In Brief

  • Challenge: UN SDG 3 Challenge
  • Challenge Type: SFI Future Innovator Prize
  • Status: Active

The Challenge

Providing access to safe, clean water using sustainable solar technologies 

The Solution

A solar-driven, 'green', and cost-efficient approach to eliminate substances of emerging concern (SECs) from irrigation water and wastewater streams. The systems will operate without additional chemicals by using renewable solar energy and waste resources. The proposed technology overcomes the limitations of traditional approaches, which impose significant requirements in terms of energy, chemicals, infrastructure, capital, and engineering expertise, which prevent their operation in many areas of the world. 

UN SDG Alignment

Clean water and sanitation (SDG 6), Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages (SDG 3)  

The Team 

  • Team Lead: Dr Demetra Achilleos, University College Dublin
  • Partner Country Team Lead: Prof. Pieter Gouws, Stellenbosch University
  • Team Co-Lead: Prof. Séamus Fanning, University College Dublin

Societal Impact Champion

  • Nick Andrews, Dawn Farm Foods