What would it cost to implement these subsurface water solutions?+
The project data does not include specific cost figures per installation. However, the objective explicitly mentions that subsurface water solutions deliver financial savings compared to conventional freshwater supply methods, and business cases were developed as part of the project to quantify costs for different regions.
Can these solutions work at industrial scale?+
Yes. The project demonstrated solutions at full scale, not just lab conditions. Two reference sites reached TRL 8 (Freshmaker and ASR Coastal), meaning they are system-complete and qualified for real operational environments. Seven demonstration sites were built across 4 countries covering different geological conditions.
What about intellectual property and licensing?+
The consortium includes 6 SMEs and 9 industry partners who co-developed these technologies. KWR Water BV (Netherlands) coordinated the project. Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not published, but the explicit goal was commercialization and market breakthrough, suggesting the IP holders are open to business arrangements.
Does this work in different geological conditions?+
Yes — the project deliberately tested across varied conditions: karstic aquifer in Schinias, Greece (TRL 6), confined fractured chalk aquifer in Falster Island, Denmark (TRL 5), and sites in the Netherlands and Venice reaching TRL 6-8. This range of geological settings proves the technology adapts to different coastal environments.
What regulatory approvals exist for these technologies?+
The project included standardization activities as part of its market breakthrough strategy. Based on available project data, specific regulatory certifications are not detailed, but the solutions were tested at real operational sites with public-private partnerships, which typically require regulatory compliance.
How quickly can these solutions be deployed?+
The project ran from 2015 to 2018 and achieved TRL 8 at two reference sites, meaning deployment-ready technology exists. The market replication component covered regions in Europe, USA, Brazil, China, and Vietnam, indicating the team built deployment roadmaps for multiple geographies.
Is there ongoing support or a community around these solutions?+
The project built an online platform linked to existing networks including the European Innovation Partnership on Water. The consortium of 15 partners across 4 countries provides a network of knowledge providers, technology SMEs, consultants, and end-users for continued support.
