Energy-efficient Sewer Mining is an innovative autonomous wastewater recycling technology that transforms waste into a valuable resource, promoting the circularity of urban environments, enhancing community resilience and facilitating a sustainable transition for effective climate adaptation.

It is a scalable, energy-efficient and transferable circular economy solution that can be integrated into a compact container. The system extracts wastewater from local sewers, treats it on-site, and reuses it at the point of demand in densely populated urban environments. The process produces high-quality reclaimed water for irrigation of green spaces, aquifer recharge, and other urban applications. The unit consists of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) and a UV disinfection system.

The integration of renewables within water reuse solutions constitutes a very promising prospect under the triptych of water saving, energy efficiency and circular economy.

The advanced Sewer Mining configuration seamlessly integrates technological innovation with the educational opportunities, incorporating several key elements that address environmental challenges and enhance community awareness:

Infrastructure Protection: The structure serves as a protective "shield" around the wastewater recycling system, safeguarding the components from weather conditions and potential damage.

Educational Purpose: The configuration incorporates integrated educational elements focused on water management, including spaces for informational displays, hydroponic nurseries, and construction using recycled or low-environmental-impact materials. This design fosters direct, hands-on learning about sustainability and the principles of circular economy.

Community Spaces: The design includes surrounding community spaces that foster collaboration and social interaction, creating an ideal setting for hosting educational workshops and discussions.

Solar Panels: Equipped with solar panels, the system provides energy autonomy, contributing to its sustainability and independence from external power sources.

Gardens Irrigation and Nutrients: The facility consistently generates approximately 25 m3 of reclaimed water daily, which is used to irrigate a series of gardens surrounding the technology. The treated water, rich in nutrients, promotes excellent plant growth, demonstrating the efficacy of the system.

The entire process is meticulously monitored and controlled through dedicated sensors and actuators. The data is integrated and visualised in a Digital Twin platform, which not only presents real-time data but also provides 3D modelling to simulate the physical elements and operations of the system.