The European water network distribution is plagued by leaks that cause a staggering 20% of drinking water to go wasted. This is an environmental disaster given that water and sanitation sector is currently estimated to contribute up to 5% of global GHG emissions. Water utilities are struggling with this problem however the deadalic nature of water networks make manual inspections and repairs completely non-viable. Technology-based solutions have significant limitations in terms of measurement accuracy and leak localisation. Most importantly they do not encompass repair. TUBERS sets forth a new paradigm by creating the worlds first combination robotic platforms allowing for 24/7 inspection and targeted in-situ repairs, greatly reducing the costs of regular inspection and maintenance. The system will comprise: (a) A snake-like resident robot which can operate over long distances and negotiate pipeline-junctions to navigate large parts of the water network, (2) A modular soft-robotic platform capable of moving using an inchworm movement technique, for inspections and repairs of pipe segments featuring a novel repair deployment mechanism (3) A High-accuracy inspection system that can detect leaks and, most importantly, measure corrosion based on coded excitation, an advanced technique that greatly improves Signal-to-Noise ratio, (4) A Decision Support System powered by Explainable Machine Learning algorithms incorporating a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis framework for holistic planning of inspection and maintenance. The TUBERS solution will be validated in real water network pipelines operated by 3 of the most prominent water utility companies in the Netherlands. Once it reaches the market, our solution is poised to revolutionise inspection and repair of drinking water networks, providing the operators with powerful tools to eliminate waste, facilitating savings of an estimated 158GWh of energy and reduction of 79.000 tonnes of CO2 emissions within a 5-year period.

BackgroundIn all participating regions, connection with (Higher Education) universities and research centres are made with the intention to create solid and sustainable partnerships. All partners work on strengthening Vocational education in the Water sector in their region. Due to the nature of this project, the work in all work packages required input from the water related labour market.ObjectivesAfter a year of cooperating in the project, this core-objective of our PoVE Water project is already being met. Not only have we been working intensively together on EU level (in dept knowledge sharing sessions and monthly meetings), all partners made steps towards vocational excellence by connecting to regional water sector innovation ecosystems. On regional level, strong links are made with the industry and other stakeholders.ImplementationWe recognize to a full extend that the high-level ambitions we have with our (pilot) PoVE Water (project) is reliant on synergies, cooperation and cross-fertilisation. We also know that this can only be obtained when partnerships are created that are long-term, based on trust & mutual understanding. Partners have to recognize the common goal they pursue in order to align activities and strengthen each other.ResultsThe project activities and results are in coherence with the aims of the Sector Skills Alliances as it focusses on tackling skills gaps, by identifying sector specific labour market needs and demand for new skills with regard to one or more occupational profiles (demand side). At the same time, by involving VET in triple helix innovation ecosystems, the responsiveness of initial and continuing VET systems in enhanced. These are core aims of Sector Skills Alliance projects.

Coastal areas are the most productive and economically dominant regions of the world. The high water demand in these regions, however, puts tremendous pressure on their freshwater resources and ecosystems. This leads to problems like seasonal water shortage, saltwater intrusion, and disappearance of wetlands. Building on national, regional and European research and innovation programs, in the past five years, a set of innovative, practical concepts have been developed for protection, enlargement and utilization of freshwater resources in coastal areas. These subsurface water solutions (SWS) combine innovations in water well design and configuration, allowing for advanced groundwater management, and maximum control over freshwater resources. SWS have been successfully piloted by public-private partnerships. These full-scale pilots have demonstrated SWS capacity to support sustainable freshwater supply in coastal areas, energy reduction, food production, and financial savings. SUBSOL targets a market breakthrough of SWS as robust answers to freshwater resources challenges in coastal areas, by demonstration, market replication, standardization and commercialisation. The route to market includes business cases, market scans and capacity building in selected regions in Europe (Mediterranean, Northwestern Europe) and worldwide (USA, Brazil, China, Vietnam). SUBSOL will share experiences and outcomes with stakeholder groups through an online platform, that will be linked to existing networks, including EIP on Water. The SUBSOL consortium combines knowledge providers, technology SMEs, consultants, and end-users from across Europe. Our ambition is to introduce a new way of thinking in terms of water resources management, promoting the sustainable development of coastal areas worldwide. This will stimulate economic growth and will create market opportunities and jobs for the European industry and SMEs.

The water sector needs improved climate prediction and downscaling based on consistent grounds (IPCC 5th Assessment Report, 2013). There is also a need for near future weather scenarios and anticipation of their impacts in the water cycle together with risk management strategies. BINGO will provide demand-driven solutions for a number of specific climate-related challenges in particular for highly vulnerable water resources of strategic importance. Water managers and other stakeholders will then be provided with information on specific climate scenarios at the space/time resolution fitting their needs, enabling them to act at various geographical levels (local, regional and European). BINGO aims at reducing the uncertainty of climate predictions and developing response strategies to help society manage that uncertainty. An innovative approach consists of enrolling end-users from the start, identifying specific vulnerabilities, needs and concerns about future climate. BINGO is built around 7 research sites in Northern and Southern Europe, covering a representative range of climatic conditions as well as combinations of water systems and water pressures. They illustrate a variety of water cycles at local/regional scales in Europe over various timescales, as well as common problems, including floods and droughts; water quality pressured by CSO, agriculture and competing demands for water (urban/tourism; agriculture/food security; hydropower). To guarantee sound management strategies for future weather challenges, BINGO will develop and validate all solutions built by strong dynamic interaction of researchers with end-users and decision makers throughout the project. By creating such knowledge alliances, water managers and other stakeholders can share awareness of climate challenges, thus increasing the possibilities of collaboration in order to manage and better cope with future climate challenges.