Meet NAMOR Partners: CERTH
What is your organisation’s role in the NAMOR project?
Within NAMOR, CERTH contributes through both CPERI and ITI institutes, covering the experimental work as well as the digital side of the project.
CPERI soundly contributes to WP2; it leads Task 2.3: Species selection and improvement/adaptation (the objective is to select and optimize suitable microalgae-bacteria consortia for enhanced performance during the demonstration tests) and Task 2.4: Definition of Sustainability Key Performance Indicators for integrated solution pathways (the list of KPIs is being compiled and defined, to reflect the expected contribution of NAMOR to water supply and sanitation and to the implementation of related SDGs).
Moreover, CPERI is responsible for WP3, focusing on the development and optimization of the hybrid microalgae-bacteria membrane photobioreactor (MPBR). This includes laboratory-scale cultivation tests, studying the interactions between bacteria and microalgae, integrating the biological processes for nutrient uptake and oxygen generation, and validating performance under real WW conditions. The work also extends to scaling-up activities to ensure the system can move beyond laboratory scale.
At the same time, ITI leads WP4, which focuses on the development of a Digital Twin for Wastewater Treatment Plants to replicate system behavior virtually, integrating real-time data from IoT sensors installed at the demonstration sites and applying AI-based tools. WP4 includes three tasks: defining the DT architecture and requirements, implementing the Digital Twin, and developing a Decision Support System. ITI leads the first two tasks and contributes to the third task, which is led by ICL.
What do you expect to be the key benefits that the NAMOR project will deliver?
NAMOR delivers value at several levels: technological, environmental, operational and strategic.
At the technological level, it proposes an alternative to conventional, energy-intensive WW treatment by combining microalgae-bacteria symbiosis with membrane filtration in a compact and modular configuration. Microalgae naturally produce oxygen through photosynthesis, reducing the need for mechanical aeration, while at the same time fixing nitrogen and phosphorous sources; on the other hand, bacteria efficiently remove organic (carbon) pollutants. The membrane component ensures sufficient biomass retention and stable effluent quality. This integrated approach enables high nutrient removal rates, while simultaneously generating reusable biomass. In practice, this means cleaner effluent, lower sludge production and measurable energy savings compared to traditional activated sludge systems.
From an environmental perspective, NAMOR supports the transition from linear WW treatment to a circular resource management model. Nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus are assimilated into (microalgal) biomass instead of being discharged into receiving waters, reducing eutrophication risks. The treated water can be safely reused, for instance in irrigation, helping to address water scarcity which is becoming increasingly critical in Southern EU. At the same time, the system’s lower energy demand contributes to GHG emission reduction and improved climate resilience.
Operationally, the modular design makes the solution particularly suitable for decentralized and small-to-medium-scale applications, remote communities and retrofitting of existing plants. This flexibility is important in EU, where infrastructure conditions, population density and climatic conditions vary significantly. NAMOR is being demonstrated under different environmental contexts to ensure that the system remains adaptable and robust.
A key added value lies as well in its digital dimension. By integrating real-time monitoring, predictive analytics and a DT environment, NAMOR moves beyond a treatment unit toward a smart, data-driven management system. Operators can anticipate performance fluctuations, optimize energy consumption and adjust operating parameters proactively rather than reactively. As a result, operational uncertainty is reduced and decision-making becomes more reliable and evidence-based.
Overall, NAMOR contributes to more sustainable water reuse, resource recovery and energy-efficient treatment while aligning with EU priorities on circular economy, climate adaptation and resilient water infrastructure. It does not simply improve an existing process, it rethinks and redesigns how WW can be treated as a resource within a digitally supported, decentralized framework.
How have the first months of the NAMOR project been for so far?
The first months of the project have been intensive but very constructive. NAMOR officially started with the kick-off meeting in Thessaloniki in July 2025, followed by detailed technical discussions and visits to potential demonstration sites. The Lagadas WW treatment plant was assessed in August 2025 together with IHU and ECOLOGIA S.A., and has since been approved as the Greek demo site.
Now, eight months into the project (February 2026), laboratory activities under WP3 are progressing steadily, particularly regarding the screening, selection and optimization of the microalgae-bacteria co-cultures. All environmental conditions, bioprocess specifications and system configurations are being defined to reflect real demonstration conditions for the EL Demo, including outdoor operation and seasonal variability. In parallel, the digital framework under WP4, including the DT structure and sensor integration, is being established. Preparations for on-site installations are ongoing and data collection workflows are being set up.
Collaboration within the NAMOR consortium has been smooth, timelines are being respected and there is a clear sense of momentum as we move closer to testing the MPBR systems under real operating conditions.
