Researchers from the Chair for the Transformation of the Economic Model of the Universitat de València present the results of their research on water management and circular economy in the 49th AECR International Congress of Regional Science held in Pamplona
Els estudis de viabilitat i l’eficiència en els projectes d’economia circular en el sector de l’aigua són els reptes abordats pels membres de la Càtedra de Transformació del Model Econòmic: Economia Circular de la Generalitat Valenciana i la Universitat de València (GVA-UV), dirigida per Francesc Hernández, en el marc del XLVIII Congrés Internacional AECR “Desenvolupament Econòmic Regional (DER): A la recerca de millorar el Benestar Econòmic, Polític i Social de cada Regió”, que ha reunit del 15 al 17 d’octubre a Pamplona nombrosos experts internacionals.
Research on feasibility and efficiency in projects regarding circular economy in the water sector are the challenges addressed by the members of the Chair for the Transformation of the Economic Model. Circular Economy of Generalitat Valenciana (Valencian Government) and the Universitat de València (GVA-UV), directed by Francesc Hernández, within the framework of the 48th AECR International Congress of Regional Science "Regional Economic Development (RED)" Looking for the improvement of Economic, Politic and Social well-being of each Region" that has brought together several international experts from 15 to 17 October in Pamplona.
According to Full-time university professor Francesc Hernández, who also coordinates the Water Economics Group of the University of Valencia (GEA-UV), an important part of the work of the team of Valencian researchers is to make visible the work carried out in order to provide proposals that allow progress towards a new economic model based on circular economy, while at the same time contributing to the awareness and sensitisation of society in this area.
In this sense, in one of the papers presented under the name of: Technical feasibility and profitability in the implementation of circular economy, a practical example of the valorisation of wastes as strategy to confront energetic and climate current challenges. It proves that the implementation of the principles of circular economy in our production model becomes completely feasible and even profitable.
On the other hand, doctor Lledó Castellet Viciano has presented a paper called: Cost analysis of biomethane production in wastewater treatment plants, addressing the economic viability of transforming conventional WWTPs into biofactories aimed at energy self-sufficiency and decarbonisation of the urban water cycle. In order to do that, different investment, operation and maintenance scenarios are evaluated, considering variables such as production scale, the efficiency of the upgrading system, gas market prices and applicable regulatory incentives. The application of available technologies represent a strategic opportunity to move towards energetically self-sufficient models with a low carbon footprint.
Moreover, doctor Castellet has presented a conference that addresses the economic quantification of the social benefits of water reuse through a technology based on Valoración Multicriterio Analítico (AMUVAM). During the last years, this method has been widely used to give monetary value to environmental benefits of projects through the evaluation of ecosystem services. It consists of a technique that allows the quantification of economic value of those benefits that do not have market value or are difficult to obtain. Doctor Castellet has also moderated a very productive session focused on Green Economy and Sustainable Development from a multidisciplinary perspective.
The Chair for the Transformation of the Economic Model: Circular Economy
The Chair for the Transformation of the Economic Model: Circular Economy of the Generalitat Valenciana and the Universitat de València has as subject of study the elaboration of proposals, the promotion of knowledge and the dissemination of issues related to the circular economy perspective. It aims to promote the transformation of the current economic model towards another one based on innovation, knowledge and sustainability from an environmental, productive and social point of view.
Under the sponsorship of the Regional Ministry of Finance, Economy and Public Administration of the Generalitat Valenciana, this chair is directed by Francesc Hernández and its activity is focused on the promotion of circular economy through training, research and dissemination activities.
In addition, the Chair for the Transformation of the Economic Model: Circular Economy is part of a Network of Chairs for the Transformation of the Economic Model in which all the Public Universities of the Valencian Community are integrated.
