DESOLINATION Project: Highlights from the 6th Progress Meeting in Firenze

DESOLINATION Project: Highlights from the 6th Progress Meeting in Firenze

by | Dec 18, 2024 | News, Project meetings

Last week, the DESOLINATION project partners gathered in Firenze for the 6th progress meeting, hosted by Baker Hughes. We extend our sincere gratitude to Baker Hughes for their hospitality and the organization of this important event.

As the holiday season approaches, the DESOLINATION team reflects on the significant progress made this year while preparing for the critical milestones that lie ahead. The discussions in Firenze emphasized both the achievements and the adjustments necessary to ensure the successful realization of the project’s objectives.

A central focus of the meeting was the demonstration plant in Riyadh, a cornerstone of the DESOLINATION initiative. While the development of most components is nearing completion, several timeline adjustments were addressed.

See Our Demo Plant

We had the opportunity to visit Baker Hughes’s Technical Training Academy. Baker Hughes is a leader in energy technology and specializes in advanced equipment for energy production, including turbomachinery for new-generation power cycles.

In the DESOLINATION project, they are designing the innovative power cycle and customized power block turbomachinery critical to the project’s success.

The visit highlighted Baker Hughes’ key contributions and inspired our team with a deeper understanding of their role in achieving the project’s vision.

As 2024 draws to a close, we extend our warmest holiday wishes to all our partners and supporters. Here’s to a successful and impactful 2025, as we continue to advance our shared vision of sustainable water and energy solutions.

Let us maintain this momentum as we strive toward completing the DESOLINATION project and delivering innovative solutions that benefit communities worldwide.
Explore Our Innovations

DESOLINATION Project Presented at the VII DIMI Conference in Brescia

|

On November 29th, Gioele Di Marcoberardino, representing DESOLINATION project partner UNIBS (University of Brescia), delivered a compelling session titled \"More Than Just Energy: The H2020 DESOLINATION Project.\" Presented in Italian, his talk offered an insightful overview of the project\'s objectives and its transformative impact.The DESOLINATION project, funded under the European…

DESOLINATION partners at SolarPACES 2024: Showcasing Groundbreaking Research in Renewable Energy Innovation!

|

At the 30th SolarPACES conference in Rome, Italy, the DESOLINATION project, represented by its partners, the University of Derby, Teesside University, and UNIBS, made an impressive impact with its innovative research on renewable energy and desalination technologies.Revolutionizing Power Generation with CO2-Mixture Based Power CyclesOne of the standout moments was the…

Join our “New developments in membranes” online workshop

|

In the last days, our project member, Prof. Frank Lipnizki from the Department of Chemical Engineering of Lund University (Sweden) has had the opportunity to organise a workshop on “New Membrane Developments” with some great international speakers. The online workshop is free-of-charge and took place on Thursday 7th of December…

Membrane Desalination 2023 (MEMDES2023)

|

Join the DESOLINATION project partners at the 6th International Conference on Desalination using Membrane Technology in Sitges (Spain) from 19th to 22nd November 2023 to discuss the latest developments in desalination using membrane technology!Three of our project partners Nadin Al-Jariry, Jonas Hedlund from the Department of Chemical Engineering at Luleå…

DESOLINATION project presented in Swedish high schools!

|

Since March 2023, a poster presenting the DESOLINATION project, designed by Nadin Al-Jariry, a PhD student in chemical technology at the Chemical Engineering Division of Luleå University of Technology, has been presented in 55 high schools in Sweden to at least 15-20 people per school.

Soós Ernő International Scientific Conference (VSZI’23)

|

After presenting the \'Implementation of thermo-responsive polyalkylene glycol-based draw solutions in the forward osmosis process\' (co-prepared by I. Petrinić, N. Jančič, and H. Bukšek) at Soós Ernő\'s international scientific conference on Water and wastewater treatment in the industry in 2022 (VSZI\'22), our project partner, the University of Maribor, is back…

DESOLINATION Project Presented at the VII DIMI Conference in Brescia

DESOLINATION Project Presented at the VII DIMI Conference in Brescia

by | Nov 16, 2024 | Events, News, Workshop

On November 29th, Gioele Di Marcoberardino, representing DESOLINATION project partner UNIBS (University of Brescia), delivered a compelling session titled “More Than Just Energy: The H2020 DESOLINATION Project.” Presented in Italian, his talk offered an insightful overview of the project’s objectives and its transformative impact.
See Presentation

The DESOLINATION project, funded under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 program, aims to tackle sustainability challenges by advancing technologies that combine renewable energy production with efficient water desalination systems. Through his presentation, Gioele Di Marcoberardino emphasized that DESOLINATION is not merely focused on energy generation but also addresses critical global needs such as clean water access and resource efficiency—essential pillars for a sustainable future.

