sharing event evaluated at the end of the event. Participants asked to evaluate the workshop through a questionnaire aiming to gather participants’ feedback on the content of the workshop, its relevance with the participants’ needs, etc. In order to disseminate the information of these events, all the presenting materials collected and published on a WELL web-site realised under the supervision of CIRCE and REDINN.
T3.3 Analysis of Project Opportunities and Ideas (M7-M20)
Task Leader: REDINN – Partners involved: All
This task aimed to analyse the opportunities available in the energy, water and related sectors, and in particular in the relevant challenges and topics already mentioned in task 3.1 and new ones that could emerge in the evolution of FP7. Based on the research needs, orientations and capabilities of the selected organisations, the WELL consortium tried to identify possible matching between the project ideas expressed by the target organisations and the topics established by the Environment programme. WELL partners provided then individual coaching sessions to organisations coming up with project ideas. The results of these activities will be also disseminated through the WELL web-site.
T3.4 One to One Sessions (M6-M20)
Task Leader: REDINN – Partners involved: GWA
REDINN was responsible for individual assistance and coaching, in one-to-one sessions to the specific GWA department and researchers either to shape them for being attractive to competitive future project consortia or to be able to aggregate other partners around project ideas they could coordinate. The above activities will entail substantial cooperation with other complementary initiatives aimed at the formation of new consortia in the Environment programme. People and Capacities (research infrastructure), for instance those that are more specifically devoted to support participation of GWA into FP7.
T3.5 Contacting Potential Project Proposers (M7-M24)
Task Leader: CTM – Partners involved: All
This activity performed at European level through contacts with the networks of the scientific area covered by the project and aims at finding partners for organizations that will engage into direct proposal submission or at exposing the technological offer emerging from organizations to the partner searches issuing from projects. A list of possible partners (research institutions, stakeholders and industrial companies) for future EU projects published on the WELL web-site.
Workpackage (WP4) - Capacity Building
T4.1 Capacity building in conducting energy research by means of installing experimental energy production system, list of Energy field Researchers and training activities (M8-M24)
Task leader: CIRCE – Partners involved: GWA
This task led by CIRCE in strict junction with GWA. According with the objective of this task, a plan to identify the competences that could still be necessary for the research activities had been developed.
An analysis of the existing structures and where to install the experimental stations had been performed together with the analysis of available funds.
The budget devoted to the laboratory has been moved to travel cost. Considering the situation in Libya and with the agreement of the PO, the Consortium changed the budget initially devoted to the creation of a new laboratory in Tripoli to travel to Tunisia,Djerba,2014. In this way more than 15 researchers had the opportunity to attend the organised training.
Training activities carried out under the supervision of CIRCE. One week course, during the study visit in Spain, had been organized for more than 15 researchers from GWA on innovative energy production systems. GWA recruited energy field researchers (D4.5) with a national call on specific topics that defined according to the tasks performed in WP2 and, in particular, considering these 2 principles: 1) compliance with FP7 and Horizon 2020 topics and strategies; 2) link between research and commercial opportunities for energy cluster. Five selected researchers benefited of a voucher of 1000,00 eur each, plus travel and accommodation expenses to perform the study visit foreseen in Task 4.3 in Spain.
An overview of the lack in the research had been conducted and local industries and energy suppliers contacted for a better understanding of their necessities and identify the best calls to fit with the available research proposals. A collaboration program with these industries and with some European Research Centres had been developed, to strength the research capacity of the GWA. Even high-level decision makers contacted to stimulate the development of innovative energy technologies in order to significantly reduce the dependence from abroad.
T4.2 Capacity building in conducting water research by means of installing experimental station for water capture, list of Water field Researchers and training activities (M8-M24)
Task leader: CTM – Partners involved: GWA
This task had been led by CTM in strict junction with GWA. According to the work package objective, this task focused on developing a capacity building plan to improve the water capacities of GWA by means of filling the knowledge gaps in water field. To do this, the following activities have been carried out:
- Training activities related to water field.
- Development of a collaboration program with local industries and Libyan and European research centres able to strength the research capacity of GWA in the field of water.
Initially, it was planned to make an analysis of the existing structures and possible locations to install new experimental facilities for water research. Because of the situation of instability existing in Libya, instead of finding the best suitable location to install the new facilities, training activities were performed. The budget dedicated to the acquisition of new laboratory equipment was reallocated in order to include more young researchers that could assist to the technical training. During trainings, which were held in Djerba (Tunis) in 23rd month, a session about how should be a water research laboratory was performed. Furthermore, other sessions were focused on the most powerful analytical techniques for water analysis, taking into account that actually only classical methods (titrations) are used in Libya. So, the training material was orientated to the experimental facilities. Also, sessions related to alternative water resources and water&energy nexus were carried out.
Technical trainings reached their goal to improve young Libyan researchers’ capacities on Water field.
Regarding the collaboration program, a list of possible partners able to develop researching activities in the field of water in the Libyan territory was prepared. This list contains:
- Research Centres of Libya
- Water companies
- Research Centres of Europe
This compilation of possible partners, together with the local industrial partners of Libya, can lead to private or public European supported collaborations that will increase the researching potential of GWA and the development of industrial and researching activities
T4.3 Study Visit Energy (M8-M23)
Task leader: CIRCE - Partners involved: GWA
In this task (M12) one exchange visit of energy fields researchers (6) from Libyan Territories to European Centres had been conducted in order to stimulate the exchange of experience and improve the contacts necessary to develop agreements between the different Centres. Each Libyan researcher benefited of a voucher of 1.000,00 eur, plus travel and accommodation expenses which is partially paid by the Libyan Ministry of Water Resources LMWR. (The 6th researcher had been funded completely by the LMWR to perform the study visit foreseen in Task 4.3) in Spain. Researchers selected from the list recruited in Task 4.1. During the two-weeks course that organized in Spain (task 4.1) visits of the following CIRCE laboratories and the following research activities had been scheduled: (1) Electrical Protections Systems Laboratory (2) Electrical Metrology Laboratory (3) Renewable Energies Integration Laboratory (4) Mobile Laboratory for Voltage Dips Tests in Wind Turbines (5) Electrical Substations Laboratory (6) Circulating Fluidized Bed Laboratory (7) Co-firing Laboratory (8) Oxyfiring Laboratory (9) Biomass Laboratory (10) Gasification Laboratory (11) LCA Laboratory.
T4.4 Study Visit Water (M8-M24)
Task leader: CTM – Partner involved: GWA
In this task (M12) one exchange visit of water fields researchers (9) from Libyan Territories to European Centres had been conducted in order to stimulate the exchange of experience and improve the contacts necessary to develop agreements between the different Centres. Each Libyan researcher benefited of a voucher of 1.000,00 eur, plus travel and accommodation expenses which is partially paid by the Libyan Ministry of Water Resources LMWR. (4 researchers had been funded completely by the LMWR to perform the study visit foreseen in Task 4.4) in Spain.
