A delegation from ITC and University of Évora visits the University of Palermo with the aim of learning firsthand about its pioneering technologies in brine valorization from desalination plants. They also had the opportunity to explore the magnesium and calcium precipitation prototype that will be included in the pilot plant for the Sol2H20 project.
Ángel Rivero, a researcher from ITC, recently visited Sicily to engage with the facilities of the University of Palermo (UNIPA) and its spin-off, ResourSeas, as part of the SOL2H2O project. Joined by Frederico Felizardo from the University of Évora, coordinator of the project, both researchers could explore UNIPA’s groundbreaking advancements in brine valorisation, an area where the university is a global leader.
During their visit to Trapani, the delegation toured the iconic salt works and commissioned the MF-PFR (multi-feed plug flow reactor) pilot plant, a key technology patented by UNIPA. This innovative system, designed for magnesium recovery from brines, will soon be transported to UÉvora (Portugal) to integrate with the pilot plant under construction there. The UÉvora facility will combine this technology with a photovoltaic-powered reverse osmosis system provided by ITC and a Membrane Distillation (MD) unit supplied by CIEMAT (also a SOL2H2O partner), reflecting a collaborative effort to create sustainable and energy-efficient water management solutions.
The team also gained insights into the chemical analyses essential for system control and product quality assurance. These detailed protocols ensure the efficient operation of the MF-PFR system and the high-quality recovery of valuable resources. This visit marks an important step in the SOL2H2O project’s mission to address water scarcity and promote circular economy practices in water and brine management across Europe.
This initiative is part of the scope of project Sol2H2O – European Twinning for research in Solar energy to (2) water (H2O) production and treatment technologies, funded by the European Commission through Horizon Europe GA Nr. 101079305.
Sol2H20 project is integrated into the DESAL+ Living Lab Platform, a collaborative research and innovation ecosystem focused on advancing desalination technologies and their integration into sustainable water management solutions.
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