The session provided attendees with insight into how interdisciplinary engineering solutions, like those developed in DESOLINATION, contribute to the broader goals of environmental sustainability and innovation. It also underscored the importance of collaboration between research institutions, industry, and society in achieving these ambitious objectives.

Download Flyer
The conference concluded with a guided tour of the historic Palazzo Loggia, allowing participants to network and reflect on the impactful discussions of the day.

DESOLINATION Project Presented at the Onshore Energy Conference (OEC) London 2024

DESOLINATION Project Presented at the Onshore Energy Conference (OEC) London 2024

by | Nov 15, 2024 | Events, News

On Tuesday, November 5th, 2024, the DESOLINATION project took center stage at the Onshore Energy Conference (OEC) in London, where approximately 450 delegates gathered at Convene, 155 Bishopsgate.

This year’s theme, “Bridging the Gap”, brought together key players from the energy insurance sector to address challenges such as emerging risks, sustainable capital, and the rapid evolution of technology.

Cranfield University, a key partner in the DESOLINATION project, was honored as an invited keynote speaker at the event. Cranfield’s representatives introduced the project and highlighted their research activities, demonstrating how the DESOLINATION project aligns with the evolving needs of the energy sector.

In their presentation, Cranfield emphasized the project’s pioneering role in combining renewable energy with innovative desalination technologies to address two global priorities: clean energy production and sustainable water resources. By bridging these critical areas, DESOLINATION provides solutions that align with both the energy transition and risk mitigation objectives essential for the energy insurance market.

See CRANFIELD Presentation

Zoom on the Event

The Onshore Energy Conference, known for its role in fostering dialogue and collaboration, provided a unique platform for Cranfield to showcase DESOLINATION’s advancements. With the energy insurance market facing challenges from geopolitical uncertainties, macro-economic shifts, and technological changes, projects like DESOLINATION demonstrate the potential to bridge gaps between innovation, sustainability, and risk management.

The session delivered valuable insights into how cutting-edge research can support the energy insurance sector in navigating emerging risks while addressing environmental sustainability goals. The conference format, which included plenary discussions, focus groups, and TED-style talks, allowed participants to engage deeply with these timely and significant topics.

Learn More

DESOLINATION partners at SolarPACES 2024: Showcasing Groundbreaking Research in Renewable Energy Innovation!

DESOLINATION partners at SolarPACES 2024: Showcasing Groundbreaking Research in Renewable Energy Innovation!

by | Oct 14, 2024 | Events, News

At the 30th SolarPACES conference in Rome, Italy, the DESOLINATION project, represented by its partners, the University of Derby, Teesside University, and UNIBS, made an impressive impact with its innovative research on renewable energy and desalination technologies.

Revolutionizing Power Generation with CO2-Mixture Based Power Cycles

One of the standout moments was the presentation by Teesside University’s Net Zero team. Represented by Professor Patchigolla Kumar and his dynamic research team—Dr. Abubakr Ayub, Balkan Mutlu, and Kristofer Poirier—the team shared groundbreaking advancements in concentrated solar power (CSP) and sustainable desalination.

Balkan Mutlu presented their cutting-edge research, “Optimizing CO2-Mixture Based Power Cycles for CSP Applications: A Multi-Objective Approach.”

See Presentation

This work has the potential to revolutionize Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems and significantly enhance their efficiency.

  • Utilizing advanced multi-objective optimization techniques to improve efficiency,
  • Developing novel CO2-mixture working fluids that enhance power generation.

By focusing on optimizing these critical aspects, the team aims to significantly boost the performance of CSP plants, pushing the boundaries of renewable energy generation. The innovative approach promises higher efficiencies and lower emissions, making CSP a more viable solution for global energy challenges.

Tackling Water Scarcity with Zero Liquid Discharge Desalination

Another groundbreaking innovation was presented by Kristofer Poirier, showcasing “Innovative Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) Desalination for Mineral Recovery Using Solar and Geothermal Energy.”

See Presentation

In this approach, the team is addressing water scarcity through:

  • Combining solar and geothermal energy to power desalination processes,
  • Achieving near 100% water recovery and recovering valuable minerals, such as lithium carbonate, from brine,
  • Reducing waste and improving sustainability by turning waste products into high-purity minerals that can be sold.

This ZLD process not only minimizes environmental impact but also offers economic benefits by turning waste into valuable resources. A case study on Tenerife Island demonstrated how this novel process could improve both the profitability and sustainability of solar-driven and geothermal-driven desalination, showcasing a future-ready solution for water-stressed regions.

A Call for Sustainable Water Production

The presentations at SolarPACES highlighted the importance of brine mining for enhancing the viability of desalination projects. By extracting valuable minerals and achieving zero liquid discharge, Teesside University’s Net Zero team is paving the way for more sustainable, profitable desalination processes. This work is crucial for addressing global water scarcity while reducing carbon emissions, as the process integrates carbon capture technologies into desalination systems.