Researchers were the same recruited in Task 4.2. In the case of the Catalonian (NE region of Spain), with water scarcity problems in a Mediterranean climate, demonstrative visits related to aquifer recharge experiences, desalination processes, technologies of disinfection by-products removal and advanced micro-pollutants analysis among others were organised. These visits took place in the regions that have seen positive results from the above mentioned technologies. E.g Parc de l´agulla in Manresa where through biological treatment there has been a reduction in phosphorous from the lake which is the main abstraction point for water treatment of Manresa. The visits were planned to cover several topics all related to water cycle, and experts both from CTM and several Catalan institutions were responsible of its implementation.
Work package (WP5) - Developing GWA strategy
T5.1 Strategy Action Plan for Research Centre (M8-M12)
Task leader: GWA – Partners involved: CIRCE
A detailed business plan incorporated the GWA long term vision: to become an excellence and reference centre for energy and water use and treatments not only in the Libyan Area but also for neighboring countries and in general for the Mediterranean area. The analysis carried out in WP2 represented the starting point for the setting up of this plan. Other activities included:
• assessment of the potential demand in the reference area and the potential investment level in the next 3-5 years;
• detailed evaluation of the effort in terms of internal resources and related costs for building up a minimum critical mass for such activities;
• assessment of the potential GWA offer in terms of experience, expertise and facilities, including the capacity of designing, developing and managing transnational projects;
• detailed analysis of all possible funding sources including national funds, European funding programmes, other international funding programmes and opportunities offered by international institutions (e.g. FAO for agriculture).
T5.2 Identification and Selection of External Experts (M11-M14)
Task leader: CTM – Partners involved: GWA - CIRCE
This tasks aims to select internationally certified auditors. Selection criteria set to ensure that the selected auditor has sufficient relevant technical competence, of integrity and known for neutrality. It would also be ensured that a fair and independent assessment is conducted by the auditor. Qualification criteria for selection of the auditor was based on competence, training, qualifications and experience. Proof of training which led to obtaining the competence in the pertinent field would be requested. Evidence of knowledge and understanding of the standards against which auditing had been conducted.
Three external auditors were selected, one from an EU-state external to the project and the other from a non-EU country. One of the two had been a current or former research manager while the other two represented an energy and water industry expert.
T5.3 Expert review (M14-M18)
Task leader: CTM – Partners involved: GWA
After selection of the external auditors GWA provided the respective material of research centre business plan prepared in the framework of Task 5.1. A working session with three external auditors, GWA and CTM was performed in order to provide initial guidelines for the business plan and some recommendations.
The methodology followed for the external review of the strategy action plan and points out the strengths and weaknesses of the mentioned plan as well as main recommendations for improvement are presented in deliverable 5.3.
Work package (WP6) - Network Facilitation and Dissemination
The Network Facilitation and Dissemination work-package deals with important aspects of the work: on the one hand the need to facilitate the contacts and relationship between the Libyan Areas research centers and other European counterparts, on the other with the need to disseminate information about project activities and results to the widest possible audience, so as to maximise the impact of its action.
T6.1 Development of Dissemination Infrastructure and Materials (M1-M24)
Task Leader: REDINN – Partners Involved: All
This task aimed to develop the corporate identity and communication policy of the project, together with the necessary instruments (dissemination plan, as well structured web-site providing information about project activities and more in general about water research in the Mediterranean area). Networking activities were directed at enhancing the networking potential of the target organisations through contacts with other projects, events and support organisations such as for instance the National Contact Points opera in other countries and with any partner search platform or mechanism operation to contribute to partnership and consortia formation. WELL dissemination infrastructure stands on three pillars: digital media (website, electronic presentation materials), print media (dissemination materials in print) and public relations (communication with publics and mass media).
The WELL website is key part of the dissemination infrastructure, facilitating internal team zone, information about the project and its results, and sections for water research, FP7 promotion and energy and water research actors’ database. Thus, the website have four components:
• internal team zone for information management within the project, consisting of all project documentation, working and final versions of the deliverables, event planning and schedules, where all partners uploaded and administer the content;
• public section, which provided public information on the project, its activities and deliverables, up-to-date news, project calendar, announcements and invitations to the organized events, also presentations from the workshop;
• section for energy and water research and FP7 promotion, which displayed relevant background documents (studies, surveys, policies, etc) from Libyan Territories and Mediterranean Area, also FP7 components for the energy and water research;
• section for network facilitation and partnership building among water sector research actors with developed comprehensive water research actors database. The Network Facilitation and Dissemination work-package deals with important aspects of the work: on the one hand the need to facilitate the contacts and relationship between the Libyan Areas research centers and other European counterparts, on the other with the need to disseminate information about project activities and results to the widest possible audience, so as to maximise the impact of its action.
T6.2 Development of Showcase Brochures (M4-M12)
Task Leader: REDINN – Partners involved: GWA
Dissemination material was developed to showcase Libyan area achievements in Energy and Water Research and most potential research actors. For instance, the 30 research profiles, emerging as the ones having a higher potential for participation in FP activities, was presented in a set of showcase brochures highlighting their research activities and strategies, to be then disseminated on the web and at networking events (also other than the ones organised by the project). The showcased profiles will be selected during knowledge sharing events and partnership (WP3).
T6.3 Networking Activities and Contacts with other Relevant EU Initiatives (M1-M24)
Task Leader: CTM – Partners involved: CIRCE
CIRCE and CTM, having extensive energy and water research capacities and strong links to water research sector stakeholders within the EU, supported this activity while serving as a gateway for internationalization of Libyan energy and water research centers.
Particular attention paid on fostering links with European Initiatives, also other networks, European research centers, projects and initiatives in environmental protection and water resources management sectors while aiming for better Libyan Areas inclusion in ERA. Selected relevant EU events addressing FP7 and Water research was attended in order to promote a Libyan research community and foster networking possibilities.
These events created links between researches carried out in the Libyan Territories and relevant EU initiatives and projects, as well to be a source of new contacts for further promotional activities. Contacts, established through this activity, enabled targeted study visits in European research centres, better involvement in various R&D projects and exchange of research information to increase research capacities of the Libyan area.
Interaction with clusters related to water research and market internationalization, such as CWP (Catalan Water Partnership) and the Connect-EU WATER were also considered. In order to increase visibility and scope of GWA, networking activities organised together with other ERA-WIDE coordinators of the Region. This exchange of practices between projects contributed to give a feedback to national authority on the processes of R&D internationalisation. The coordinator was also ensured the adequate links and coherence with the INCO-NET activities of the International Cooperation activities of the Capacities Programme.
