A groundbreaking European initiative is poised to address Cyprus’ longstanding water challenges. Backed by Horizon 2030 and uniting 39 partners—including the Department of Water Development and the Larnaca Sewerage Board—the Water-Mining project is redefining the potential of desalinated water in drought-prone regions.
Turning Desalination Into A Sustainable Solution
Cyprus relies heavily on desalination, with approximately 70% of its drinking water sourced from these facilities. However, the process is energy-intensive and produces significant brine waste. Enter the Water-Mining project, which leverages innovative scientific methods to transform this byproduct into valuable industrial materials—reducing waste, cutting energy consumption, and increasing the island’s overall water availability.
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One of the key figures behind this initiative is Associate Professor Demetris Xevgenos from the Technical University of Delft, who serves as the project’s executive coordinator. He recently presented the results in Lampedusa, Italy—an island entirely dependent on desalination—with overwhelmingly positive feedback. Now, Cyprus is next in line for evaluation and implementation.
From Concept To Implementation
The project, already scientifically advanced, was showcased in Nicosia last November to key stakeholders. The next phase involves a European-level evaluation, with plans to launch the initiative at the Cyprus Electricity Authority’s Vasiliko site. While tendering and commercial management discussions are ongoing, this initiative represents a major step forward in optimizing desalination efficiency.
As climate change intensifies, initiatives like water mining could become essential in securing Cyprus’ water future, ensuring that the island maximizes every drop of its most precious resource.