Kristofer Poirier shared his enthusiasm after presenting the innovative ZLD process, expressing gratitude to the Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre and all involved in the SolarPACES event.

See Presentation
“It was a great opportunity to meet some of the world’s leading experts in concentrated solar energy and industrial process heat,”

he remarked, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in advancing global sustainability efforts.

Looking Forward: Teesside University’s Commitment to Net Zero

The research presented at SolarPACES is just one part of Teesside University’s broader efforts to achieve net-zero emissions. Through its Net Zero Industry Innovation Centre, the university continues to push the frontiers of renewable energy, water sustainability, and industrial process efficiency.

As the team moves forward, they are keen to collaborate with industry partners and researchers around the world to scale these innovations and make a real-world impact. With each breakthrough, they are bringing us closer to a future where clean, renewable energy powers not only our electricity needs but also essential processes like desalination.

Italy's Solar Thermal Legacy

Historical and Modern Achievements in CSP

Italy has been at the forefront of solar thermal technology for over a decade. The Archimede plant, inaugurated in 2010, was the first CSP demo plant in Italy to utilize molten salt for heat transfer and storage in a parabolic trough system. This pioneering project set the stage for future advancements in the field.

In recent years, Italy has continued to lead the way with the commissioning of its first commercial CSP plant and several others in advanced stages of construction. This blend of historical innovation and modern progress makes Italy a fitting host for the 30th SolarPACES Conference, where tradition and cutting-edge technology converge.

DESOLINATION partners have just held their 4th progress meeting at Lund University!

DESOLINATION partners have just held their 4th progress meeting at Lund University!

by | Dec 13, 2023 | News, Project meetings

Credentials: Hilde Skar Olsen, Lunds Tekniska Högskola

Once again, DESOLINATION project partners came together to share their progress and coordinate their next steps. This time, our consortium had the pleasure of being hosted by the Membrane Group of the University of Lund in Sweden, for a hybrid meeting!

The DESOLINATION project began in 2021 and aims to build a unique plant producing fresh water from waste heat recovered from concentrating solar power (CSP) plants. The demonstrator will be sent to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for testing in 2025.

After reviewing all our progress, our team had the chance to visit the laboratories of the Membrane Group at Lund University, where they will test the membrane desalination concept on pilot scale.

This physical meeting was great opportunity to organize discussion groups between two of our workpackages dealing with the optimization of the CSP thermal cycle for desalination and how to optimize desalination processes.

Many thanks to all the partners for these valuable exchanges, which help move the project forward!

Together, let’s demonstrate how concentrated solar power can be coupled with an advanced desalination system to produce freshwater!

Back to all news
Join our “New developments in membranes” online workshop

Join our “New developments in membranes” online workshop

by | Dec 7, 2023 | News, Results - Forward osmosis membranes, Workshop

In the last days, our project member, Prof. Frank Lipnizki from the Department of Chemical Engineering of Lund University (Sweden) has had the opportunity to organise a workshop on “New Membrane Developments” with some great international speakers.

The online workshop is free-of-charge and took place on Thursday 7th of December from 9:00 – 11:00am.

The aim of the workshop is to provide an overview on recent developments of membrane with focus on water and wastewater. For this, the LUND team has invited some of the leading researchers in the field from Japan, Egypt, India and Sweden.

Membranes are the centre of all the stages of the desalination process, nanofiltration (NF) pre-treatment, Forward Osmosis (FO) and Membrane Distillation (MD) processes. In DESOLINATION, modelling and small-scale testing activities will target the optimization of all steps of hybrid membrane separations. First, NF membranes will be used to reduce fouling and scaling effect in FO. Then, the FO separation membrane will be fine-tuned to ensure control over high water flux in combination with low reverse flux from the draw to the feed solution and thus maximize the efficiency and use of the osmotic pressure difference between the seawater and the draw solution. Lastly, the MD separation membrane needs to optimize the removal of pure water from the draw solution and must therefore be adapted to the chemical and physical properties of the draw solution designed for thermal heat recovery, as well as to the temperature and pressure conditions required for the VMD recovery process.

AGENDA

09:00 – Welcome (Prof. Frank Lipnizki, Lund University, Sweden)

09:05  – Prof. Takeo Yamaguchi (Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan): Modification of antifouling membrane surfaces

09:30 – Prof. Marwa Shalaby (National Research Centre Cairo, Egypt):  Water shortage and membrane applications

09:55 – Prof. Sabu Thomas (Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, India): Polysaccharide based membranes for water purification: Recent advances

10:20 – Prof. (assoc.) Naser Tavajohi (Umeå University, Sweden): A greener approach to PVDF membrane production

10:45 – Final Discussion (ALL)

11:00 – End

Click here to join the meeting

Meeting ID: 335 628 157 200
Passcode: y3oLXa

Back to all news