T6.4 Final Conference (M24)
Task Leader: GWA – Partners involved: All
Final conference was held in Tripoli (Libya) on 23 December 2014 to represent project results, and, in particular, Energy and Water Research and Innovation priorities for Libyan Territories, organizedby research centre GWA. Energy and Water research actors invited to meet high-level EU representatives, policy makers, National Contact Points and successful project coordinators. The conference was envisaged to include scientific content on latest developments in water research sector as well a cultural programme. The event extensively promoted and transmitted through various media channels (electronic, print and broadcast) within and outside of the Libyan Territories. The agenda of this conference and the participants list are given in Annex (4 and 5).
Potential Impact:
In this framework, the WELL project has been conceived to identify and train suitable researchers for the establishment of a support mechanism aimed at the preparation of successful proposals and the widest possible diffusion of information. The issues that expected to gain and evaluated from WELL project after implementing its activities are:
• Developing the Research Center’s Strategy
• Contribution to RTD capacity building in the target country
• Increased job opportunities in the country for young scientists
• Socio and economic impact
Against the specific objectives targeted by the WELL project, as highlighted in the DOW, all results have been achieved. In the annex Table 1 – Final results achieved by the project are listed, objective per objective, the related tasks implemented.
• Developing the research centre’s strategy
The primary impact is strengthening of the GWA research capability in water management and renewable energy and – since this is a typically horizontal domain – in many related areas, such as environment, sanitation and many others. This is conducted through study visits between Libyan and European researchers, briefings, exchange of experience and providing access to latest research equipment. This is achieved through two study visits one for energy and the other for water, producing two important reports (T2.1 and T2.2) concerning the analyses of energy and water research and policies. Further ideas encouraged to be adopted among GWA research strategy based on the reports produced under this activity benefitting from European research experience.
• Contribution to RTD capacity building in the target country
A detailed business plan concerning RTD capacity was fitted into the GWA long term vision, to become an excellence and reference centre for water use and treatments in Libya and also for neighboring countries and in general for the Mediterranean area.
• Increased job opportunities in the country for young scientists
Significant impact of the proposed project reinforced the research centre to be established in the Libya by putting strategy for researches concerning the subject of energy and water studies in Libya (see report T5.1). Enhancing professional skills of young researchers, more effective contacts, relationship and increasing cooperation among the researchers, also carried out through workshops, meetings and conferences. The proposed mobility of young as well as senior scientists shall help in faster learning, training and developing new ideas, which will all together increase a potential of these GWA centre for a high quality research. This all shall give opportunity for planning joint activities within future project in the European Research Area, improving dissemination of knowledge, increasing a number of scientific publications. WELL, consequently generate employment opportunities, including among young scientists, and help counter forces pushing for scientific brain-drain to foreign universities, institutes and companies.
• Socio and economic impact
The socio-economic impact of WELL is expected to be even more significant in the long term. The proposed activities identified the partners that possess specific S&T potential with which GWA future activities should focus its collaboration and will marketing and publicize the centre at an International level. Such activities enhanced GWA possibilities for collaboration with other research entities in future projects, expand their network and support their scientific as well as their financial prospects. In addition, wider positive economic effect followed from a range of enhanced knowledge exchanges, and as various processes in innovation and entrepreneurship are put in motion.
• Networking and Dissemination activities
During WELL project, partners have performed 18 networking and Dissemination actions at European level, in Belgium (7), Spain (5) and Portugal (1), and at international level in Egypt (2), Libya (2) and Morocco (1). Through these actions they covered issues related to water management, energy as well as RD management. Several events gave the opportunity to the WELL partners to exchange experiences with other Mediterranean countries.
During networking activities, several relevant H2020 calls have been identified:
- Water 1b. Demonstration/pilot activities
- Water 5c. Development of water supply and sanitation technology, systems and tools, and/or methodologies
- Water-2b. Integrated approaches to food security, low-carbon energy, sustainable water management and climate change mitigation
Networking and Dissemination actions are detailed in the Table A2.
List of Websites:
www.well-project.eu
The WELL project aims to strength the capacities of the General Water Authority while turning it into an international centre of excellence, and reinforcing the cooperation capacities and research activities in Libyan’s water and energy sectors by defining research priorities in water and energy to respond to socio-economic needs, facilitating participation in the European water and energy research initiatives and inclusion in the European Research Area. Considering the actual crisis in Libya, WELL project represents a model to overtake “standard” CSA project, pointing out the importance of the Governance inside the “Triple Helix” (Policy, Research and Business) in Libya and fostering capacities of GWA to participate at FP7 Calls.
The specific objectives of WELL project are:
• Better Coordination Between Policy, Research and Business in Libya
• Enabling Better Participation in Framework Programmes
• Enhancement of EU-LIBYA S&T Partnership in Energy and Water Research
• Capacity Building for Solving Specific Energy and Water Issues
• GWA’s Strengthening and Cooperation Capacities Reinforcement
• Energy and Water Research Results Dissemination
• Fostering innovation in Libya through active participation of SMEs in FP7
• Increase job opportunities that encourage gender equality in Libya, in particular for young scientists
The main impact of WELL will be increased capacities of the GWA centre and the structuring and enhancement of the existing EU-Libya support landscape in Energy and Water S&T cooperation through a fourfold way: (i) by proposing a Research-focused Triple Helix Governance Model to enhance stability in the Country, (ii) by supporting the participation of Libya in the FP7 and other EU related initiatives, (iii) knitting together all relevant support schemes, and (iv) facilitating both the uptake of water and energy research areas and the monitoring of the performance and impacts of this cooperation.
The WELL consortium brings together 4 Libyan and EU organisations representing a well-defined mix of competencies and expertise.
The project duration is 24 months.
Project Context and Objectives:
WELL Project: Context and objectives
The WELL project (Water and Energy for Life in Libya) aims to strength the capacities of the General Water Authority while turning it into an international centre of excellence and reinforcing the cooperation capacities and research activities in Libya’s water and energy sectors by defining research priorities in water and energy to respond to socio-economic needs, facilitating participation in the European water research initiatives and inclusion in the European Research Area. Europe needs to improve its knowledge on these areas.
Water and energy challenges are so sensitive to climatic circumstances, and therefore to climate change. The EU needs well developed data-sets and models to be able to identify the best responses to the current – and future - water and energy problems. The development of new technologies and approaches are needed to tackle these problems. This task cannot be performed without the coordination of the EU with other countries, especially those closer countries that are facing similar problems, as it is the Libya case.
