SciTransfer
NAMOR · Project

Modular Algae-Based Wastewater Treatment Systems for Decentralized Urban Water Management

environmentTestedTRL 5

Imagine a smart, compact filter that uses a team of tiny algae and bacteria to clean dirty water. It works like a plug-and-play appliance for a neighborhood, turning waste into clean water and useful biomass. A digital twin acts like a remote control, predicting how the system performs in different weather conditions.

By the numbers
14
consortium partners
3
climate zones for demonstration
9
countries involved
The business problem

What needed solving

Centralized water systems are often inefficient, energy-heavy, and unable to handle local wastewater needs flexibly. There is a lack of compact, automated tools that can treat water on-site while recovering nutrients.

The solution

What was built

A modular hybrid microalgae-membrane photobioreactor and a digital twin model with predictive analytics and a Decision Support System.

Audience

Who needs this

Municipal water utility managersGreen urban developersIndustrial wastewater treatment firmsCircular economy energy producers
Business applications

Who can put this to work

Municipal Infrastructure
enterprise
Target: Urban Water Utility

If you are a water utility dealing with aging centralized pipes and high energy costs — this project developed a modular plug-and-play system that enables local, site-specific treatment. It reduces the load on main networks and lowers energy consumption.

Real Estate Development
mid-size
Target: Sustainable Housing Developer

If you are a developer building eco-districts dealing with strict wastewater regulations — this project developed a compact hybrid photobioreactor that fits into decentralized systems. It allows for on-site water recovery and nutrient recycling for landscaping.

Industrial Water Management
any
Target: Industrial Plant Operator

If you are a plant operator dealing with diverse wastewater streams and high disposal fees — this project developed a membrane photobioreactor that produces high-quality effluent. The resulting biomass can be valorized for energy recovery to lower operational costs.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What is the cost or price of the system?

Based on available project data, specific pricing or cost figures are not provided.

Can this be scaled to an industrial level?

The system is designed as a modular plug-and-play solution for decentralized management, with testing planned across three different climate zones to ensure robustness.

How is the IP and licensing handled?

Based on available project data, there is no specific information regarding the licensing model or patent strategy.

How does it integrate with existing city infrastructure?

The system is designed to integrate seamlessly into existing centralized water networks, allowing for local treatment without replacing the entire grid.

What is the timeline for deployment?

The project period runs from 2025-06-01 to 2029-05-31, suggesting the technology will be refined and demonstrated during this window.

Consortium

Who built it

The consortium is well-balanced for commercialization, featuring 14 partners from 9 countries. With an industry ratio of 29% (including 4 industrial partners and 3 SMEs), there is a strong bridge between the 6 universities and the market, ensuring the technical development is aligned with industrial needs.

How to reach the team

Contact DIETHNES PANEPISTIMIO ELLADOS in Greece

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Contact us to track the development of this modular water system for your infrastructure portfolio.

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