The SME Instrument Phase 1 of the project has been successfully finished after 6 months by the end of February 2017. The business plan has been sharpened and the technical and economic feasibility has been proven. The WTS desalination technology is a simple and easy to implement technology, with the possibility of local support and maintenance, even in locations with low-level technical infrastructures. The Mediterranean region had been selected as the pilot market for the project due to its permanent deficient water supply balance, high water and energy cost at the islands, and a need for the reduction of adverse environmental effects through desalination. The most important benefits derived from this project are the detailed analysis of the market size in the target market Greece and the identification of pilot customers. The work performed included the following activities:
• A market and competitor analysis was carried out for Greece, where WTS has identified strengths and weaknesses of current and potential competitors, in order to form a strategic marketing for Water4Food technology. The major players offer large scale desalination solutions, based on reverse osmosis technology, with the well-known negative environmental impacts and with high operating costs.
• The main actors and stakeholders in the Greek market have been identified for further business and cooperation purposes.
• The interest in the technology has been confirmed by the market. Two potential pilot customers have been identified to realise a future demonstration project.
• WTS finalized a study on relevant national regulations wrt the installation of desalination plants in Greece.
• WTS applied for further patents to protect the technology.
• The technology was brought to a higher maturity level. Technical improvements are based on market feedback.
Concluding, WTS offers a technology with substantial and sustainable competitive advantage against the main competitors, which is promising a long-term profitability and a dynamic entry into the Greek market. At the moment, there is no other technology available, which combines cost effectiveness (investment and operation), zero environmental impacts and option for operation with waste heat from existing plants or renewable energy sources.