Considering the actual crisis (water shortage ) in Libya, WELL project represents a model to overtake “standard” CSA project, pointing out the importance of the Governance inside the Triple Helix (Policy, Research and Business) in Libya and fostering capacities of GWA to participate at FP7 calls. The specific objectives of WELL project are:
• Better coordination between policy, research and business in Libya.
• Enabling better participation in framework programmes.
• Enhancement of EU-Libya S&T partnership in energy and water research.
• Capacity building for solving specific energy and water issues.
• GWA’s strengthening and cooperation capacity reinforcement.
• Energy and water research results dissemination.
• Fostering innovation in Libya through active participation of SMEs in FP7.
• Increase job opportunities that encourage gender equality in Libya, in particular for young scientists.
To achieve these objectives the project was structured on six work packages and 23 activities (Tasks) scheduled.
Work performed and main results achieved
All activities have been implemented according to WPs consigned in DoW, namely:
- (WP1) Project Management and quality Assurance
- (WP2) Analysis of Energy and Water Research Needs and Opportunities
- (WP3) Training and Partnership
- (WP4) Capacity Building
- (WP5) Developing GWA strategy
- (WP6) Network Facilitation and Dissemination
1- Project Management and quality Assurance
WP1 is dedicated to smooth running of project activities from a formal, administrative and financial point of view and ensuring quality of the final results. The tasks related to this WP were all implemented covering the following subjects:
• Administrative and Operational Management. This task is dedicated for overall project coordination, ensuring contractual obligations and sound financial and administrative management.
• Communication with EC and Reporting. The Project Manager will foster formal and informal communication channels with the European Commission while ensuring timely information on project developments, submission of deliverables and regular reporting.
• Quality Assurance and Risk Management. To ensure high quality of WELL results and compliance with the contract commitments, all project deliverables and key events will be monitored and reviewed internally.
All the deliverable reports of (WP1) were monitored, reviewed and uploaded on participant portal, as follow:
• D1.1 report on Quality Assurance Plan: Quality Assurance Plan (Main responsible REDINN) [month 2].
• D1.2 Periodic Reports: Periodic Reports (according to Guidance Notes on Project Reporting) (Main responsible GWA) [month 12]
• D1.3 Final Reports: Final Reports (according to Guidance Notes on Project Reporting (Main responsible GWA) [month 24]
• D1.4 Final Quality Assurance Report: Final Quality Assurance Report (Main responsible REDINN) [month 24]
2- Analysis of Energy and Water Research Needs and Opportunities
WP2 aims to make an analysis of the priorities and needs of Libya in Energy and Water themes, with the following objectives:
• Perform an analysis of the Libyan territory and businesses needs aiming to highlight the particular needs in the field of water and energy;
• Identification of the research and innovation priorities and available capacities;
• Establishment of a database concerning:
- identification of needs and priority at local and national level in water and energy fields;
- waste water treatment technologies for industrial processes;
- energy technology;
• Provide assistance to businesses and especially to the young entrepreneurs who want to start a spin-off in the water/energy field for treatments and use the water and for energy production. Part of the outcomes of this WP will be shared with MIRA project, particularly the WP7 for shaping a Research Strategic Agenda in support to Horizon 2020.
The main results obtained from WP2 are the following deliverables:
• D2.1 Analysis of National policies and programmes
• D2.2 Research Priorities Report on Energy for GWA
• D2.3 Research Priorities Report on Water for GWA
• D2.4 Database on Libyan’s Energy and Water research and innovation priorities and needs
• D2.5 Report on WEB tools tutorials
• D2.6 Report on the research and commercial opportunities of the Libyan water and energy sectors.
3- Training and Partnership
Two cycles of events organized and are dedicated to:
A. effectively plan, organise and execute regional workshop and knowledge sharing events in order:
• to intensively train the Staff of the GWA on issues concerning EU Framework Programmes
in order to become familiar with the procedures and opportunities for co-operation in the
Environment, Water and Energy Research and related EU programmes (water related
aspects of the Health and KBBE programmes, ICT etc), People (ITN, IRSES, IIF),
Cooperation (Energy, Environment), CIP (IEE);
• to transfer knowledge to GWA to help them become the Environmental National Contact
Point in Libya.
B. support the GWA staff in forming future project consortia to address relevant research challenges of importance in the next calls for proposals for water and energy.
The results achieved from this activity are enhancement of EU-LY S&T Partnerships in Energy and Water Research. Three reports covering the package activities were reviewed internally and uploaded, namely:
• D3.1 Report & Material of training workshops
• D3.2 Roadmap on consortia formation
• D3.3 Report one to one sessions
4- Capacity Building
The objective of WP4 set the assessment of the installation of an innovative chemical and biological laboratory, in order to carry out research on energy production through the study and development of advanced electrochemical reactions and devices, as well as analyses for wastewater characterization, through the detection of the main pollutants in wastewater and its microbiological content.
These objectives aimed to achieve six activities taking into account the situation of the research requirements in Libyan Territories. The activities produced six deliverables uploaded after monitoring and reviewing, these are:
• D4.1 Capacity building Plan Energy
• D4.2 Capacity building Plan Water
• D4.3 Energy Study visit Report
• D4.4 Water Study visit Report
• D4.5 List of Energy field Researchers
• D4.6 List of Water field Researchers
5- Developing GWA strategy
This WP is dedicated to the development of GWA Strategy for internationalization of the research centre, by building up a strategy for GWA in order to advance it into a world best in class entity for energy and water research. The steps suggested to achieve objectives are:
• enlarge scope of research activities and capacity building of researchers;
• create a business plan of an international standard;
• subject GWA to a quality control system;
• apply independent auditing to evaluate GWA’s performance.
Three reports had been prepared to meet the objectives assigned to this strategic work package. The reports relate to:
• D5.1 Strategic Action Plan
• D5.2 List of external experts List of external experts
• D5.3 Guidelines report
6- Network Facilitation and Dissemination
The Network Facilitation and Dissemination work-package deals with important aspects of the work: on the one hand the need to facilitate the contacts and relationship between the Libyan Areas research centers and other European counterparts, on the other with the need to disseminate information about project activities and results to the widest possible audience, so as to maximise the impact of its action.
The objectives of this work-package are:
• provision of the maximum visibility and public awareness of the project progress and results to policy makers, environmental organizations and researcher actors in energy and water sector;
• demonstration of achievements in Energy and Water Research;
• facilitation of the contacts and relationship between the Libyan Areas research centres and European counterparts;
• liaison with relevant ongoing EU projects and initiatives.
Six deliverable reports were prepared under this activity to fulfill its objectives. These are:
D6.1 Project website with team zone and sections for water and energy research
D6.2 Project WELL presentation material
D6.3 Showcase brochures
D6.4 Report on Networking activities
D6.5 Final conference report
D6.6 Database of competitive Water and Energy Research Actors
Project Results:
The description of the main S&T results and foregrounds is detailed, WP per WP, in the following paragraph.
