The Canary Islands Institute of Technology (ITC) presented its latest advances in sustainable water management, renewable-energy-powered desalination and climate resilience at the second International Symposium on Innovations in Solar Desalination and Water Management (ISSD-WM 26), held in Tangier, Morocco, on 8–9 July.
Under the theme “Smart and Sustainable Water Systems: Innovation, Circular Economy, Climate Resilience and Peace,” the symposium brought together experts from research institutions, universities, public administrations and companies to explore innovative solutions to global water challenges.
ITC expert Javier Acerete, participated as a keynote speaker, presenting the Institute’s experience in applied research and international cooperation. His presentation, “Solar and renewable pathways to sustainable water: from the world’s most efficient desalination plant to PV microgrids for West African communities,” highlighted several key initiatives.
Among them was DESALRO 2.0®, an innovative seawater reverse-osmosis pilot plant recognised by Guinness World Records in 2025 for achieving the world’s lowest energy consumption for a desalination plant of its kind, at 1.794 kWh per cubic metre. The experience has supported the development and optimisation of desalination technologies, helping reduce energy consumption, carbon emissions and water production costs.
ITC also presented ODEMAR, a digital tool developed with Ingeniería Calero Luna through the IDIWATER project. The application helps identify the most suitable combination of photovoltaic and wind energy, grid connection and energy storage for powering desalination plants, particularly in coastal, island and remote areas.
Another highlighted initiative was DESALIFE, an EU LIFE-funded project developing a modular desalination system powered directly by wave energy. The technology aims to reduce dependence on conventional electricity, lower CO₂ emissions and minimise the environmental impact of desalination facilities in water-stressed coastal and island regions.
The presentation also showcased WACCID, an Interreg MAC 2021–2027 project led by ITC to strengthen climate adaptation and basic infrastructure in coastal and river communities across West Africa and Macaronesia. Activities in Senegal, The Gambia, Ghana and São Tomé and Príncipe focus on water supply and treatment, photovoltaic microgrids and batteries, sanitation, waste management, cooling and infrastructure planning. The project combines tailored technological solutions with training, knowledge transfer and local capacity building to ensure long-term sustainability.
ITC’s participation in ISSD-WM 26 provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge with international institutions and strengthen partnerships aimed at developing more efficient, sustainable and climate-resilient water management systems, while showcasing the technological expertise developed in the Canary Islands.
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