Energy Context and EU position The “Europe 2020” strategy promotes the shift towards a resource-efficient, low-carbon economy to achieve sustainable growth. The European policies on energy and sustainability are thus contributing to the diversification of the primary energy mix and to the introduction of distributed power technologies with high efficiency and low carbon emissions. , From the point of view of energy policy, the European Strategic Energy Technology (SET) Plan for 2020 identifies Strategic Technologies Focus on the following priorities: • Energy Efficiency: high efficiency conversion devices represent elements of a higher efficiency portfolio • Renewable Energy: traditional RES (solar, wind, hydro) but also biogenous fuels (biogas, bio-syngas, bio-fuels) and new synthetic vectors (H2, synthetic NG,….) • Carbon capture and storage: mitigation of CO2 emissions (related to efficient energy conversion devices, and improved adoption of RES fuels) and CO2 recovery • Smart Grid: large topic, in which several technologies are included (energy storage, ICT intelligence of the grid, prosumer….), among which the concept of distributed CHP plant gets an important role DEMOSOFC objectives 1. DEMO and deep analysis of an innovative solution of distributed CHP system based on SOFC, with high interest in the industrial/commercial application representing the best solution in the sub-MW distributed CHP in terms of efficiency and emissions 2. DEMO of a distributed CHP system fed by a biogenous CO2 neutral fuel: biogas from anaerobic digestion 3. DEMO in a real industrial installation 4. DEMO of the high achievements of such systems: electrical efficiency, thermal recovery, low emissions, plant integration, economic interest for best use of renewable fuels in a future of decreasing incentives 5. EXPLOITATION and BUSINESS analysis of replication of this type of innovative energy systems 6. DISSEMINATION of the high interest (energy and economic) of such systems

Microbiological contamination can be attenuated, never eliminated. Space exploration requires development of reliable rapid significant and safe methods for preventing, monitoring and control the biocontamination within manned closed environments. These methods have to be automated, simple and conceived to decrease the (re-)supply mass from ground. Both space and terrestrial monitoring and prevention/mitigation methods are currently working separately instead of working in synergy. The proposed BIOWYSE project foresees development and demonstration of an integrated system suitable for future accommodation aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and from a long-term viewpoint, within Moon and Mars habitats. The BIOWYSE consortium will design, build and test single prevention, monitoring and mitigation modules. Thus, they will be integrated in a single system inside a compact breadboard and tested. Critical aspects or gravity-dependent technologies of the breadboard will be designed with the perspective of a future accommodation within a rack of the ISS (e.g.: in EDR-2 of Columbus), as a precursor of elements for long-duration space missions and future planetary outposts (e.g. Mars). In order to validate key technologies for the biocontamination control integrated system in real conditions and with representative features, the BIOWYSE project is based on the following major objectives: 1. Exploitation of ISS data from recent project related to the system functionalities 2. Designing single modules taking into account the intent of a demonstration aboard an International Standard Payload Rack 3. Building a system in order to test integrated key technologies 4. Developing and demonstrating operational techniques and processes for preventing, monitoring and mitigating the microbiological risk in water loops 5. Actively leveraging synergies between space and non-space partners, evaluating the system efficiency in real platforms for water loops and wet surfaces

AQUAlity is a multidisciplinary and cross-sectoral European Training Network, that consist in eighteen participants (7 universities, 3 research institutes and 8 companies) and aims to generate and promote highly skilled scientists with the potential to face the present and future challenges concerning the protection of water resources from contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). AQUAlity will enroll fifteen early-stage researchers (ESRs) to conduct cutting-edge research on multidisciplinary aspects of novel hybrid technologies for the removal of CECs from aqueous systems. Moreover, ESRs will be trained to develop their creativity, critical and autonomous thinking, and entrepreneurial skills, thus boosting their scientific skills and innovation capacity in the field of water treatment technologies. This goal will be attained via a structured training-through-research programme, consisting of original individual research projects (performed both at the beneficiary organization and through intersectoral secondments) and education on technical and transferable skills (performed both at local level and with network-wide events). The overall research goal of AQUAlity is to develop highly innovative hybrid green technologies for CECs removal from aqueous systems by unconventional solar advanced oxidation processes (AOP) in combination with high flux ceramic nanofiltration membranes. Hence, ESRs will conduct frontier research in the field of AOP (organic photocatalysis, sensitized photocatalysts, photo-Fenton), materials development, nanofiltration technology, and will develop innovative hybrid photochemical/membranes systems to be tested on different waters to prove their potential for the production of high-quality water. Advanced analytical tools for the determination of CECs, their degradation products and water safeness will be developed. Thanks to the presence of industrial participants, AQUAlity aims for the commercial exploitation of part of the research results.

Urban water pollution, resulting from rapid urbanisation, industrialization, and climate change, poses a significant threat to public health and environmental impact, compromising water quality. Specifically, water quality deterioration is linked to diffuse pollution from pollutant surface and groundwater bodies, disrupting biodiversity and the quality of aquatic ecosystems while exacerbating the global water crisis. Traditional urban water management plans do not include a holistic monitoring approach to address emerging water pollution ignoring important water pollution sources and pathways. Detecting, preventing, and responding timely to these threats can ensure the preservation of clean and safe water sources and work towards a resilient and sustainable water future across Europe that prioritises both public health and environmental well-being. By committing to the destination of a clean environment and zero pollution, AQUAMON aims to perform innovation activities towards: - Securing high-quality drinking water, - Integrating sewer and wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) control, - Building a water-smart management system for bathing waters to provide informed and safe opportunities for bathing in urban recreational waters, - Restoring our oceans, seas, and river water bodies by deploying unmanned vehicles across the water surface, underwater, and air, - Enhance sustainability to elevate wastewater quality to reuse standards, - Improving urban water quality monitoring management plans and regulation shaping throughout the entire urban water cycle. Designed around the challenges of 8 representative use cases across Europe, AQUAMON will implement effective monitoring strategies to enhance the comprehension of diffuse and point sources of water pollution within a global and climate change context.