The LIFE TURBINES project was recognised at Water Innovation Day 2026, held in Barcelona and organised by the Catalan Water Partnership, where Josep Manel Rillo Lleixá of Aigües de Tortosa delivered the project’s elevator pitch in the event’s project showcase block. LIFE TURBINES was awarded first prize by the WID judges, marking an important milestone for the consortium and a strong endorsement of the project’s innovative approach to recovering energy from urban drinking-water networks.
Water Innovation Day brought together a wide range of actors from the water sector, including public bodies, research centres, companies and other stakeholders, to exchange ideas on innovation and sustainable water management. In this setting, LIFE TURBINES presented its hydropower model as a practical solution for generating clean electricity from excess pressure in existing water infrastructure, without compromising water quality or supply.
The award highlights both the technical relevance and the communication strength of the project, as well as the value of clear, accessible innovation narratives when engaging with the water sector. For LIFE TURBINES, this recognition adds momentum to ongoing efforts to demonstrate, validate and replicate the solution in urban environments across Europe.