Workpackage (WP1) - Project Management
The project management is under the responsibility of GWA. GWA is in charge of the main coordination activities and communication with the European Commission, while REDINN is responsible for project’s quality management.
The activities operated under this workpackage oriented as follows:
T1.1 Administrative and Operational Management (M1 – M24)
Task Leader: GWA – Partners involved: All
This task is dedicated for overall project coordination, ensuring contractual obligations and sound financial and administrative management. Proper administrative and contractual relationship ensured both within the consortium and with the EC. All partners participated in providing contributions to the interim and final reports and other administrative issues as required by the EC and the Project Manager. Also, the partners took part in the Project Management Board and participated in all project meetings. Project meetings with all partners organised every six months.
T1.2 Communication with EC and Reporting (M1–M24)
Task Leader: GWA – Partners involved: All The Project Manager fostered formal and informal communication channels with the European Commission while ensuring timely information on project developments, submission of deliverables and regular reporting.
T1.3 Quality Assurance and Risk Management (M1-M24)
Task Leader: REDINN – Partners involved: All
To ensure high quality of WELL results and compliance with the contract commitments, all project deliverables and key events monitored and reviewed internally. Quality Assurance Plan developed at the project start and set the methodology, roles and responsibilities for controlling quality of the outputs. Every activity discussed with responsible implementing partner and specific methodologies and quality requirements set for each activity. Deliverables checked against criteria such as quality of the content, length, language, consistency, major strengths and weaknesses prior to final delivery or submission to the European Commission. Quality assessment procedures also include regular meetings, revisions in particular at milestones, monitoring interactions between tasks and work-packages, and improvement of the deliverables. Upon completion of the project, Final Quality Assurance Report summarizes internal assessment on whole project results.
Workpackage (WP2) - Analysis of Energy and Water Research Needs and Opportunities
T2.1 Analysis of Libyan’s Energy and Water research and innovation priorities, needs and capacities [M3-M4]
Task Leader: GWA
Partners involved: [All]
This task aimed to make an analysis of the priorities and needs of Libya in Energy and Water themes. The analysis of Libyan needs leads to the identification of the national priorities for the socio-economic development of Libyan territory. The study and the characterization of the Libyan available capacities produced a framework of the state of the art of research and technologies in Libya in the field of water and energy (D2.2 and D2.3). The obtained results linked to the Libyan research and innovation priorities in the field of water and energy, brings to the identification of sectors, technologies and relationships improving to satisfy Libyan needs. This kind of analysis leads to creation of database sharing the collected information (D2.4). This database has been utilized by WELL partners to share information within the WELL working group and to permit an interpolation of these data with the EU databases concerning Energy and Water research and opportunities. By this database, international contacts and networking among GWA and European researchers from CTM as well as CIRCE, and their European networks will be intensified. Furthermore it will be important to identify the competitive parties working in the field of water and energy technologies.
An overview of current European Energy and Water research priorities had been done by REDINN and it was also a part of the deliverable. This exercise allowed a comparative overview to identify connections and common issues.
T2.2 Analysis of National Policies and Current S&T Cooperation in Energy and Water and related fields [M5-M6]
Task Leader: CIRCE
Partners involved: [All]
The main objective of this task is underling the national policies of Libya in the field of Energy and Water.
Regarding the energy sector a thorough analysis of the most crucial energy priorities, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and green energies carried out by CIRCE, with special focus on actual needs, readiness and future potential. Regarding the Water sector a thorough analysis of the most crucial water priorities in particular waste water management, water conditioning, alternative water sources such as water reuse, ecosystem risk assessment as well as Life Cycle assessment coupled to economical aspects carried out by CTM and CIRCE, with special focus on actual needs, readiness and future potential, especially considering climate change. Water pollution prevention, for example in industrial and agricultural activities will be also considered. For both sectors a group of local top-experts (from industry, academia, etc.) settled up in GWA and consulted by means of a questionnaire.
Based on the achieved results in terms of research and innovation priorities and needs (T2.1) WELL partners proceeded to compare these data with the over-all political Libyan strategies in order to establish the better applications of GWA capacities and opportunities. Analysis of Libyan policies at national and local level in energy and water related field allow identifying Libyan necessities at short, medium and long term. Through the data collected by the above-mentioned analysis (D2.4) WELL partners proceeded in identifying tools and opportunities to improve the scientific and technological development as well as international cooperation programs, “on –line” technical and FP7 training, application for FP and related programs. Among expected the final aim is to strengthen relationship and cooperation between GWA and Libyan public and private organization in the field of energy and Water and to create a prolific environment and a solid network for the participation in European and international research activities responding to the needs at long, medium and short term of Libya. Cooperation with FP7 other programs foresees in related to WP5 Developing GWA Strategy (in particular for Identification of relevant S&T policy issues of mutual interest and policy workshops and provision of a platform for consultation). In this sense, REDINN promoted a bridge between Euro Mediterranean Partner and European partners and Institutions. REDINN personnel are already involved in a number of ERA WIDE projects in Algeria, Morocco and Jordan.
T2.3 Analysis of the importance of the WEB for GWA in Research and Innovation [M3-M6]
Task Leader: REDINN
Partners involved: [All] Internet is nowadays the most potent communication and diffusion tool and has highly accelerated the information transfer making it accessible to large audiences at greatly reduced expense and time delay. The objective of this task is to support GWA to get the maximum exploitation of the web tools in order to reinforce the center research activities and the projects management, to favor and to participate, with applied research, in cultural, institutional and political growth of Libya and, last but not the least, to improve its visualization worldwide by:
- Restructuration of GWA webpage based on areas of expertise and potential services for private companies (energy analysis, water analysis, tailor-made research projects for SME’s etc.)
- Linking GWA website to the WELL website that delivered in Task 6.1
- Tutorial on technology watch tools such as ISI web of knowledge, new ventures etc.
- Tutorial on on-line journal literature search
- Use of skype and other instant message tools
- Use file-sharing software such as dropbox
A Report on WEB tools tutorials (D2.5) is achieved in M4.
T2.4 Foreseen opportunities in Energy and Water fields [M5-M8]
Task Leader: CTM
Partners involved: [All]
This task is aimed at analysing the current situation of the Libyan water and energy sectors in relation to
production capacity, innovation capacity and export rates in order to prepare a diagnosis report (D 2.6) on potential commercial opportunities for the water and energy sectors. The information collected including:
- Evaluation of energy production in Libya
- Evaluation of wastewater treatment and water reclamation technologies currently utilized
- Analysis of water supply coverage at local and national level
- Analysis of existing SMEs in water and energy clusters
- Analysis of water and energy related fields industry and production/treatment capacity
- Analysis of public and private organizations committed in water sectors
- Analysis of water and energy markets and exports
- Assessing current trends in research and development in the Libyan water and energy sectors and its impact on local economy.
