The LIFE TURBINES project, an EU-funded initiative aimed at transforming excess pressure in urban drinking water networks into clean electricity, celebrated a significant milestone during its 21st-month meeting held in Tortosa. The gathering brought together project partners, stakeholders, and the LIFE Programme monitor to assess progress and strategize future developments.
The meeting featured morning presentations detailing the project’s advancements, followed by an afternoon field visit showcasing the installation of the first microturbine in Tortosa. This microturbine is set to power a public fountain with clean, refrigerated water and will later supply energy to ornamental lighting, exemplifying the project’s commitment to sustainable urban enhancements.
Beyond Tortosa, pilot sites in Valencia, Spain, and Scansano, Italy, are preparing for validation phases. These pilots aim to demonstrate the scalability and adaptability of the LIFE TURBINES model in diverse urban settings, emphasizing minimal disruption during implementation. The project also highlighted its comprehensive impact assessment system, which monitors energy generation, emissions reductions, and urban benefits. Efforts are underway to develop legal, technical, and business frameworks to facilitate replication across European cities.
Community engagement remains a cornerstone of LIFE TURBINES. Through workshops, events, and educational initiatives, the project has reached hundreds, fostering awareness about the nexus of water and energy and inspiring collective action towards sustainability. As LIFE TURBINES progresses, the focus will shift to validating pilot results and exploring opportunities for broader implementation, reinforcing the project’s vision of integrating hydropower solutions into urban infrastructure for a greener future.
