Inspirational pilot #9

IPL9 – Innovative nature-inspired solar desalination system (in Ag. Fokas Village, Tinos Island, Greece)

Passive solar still system for irrigation water & edible salt recovery

TRL: 6

SCALE: R

SYSTEM CONCEPT

Seawater is supplied to the system inlet from the adjacent municipal desalination plant
Water distillation using 80 solar panels, based on evaporation & condensation principles
Edible salt recovery through forced evaporation of Brine (by-product)
Gravity-fed water storage for on-site greenhouse irrigation (annual crops)

KEY BENEFITS

Passive, low-cost & modular alternative utilizing non-conventional water resources and delivering value-added food products

STRATEGIC INTEGRATION

Pilot-tested solution that can strategically reduce pressure on water utilities in water-scarce areas and enhance local resilience

SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT

Structured participatory activities (incl. summer schools, public/erasmus visits, workshops, food products donation) showcasing the solution’s impact

REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

Enabling evidence-based decision- and policy-making to support a fair transition for climate adaptation and mitigation, reinforcing WEFE Nexus implementation & circular economy transition