The collaboration of Libyan Ministries and other government departments performed to gather the necessary data to prepare a report (D2.6) on opportunities and threats of the water and energy sectors. During the training activities (WP3) there were the opportunity to collect opinions about the constraints and needs of the energy and water industries to create new opportunities improve its competitiveness.
Workpackage (WP3) - Training and Partnership
Two cycles of events organised. During the first cycle, trans-national events organised in Libyan Territories with the aim to provide GWA with information on the funding opportunities provided by the Framework Programme in water and energy related areas. During the second cycle, two mentoring workshop organised with the aim to transfer knowledge on the specific thematic priorities that are of interest to the selected organisations and relate to the current or upcoming calls of the Environment and PEOPLE programme.
Cooperation with INCONET MIRA project on the selected themes, the dates and agenda is envisaged in order to avoid duplication of efforts and confusion of the target group with too many training offers. Co-organisation of several training events is envisaged, as well as cross promotion of the events.
T3.1 Organization of training workshop (M6 - M20)
Task Leader: REDINN – Partners involved: All
This task comprised the following activities: (a) elaboration of training material, (b) selection of speakers, (c) invitation of the selected participants, and (d) delivery of the workshop. The workshop sessions covered the following topics:
• General presentation of FP7 as well as of the Environment Programme
• Guidelines on where to look for funding opportunities
• Guidelines on how to form a successful consortium
• Guidelines on how to prepare a proposal
• Information on contracting rules and project management
• Methods of work and communication in a European RTD project
Two Mentoring Workshops (three days each) were scheduled in Libya (but held in Tunisia): one was organised in month 6th and the second was organised in month 18th. The workshop organised in: i) invited lectures on the EU programme and cooperation opportunities covering the above-mentioned topics ; ii) seminars of Additional knowledge performed by researchers with experience in EU projects and mainly addressed to a wide audience, to provide skills in the organisation and management of international cooperation research projects. At the same time, a series of knowledge sharing events (in the form of one day seminars) organized by REDINN and GWA in the first six months of the WELL project in order to provide the researchers of the Libyan area about the tools, the procedures and opportunities for future co-operation in the EU projects. These workshops were conducted in Tunisia due to the situation in Libya.
T3.2 Evaluation of training workshop (M6 - M20)
Task Leader: GWA – Partners involved: All Each Mentoring Workshop and Knowledge Sharing event evaluated at the end of the event. Participants asked to evaluate the workshop through a questionnaire aiming to gather participants’ feedback on the content of the workshop, its relevance with the participants’ needs, etc. In order to disseminate the information of these events, all the presenting materials collected and published on a WELL web-site realised under the supervision of CIRCE and REDINN.
T3.3 Analysis of Project Opportunities and Ideas (M7-M20)
Task Leader: REDINN – Partners involved: All
This task aimed to analyse the opportunities available in the energy, water and related sectors, and in particular in the relevant challenges and topics already mentioned in task 3.1 and new ones that could emerge in the evolution of FP7. Based on the research needs, orientations and capabilities of the selected organisations, the WELL consortium tried to identify possible matching between the project ideas expressed by the target organisations and the topics established by the Environment programme. WELL partners provided then individual coaching sessions to organisations coming up with project ideas. The results of these activities will be also disseminated through the WELL web-site.
T3.4 One to One Sessions (M6-M20)
Task Leader: REDINN – Partners involved: GWA
REDINN was responsible for individual assistance and coaching, in one-to-one sessions to the specific GWA department and researchers either to shape them for being attractive to competitive future project consortia or to be able to aggregate other partners around project ideas they could coordinate. The above activities will entail substantial cooperation with other complementary initiatives aimed at the formation of new consortia in the Environment programme. People and Capacities (research infrastructure), for instance those that are more specifically devoted to support participation of GWA into FP7.
T3.5 Contacting Potential Project Proposers (M7-M24)
Task Leader: CTM – Partners involved: All
This activity performed at European level through contacts with the networks of the scientific area covered by the project and aims at finding partners for organizations that will engage into direct proposal submission or at exposing the technological offer emerging from organizations to the partner searches issuing from projects. A list of possible partners (research institutions, stakeholders and industrial companies) for future EU projects published on the WELL web-site.
Workpackage (WP4) - Capacity Building
T4.1 Capacity building in conducting energy research by means of installing experimental energy production system, list of Energy field Researchers and training activities (M8-M24)
Task leader: CIRCE – Partners involved: GWA
This task led by CIRCE in strict junction with GWA. According with the objective of this task, a plan to identify the competences that could still be necessary for the research activities had been developed.
An analysis of the existing structures and where to install the experimental stations had been performed together with the analysis of available funds.
The budget devoted to the laboratory has been moved to travel cost. Considering the situation in Libya and with the agreement of the PO, the Consortium changed the budget initially devoted to the creation of a new laboratory in Tripoli to travel to Tunisia,Djerba,2014. In this way more than 15 researchers had the opportunity to attend the organised training.
Training activities carried out under the supervision of CIRCE. One week course, during the study visit in Spain, had been organized for more than 15 researchers from GWA on innovative energy production systems. GWA recruited energy field researchers (D4.5) with a national call on specific topics that defined according to the tasks performed in WP2 and, in particular, considering these 2 principles: 1) compliance with FP7 and Horizon 2020 topics and strategies; 2) link between research and commercial opportunities for energy cluster. Five selected researchers benefited of a voucher of 1000,00 eur each, plus travel and accommodation expenses to perform the study visit foreseen in Task 4.3 in Spain.
An overview of the lack in the research had been conducted and local industries and energy suppliers contacted for a better understanding of their necessities and identify the best calls to fit with the available research proposals. A collaboration program with these industries and with some European Research Centres had been developed, to strength the research capacity of the GWA. Even high-level decision makers contacted to stimulate the development of innovative energy technologies in order to significantly reduce the dependence from abroad.
T4.2 Capacity building in conducting water research by means of installing experimental station for water capture, list of Water field Researchers and training activities (M8-M24)
Task leader: CTM – Partners involved: GWA
This task had been led by CTM in strict junction with GWA. According to the work package objective, this task focused on developing a capacity building plan to improve the water capacities of GWA by means of filling the knowledge gaps in water field. To do this, the following activities have been carried out:
- Training activities related to water field.
- Development of a collaboration program with local industries and Libyan and European research centres able to strength the research capacity of GWA in the field of water.
