THE PROJECT
WENexus in Numbers
*Tentative numbers
Primary Energy
Savings
20 GWh/year
Final Energy
Savings
8 GWh/year
Renewable Energy Generation
23 GWh/year
GHG Emission Reduction
11 400 tCO2eq/year
Investment in Sustainable Energy
€34 M
Management Utilities Engaged
20
THE PROJECT
WENexus in Numbers
Primary Energy Savings
20 GWh/year
Final Energy Savings
8 GWh/year
Renewable Energy Generation
23 GWh/year
*Tentative numbers
GHG Emission Reduction
11 400 tCO2eq/year
Investment in Sustainable Energy
€34 M
Management Utilities Engaged
20
Project Description
In the face of the urgent need to mitigate carbon emissions in response to the escalating threat of global warming, directing investments toward water sector adaptation through the implementation of energy efficiency measures, production and use of renewable energy are some of the most cost-effective approaches to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.
The intrinsic relationship between water and energy, known as the water-energy nexus, presents an invaluable opportunity for the international community as it promotes improved sustainable management of two of our planet’s most valuable resources.
WENexus has the following objectives:
- Contribute to the energy transition and sustainable energy use in the water sector;
- Leverage investments that promote energy efficiency in water supply and wastewater systems in Portugal;
- Ensure the replicability and transferability of the projects and good practices identified through the pilot projects developed.
Specific Objectives
Support the mobilisation of investment to promote energy efficiency in water supply and wastewater systems in Portugal.
Contributing to the energy transition in water and wastewater systems to improve their energy efficiency and sustainable energy.
Portugal
Location of the project
The pilot project will be developed in Portugal.
Replication Potential
Ensure replicability, transferability and exploitation in Portugal and other EU countries after the project conclusion.
Services provided to Water Utilities, without any cost for them
Through the WENexus Project
- Engineering human resources for activities related to improvements in energy efficiency of water and wastewater systems;
- Energy consumption data analysis for decision support;
- Support for the conceptual design of renewable energy communities (design engineering solutions and energy efficiency studies);
- Support for the development of Terms of Reference and Specifications.
- Development of financial models to implement the projects or opportunities identified;
- Support for the development of ESCO models or financing solutions applicable to the actions.
- Definition of the most appropriate pre-contractual procedure model, in accordance with the technical and financial inputs;
- Support in implementing the chosen procedure.
Expected impacts
WENexus aims to contribute to energy transition and sustainable energy use in the water sector through four different vectors:
VEctor 1
Acting on system's electromechanical equipment efficiency
Replacing hydraulic pumps and motors with more energy-efficient ones, where warranted, or eliminating hydraulic inefficiencies that may exist in the systems.
VEctor 2
Acting on sustainable energy production capacity
By implementing photovoltaic panels (PV) power generation systems in the installations.
vector 3
Acting on the power storage capacity
Foreseeing the installation of storage batteries, allowing utilities to benefit from storage of the renewable energy produced with the PV panels.
vector 4
Acting on the efficiency of the overall system
Introducing systems to produce biomethane, allowing lower dependency of the utility from natural gas and a decrease in carbon emissions.
Pilot Projects
Projects’ development within the scope of WENexus represent the result of the support and consultancy service provided, taking the following approach:
- Engagement with management utilities with proven interest and potential to minimise impacts in energy consumption and environmental footprint;
- Identification and analysis of opportunities for improvement in line with the project's objectives and vectors of intervention.