NAMOR at CIES 2026: Addressing the Water–Energy–Food Nexus Through Microalgae Innovation
The NAMOR project took a significant step forward in promoting sustainable resource management, by participating in the CIES 2026 (Conferencia Iberoamericana de Energía Solar) held from 23-25 March 2026 at the University of Almería.
Representing the cutting edge of wastewater valorisation, NAMOR experts contributed to the specialized technical session: “Water–Energy–Food Nexus: an unavoidable link.”
A Strategic Hub for Innovation: The University of Almería
The University of Almería, a global leader in solar energy and microalgae research, served as the perfect backdrop for this discussion. The Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus is a central pillar of European sustainability goals, emphasizing that water security, energy efficiency, and food production are inextricably linked. The session brought together a global panel of experts to discuss how solar-driven technologies can provide sustainable answers to these interconnected challenges.
Solar-Driven Solutions for a Thirsty Planet
The conference highlighted several innovative pathways that align with the transition to a circular economy, including:
-
Sustainable Desalination: Utilizing renewable energy to provide fresh water.
-
Wastewater Regeneration: Moving beyond simple treatment to active water reuse.
-
Resource Recovery through Photosynthetic Microorganisms: Leveraging microorganisms to turn “waste” into “wealth” using solar energy.
The NAMOR Contribution: Closing the Loop
During the discussions, the NAMOR project’s mission was highlighted as a practical application of the WEF Nexus. By developing nature-based technologies driven by microalgae, NAMOR is not just treating wastewater—it is creating a circular production system.
The project’s microalgae-membrane approach addresses all three pillars of the Nexus:
-
Water: Producing high-quality reclaimed water for agricultural and industrial reuse.
-
Energy: Reducing the carbon footprint and energy intensity of conventional treatment by utilizing solar-driven biological processes.
-
Food/Resource: Recovering vital nutrients (Nitrogen and Phosphorus) and generating sustainable biomass that can be valorised in agriculture as bio-fertilisers or biostimulants.
Strengthening Collaborative Networks
Participation in CIES 2026 provided a strategic platform for NAMOR to bridge the gap between academic research, industrial application, and policy-making. By engaging with other experts in solar energy and biotechnology, the project continues to strengthen the collaborations necessary to build a more resilient and circular water system for Europe.
As the world faces increasing water scarcity and resource pressure, the NAMOR project remains committed to delivering scalable, nature-based solutions that treat wastewater as a resource rather than a burden.