Initially, it was planned to make an analysis of the existing structures and possible locations to install new experimental facilities for water research. Because of the situation of instability existing in Libya, instead of finding the best suitable location to install the new facilities, training activities were performed. The budget dedicated to the acquisition of new laboratory equipment was reallocated in order to include more young researchers that could assist to the technical training. During trainings, which were held in Djerba (Tunis) in 23rd month, a session about how should be a water research laboratory was performed. Furthermore, other sessions were focused on the most powerful analytical techniques for water analysis, taking into account that actually only classical methods (titrations) are used in Libya. So, the training material was orientated to the experimental facilities. Also, sessions related to alternative water resources and water&energy nexus were carried out.
Technical trainings reached their goal to improve young Libyan researchers’ capacities on Water field.
Regarding the collaboration program, a list of possible partners able to develop researching activities in the field of water in the Libyan territory was prepared. This list contains:
- Research Centres of Libya
- Water companies
- Research Centres of Europe
This compilation of possible partners, together with the local industrial partners of Libya, can lead to private or public European supported collaborations that will increase the researching potential of GWA and the development of industrial and researching activities
T4.3 Study Visit Energy (M8-M23)
Task leader: CIRCE - Partners involved: GWA
In this task (M12) one exchange visit of energy fields researchers (6) from Libyan Territories to European Centres had been conducted in order to stimulate the exchange of experience and improve the contacts necessary to develop agreements between the different Centres. Each Libyan researcher benefited of a voucher of 1.000,00 eur, plus travel and accommodation expenses which is partially paid by the Libyan Ministry of Water Resources LMWR. (The 6th researcher had been funded completely by the LMWR to perform the study visit foreseen in Task 4.3) in Spain. Researchers selected from the list recruited in Task 4.1. During the two-weeks course that organized in Spain (task 4.1) visits of the following CIRCE laboratories and the following research activities had been scheduled: (1) Electrical Protections Systems Laboratory (2) Electrical Metrology Laboratory (3) Renewable Energies Integration Laboratory (4) Mobile Laboratory for Voltage Dips Tests in Wind Turbines (5) Electrical Substations Laboratory (6) Circulating Fluidized Bed Laboratory (7) Co-firing Laboratory (8) Oxyfiring Laboratory (9) Biomass Laboratory (10) Gasification Laboratory (11) LCA Laboratory.
T4.4 Study Visit Water (M8-M24)
Task leader: CTM – Partner involved: GWA
In this task (M12) one exchange visit of water fields researchers (9) from Libyan Territories to European Centres had been conducted in order to stimulate the exchange of experience and improve the contacts necessary to develop agreements between the different Centres. Each Libyan researcher benefited of a voucher of 1.000,00 eur, plus travel and accommodation expenses which is partially paid by the Libyan Ministry of Water Resources LMWR. (4 researchers had been funded completely by the LMWR to perform the study visit foreseen in Task 4.4) in Spain.
Researchers were the same recruited in Task 4.2. In the case of the Catalonian (NE region of Spain), with water scarcity problems in a Mediterranean climate, demonstrative visits related to aquifer recharge experiences, desalination processes, technologies of disinfection by-products removal and advanced micro-pollutants analysis among others were organised. These visits took place in the regions that have seen positive results from the above mentioned technologies. E.g Parc de l´agulla in Manresa where through biological treatment there has been a reduction in phosphorous from the lake which is the main abstraction point for water treatment of Manresa. The visits were planned to cover several topics all related to water cycle, and experts both from CTM and several Catalan institutions were responsible of its implementation.
Work package (WP5) - Developing GWA strategy
T5.1 Strategy Action Plan for Research Centre (M8-M12)
Task leader: GWA – Partners involved: CIRCE
A detailed business plan incorporated the GWA long term vision: to become an excellence and reference centre for energy and water use and treatments not only in the Libyan Area but also for neighboring countries and in general for the Mediterranean area. The analysis carried out in WP2 represented the starting point for the setting up of this plan. Other activities included:
• assessment of the potential demand in the reference area and the potential investment level in the next 3-5 years;
• detailed evaluation of the effort in terms of internal resources and related costs for building up a minimum critical mass for such activities;
• assessment of the potential GWA offer in terms of experience, expertise and facilities, including the capacity of designing, developing and managing transnational projects;
• detailed analysis of all possible funding sources including national funds, European funding programmes, other international funding programmes and opportunities offered by international institutions (e.g. FAO for agriculture).
T5.2 Identification and Selection of External Experts (M11-M14)
Task leader: CTM – Partners involved: GWA - CIRCE
This tasks aims to select internationally certified auditors. Selection criteria set to ensure that the selected auditor has sufficient relevant technical competence, of integrity and known for neutrality. It would also be ensured that a fair and independent assessment is conducted by the auditor. Qualification criteria for selection of the auditor was based on competence, training, qualifications and experience. Proof of training which led to obtaining the competence in the pertinent field would be requested. Evidence of knowledge and understanding of the standards against which auditing had been conducted.
Three external auditors were selected, one from an EU-state external to the project and the other from a non-EU country. One of the two had been a current or former research manager while the other two represented an energy and water industry expert.
T5.3 Expert review (M14-M18)
Task leader: CTM – Partners involved: GWA
After selection of the external auditors GWA provided the respective material of research centre business plan prepared in the framework of Task 5.1. A working session with three external auditors, GWA and CTM was performed in order to provide initial guidelines for the business plan and some recommendations.
The methodology followed for the external review of the strategy action plan and points out the strengths and weaknesses of the mentioned plan as well as main recommendations for improvement are presented in deliverable 5.3.
Work package (WP6) - Network Facilitation and Dissemination
The Network Facilitation and Dissemination work-package deals with important aspects of the work: on the one hand the need to facilitate the contacts and relationship between the Libyan Areas research centers and other European counterparts, on the other with the need to disseminate information about project activities and results to the widest possible audience, so as to maximise the impact of its action.
T6.1 Development of Dissemination Infrastructure and Materials (M1-M24)
Task Leader: REDINN – Partners Involved: All
This task aimed to develop the corporate identity and communication policy of the project, together with the necessary instruments (dissemination plan, as well structured web-site providing information about project activities and more in general about water research in the Mediterranean area). Networking activities were directed at enhancing the networking potential of the target organisations through contacts with other projects, events and support organisations such as for instance the National Contact Points opera in other countries and with any partner search platform or mechanism operation to contribute to partnership and consortia formation. WELL dissemination infrastructure stands on three pillars: digital media (website, electronic presentation materials), print media (dissemination materials in print) and public relations (communication with publics and mass media).
