From the beginning of the AccelWater project until its end in month 54 (M54), significant progress has been made across all work packages, achieving key milestones and results in line with the project’s objectives. The foundational framework for project implementation, including project management guidelines, risk mitigation strategies, ethical compliance, and data management protocols, was successfully established and followed throughout the whole period. Demonstrator sites for tomato, meat, fish processing, and industrial symbiosis were designed, implemented and operated successfully, with installation of industrial and low-cost sensors and the development of a centralized data repository. The AI-driven AccelWater platform was designed and developed to support real-time monitoring and control, while a robust communication and dissemination strategy—featuring newsletters, printed/digital materials, project videos, exceeding most of the KPIs.
Technologically, the project delivered substantial environmental and resource efficiency outcomes. More than 8,000 m³ of stormwater was harvested, 7 types of water quality were managed, freshwater use was reduced by 30%, 9 types of water/wastewater treatment, reclaiming and reusing technologies were developed, 11 technologies related to waste processing were developed and the quantity of materials extracted exceeded 10.000kg. More than 10 types of materials extracted, as well as thermal and electrical energy recovery, further validated the project’s water-waste-energy nexus. In Spanish demonstrator up to 25% of treated wastewater was reused on-site, along with the production of nutrient-rich agronomic products and renewable biogas and biomass fuels.
On the exploitation and business development front, an exploitation plan and replication assessment methodology were established. The project’s innovations have gained traction internationally, with low-cost technologies adopted by three municipalities and one football federation, and ten follower cases confirmed globally. AccelWater has also inspired over ten externally funded projects, exceeding initial targets. The project also ensured widespread dissemination and high replication potential.
