The first of the two online debate sessions organized by the Chair of Transformation of the Economic Model of the University of Valencia took place, with the title of Conference on success stories in the implementation of circular economy projects in the water sector .
This virtual meeting has had the testimony of experts and managers of companies such as Global Omniun, Hidraqua or the Public Water Sanitation Entity (EPSAR), in addition to the coordination of the director of the Chair, Francesc Hernández.
The conference was opened by the General Director of the Economic Model of the Generalitat Valenciana, Juan Pérez, who stated that “the circular economy is an opportunity and the Valencian Strategy for Recovery will be presented shortly, which will serve to present projects and attract financing Within this initiative there will also be a line dedicated to water and the circular economy “.
Among the most interesting ideas of the different speakers and the experiences of companies and entities, we have the one presented by Augusto Montamarta, manager of EPSAR: “the only possible alternative is to abandon the extractive linear model and establish circularity in another application”. Montamarta has also pointed out that “we are laying the foundations for private sector actors to help Administrations to achieve the objectives of the circular economy”.
On the other hand, Jaime Castillo, director of institutional relations at Global Omnium, has taken the floor and presented the ‘Life-ECOdigestion’ project that “allows us to convert sludge into a by-product and not a waste, producing biogas. With this project we increase 14% biogas production and almost 200% waste treatment – a field where we have examples of ‘zero dumping’ in places like the Netherlands. ”
Another of Castillo’s contributions regarding success stories in circular economy applied to water has been the reference to the RENATURWAT project, also within the European ‘Life’ program of which the Chair is also part, through the Water Economy Group of the University of Valencia, and whose objective is the creation of artificial wetlands. “A project that makes us very excited and that is already in operation”.
Jaime Anguiano, Hidraqua‘s operations manager, then took the floor and stated that “one of the current objectives is to reduce the equivalent of 20% of water consumption per inhabitant per year”. Anguiano continued his presentation by explaining several examples of the company’s actions in the strategy to combat climate change, such as the “ReWater Global Plan 2017-2021”.
The director of the Chair, Francesc Hernández, pointed out that “what is really important is to maintain the European ecological strategy, the Green Pact, also in times of pandemic.”
Next Thursday, November 19, the second and last of these on-line conferences will be held, with the title of “Conference on the promotion of circular economy projects in local administration.”