Launched in October 2023, LIFE ELEKTRA is a groundbreaking European initiative co-funded by the LIFE Programme of the European Union. The project aims to revolutionize water treatment by integrating circular economy principles to address nitrate pollution in drinking water sources. By employing innovative electrochemical denitrification technology powered by renewable energy, LIFE ELEKTRA seeks to transform nitrate-contaminated water into clean, drinkable water, generate green hydrogen, and recover valuable salts, contributing to a zero-waste, sustainable process.
Project Objectives and Approach
LIFE ELEKTRA focuses on developing and validating an integrated, cost-effective, and transferable system for nitrate removal from water. The core of the project is the use of electrochemical denitrification to convert nitrates into harmless nitrogen gas. The process is powered by renewable energy sources, including photovoltaic systems, and produces green hydrogen as a valuable by-product. Additionally, the project aims to valorize waste products, such as salts, aligning with the principles of a circular economy.
Pilot Demonstrations Across Europe
To demonstrate the scalability and adaptability of the technology, LIFE ELEKTRA will implement pilot plants in three distinct locations: Gandía and Gran Canaria in Spain, and Mgarr in the Republic of Malta. Each site presents unique challenges related to nitrate pollution, providing a comprehensive assessment of the system’s effectiveness in diverse environments.
Consortium Partners
The LIFE ELEKTRA project is coordinated by Aguas de Valencia S.A. (Global Omnium) and brings together a multidisciplinary consortium of eight partners from Spain, Italy, and Malta.
– Aguas de Valencia S.A. (Project Coordinator)
– University of Alicante
– University of Valencia
– Instituto Tecnológico de la Energía (ITE)
– Apria Systems S.L.
– Instituto Tecnológico de Canarias (ITC)
– Water Services Corporation
– REDINN
Each partner contributes specialized expertise, ranging from water treatment and renewable energy integration to communication and dissemination activities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to achieving the project’s objectives.
Project Timeline and Funding
LIFE ELEKTRA is a 42-month project, running from October 2023 to March 2027. With a total budget of €2,329,944.26, the project receives 60% co-financing from the European Union through the LIFE Programme.
Join Us on Our Journey
LIFE ELEKTRA represents a significant step toward sustainable water management and energy production. By addressing the pressing issue of nitrate pollution through innovative, eco-friendly solutions, the project contributes to the European Union’s environmental goals and the broader global effort to protect our water resources.
Stay informed about our progress and learn more about the LIFE ELEKTRA project by visiting our official website: www.elektralifeproject.eu.