The WELL website is key part of the dissemination infrastructure, facilitating internal team zone, information about the project and its results, and sections for water research, FP7 promotion and energy and water research actors’ database. Thus, the website have four components:
• internal team zone for information management within the project, consisting of all project documentation, working and final versions of the deliverables, event planning and schedules, where all partners uploaded and administer the content;
• public section, which provided public information on the project, its activities and deliverables, up-to-date news, project calendar, announcements and invitations to the organized events, also presentations from the workshop;
• section for energy and water research and FP7 promotion, which displayed relevant background documents (studies, surveys, policies, etc) from Libyan Territories and Mediterranean Area, also FP7 components for the energy and water research;
• section for network facilitation and partnership building among water sector research actors with developed comprehensive water research actors database. The Network Facilitation and Dissemination work-package deals with important aspects of the work: on the one hand the need to facilitate the contacts and relationship between the Libyan Areas research centers and other European counterparts, on the other with the need to disseminate information about project activities and results to the widest possible audience, so as to maximise the impact of its action.
T6.2 Development of Showcase Brochures (M4-M12)
Task Leader: REDINN – Partners involved: GWA
Dissemination material was developed to showcase Libyan area achievements in Energy and Water Research and most potential research actors. For instance, the 30 research profiles, emerging as the ones having a higher potential for participation in FP activities, was presented in a set of showcase brochures highlighting their research activities and strategies, to be then disseminated on the web and at networking events (also other than the ones organised by the project). The showcased profiles will be selected during knowledge sharing events and partnership (WP3).
T6.3 Networking Activities and Contacts with other Relevant EU Initiatives (M1-M24)
Task Leader: CTM – Partners involved: CIRCE
CIRCE and CTM, having extensive energy and water research capacities and strong links to water research sector stakeholders within the EU, supported this activity while serving as a gateway for internationalization of Libyan energy and water research centers.
Particular attention paid on fostering links with European Initiatives, also other networks, European research centers, projects and initiatives in environmental protection and water resources management sectors while aiming for better Libyan Areas inclusion in ERA. Selected relevant EU events addressing FP7 and Water research was attended in order to promote a Libyan research community and foster networking possibilities.
These events created links between researches carried out in the Libyan Territories and relevant EU initiatives and projects, as well to be a source of new contacts for further promotional activities. Contacts, established through this activity, enabled targeted study visits in European research centres, better involvement in various R&D projects and exchange of research information to increase research capacities of the Libyan area.
Interaction with clusters related to water research and market internationalization, such as CWP (Catalan Water Partnership) and the Connect-EU WATER were also considered. In order to increase visibility and scope of GWA, networking activities organised together with other ERA-WIDE coordinators of the Region. This exchange of practices between projects contributed to give a feedback to national authority on the processes of R&D internationalisation. The coordinator was also ensured the adequate links and coherence with the INCO-NET activities of the International Cooperation activities of the Capacities Programme.
T6.4 Final Conference (M24)
Task Leader: GWA – Partners involved: All
Final conference was held in Tripoli (Libya) on 23 December 2014 to represent project results, and, in particular, Energy and Water Research and Innovation priorities for Libyan Territories, organizedby research centre GWA. Energy and Water research actors invited to meet high-level EU representatives, policy makers, National Contact Points and successful project coordinators. The conference was envisaged to include scientific content on latest developments in water research sector as well a cultural programme. The event extensively promoted and transmitted through various media channels (electronic, print and broadcast) within and outside of the Libyan Territories. The agenda of this conference and the participants list are given in Annex (4 and 5).
Potential Impact:
In this framework, the WELL project has been conceived to identify and train suitable researchers for the establishment of a support mechanism aimed at the preparation of successful proposals and the widest possible diffusion of information. The issues that expected to gain and evaluated from WELL project after implementing its activities are:
• Developing the Research Center’s Strategy
• Contribution to RTD capacity building in the target country
• Increased job opportunities in the country for young scientists
• Socio and economic impact
Against the specific objectives targeted by the WELL project, as highlighted in the DOW, all results have been achieved. In the annex Table 1 – Final results achieved by the project are listed, objective per objective, the related tasks implemented.
• Developing the research centre’s strategy
The primary impact is strengthening of the GWA research capability in water management and renewable energy and – since this is a typically horizontal domain – in many related areas, such as environment, sanitation and many others. This is conducted through study visits between Libyan and European researchers, briefings, exchange of experience and providing access to latest research equipment. This is achieved through two study visits one for energy and the other for water, producing two important reports (T2.1 and T2.2) concerning the analyses of energy and water research and policies. Further ideas encouraged to be adopted among GWA research strategy based on the reports produced under this activity benefitting from European research experience.
• Contribution to RTD capacity building in the target country
A detailed business plan concerning RTD capacity was fitted into the GWA long term vision, to become an excellence and reference centre for water use and treatments in Libya and also for neighboring countries and in general for the Mediterranean area.
• Increased job opportunities in the country for young scientists
Significant impact of the proposed project reinforced the research centre to be established in the Libya by putting strategy for researches concerning the subject of energy and water studies in Libya (see report T5.1). Enhancing professional skills of young researchers, more effective contacts, relationship and increasing cooperation among the researchers, also carried out through workshops, meetings and conferences. The proposed mobility of young as well as senior scientists shall help in faster learning, training and developing new ideas, which will all together increase a potential of these GWA centre for a high quality research. This all shall give opportunity for planning joint activities within future project in the European Research Area, improving dissemination of knowledge, increasing a number of scientific publications. WELL, consequently generate employment opportunities, including among young scientists, and help counter forces pushing for scientific brain-drain to foreign universities, institutes and companies.
• Socio and economic impact
The socio-economic impact of WELL is expected to be even more significant in the long term. The proposed activities identified the partners that possess specific S&T potential with which GWA future activities should focus its collaboration and will marketing and publicize the centre at an International level. Such activities enhanced GWA possibilities for collaboration with other research entities in future projects, expand their network and support their scientific as well as their financial prospects. In addition, wider positive economic effect followed from a range of enhanced knowledge exchanges, and as various processes in innovation and entrepreneurship are put in motion.
• Networking and Dissemination activities
During WELL project, partners have performed 18 networking and Dissemination actions at European level, in Belgium (7), Spain (5) and Portugal (1), and at international level in Egypt (2), Libya (2) and Morocco (1). Through these actions they covered issues related to water management, energy as well as RD management. Several events gave the opportunity to the WELL partners to exchange experiences with other Mediterranean countries.
During networking activities, several relevant H2020 calls have been identified:
- Water 1b. Demonstration/pilot activities
- Water 5c. Development of water supply and sanitation technology, systems and tools, and/or methodologies
- Water-2b. Integrated approaches to food security, low-carbon energy, sustainable water management and climate change mitigation
Networking and Dissemination actions are detailed in the Table A2.
List of Websites:
www.well-project.eu