A second call for research and innovation projects in the energy and water sectors will be launched this March. This was announced by Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development Miriam Dalli, during a visit at the Water Services Corporation’s (WSC) laboratories.
WSC’s laboratories are hosting a project called ‘Purilma’, a collaboration between the WSC and the Department of Food, Science, and Nutrition within the University of Malta.
This project aims to identify innovative technologies that can disinfect Malta’s water while using lower chlorine quantities. The aim is to improve the taste and smell of the drinking water that is supplied by WSC.
“‘Purilma’ is one of the projects that benefitted from the first round of the scheme. This round was successful and generated huge interest, which is why I am pleased to announce that, through the Energy and Water Agency, we will issue a second call in March,” said Minister Dalli.
She encouraged Maltese scientists and researchers to apply for these funds to work on innovative projects in this sector.
An engineer representing the Water Services Corporation, Jeanice Mallia, explained that this project would delve into three new disinfection technologies. The University of Malta will determine the extent to which each technology can disinfect water effectively, according to the levels defined by the EU’s Drinking Water Directive.
The most successful technological method will be further assessed by means of a pilot project carried out by the Water Service Corporation. By using disinfection technology at a national level, public health will be safeguarded, and the taste and smell of tap water will be improved. This will lead to tap water being more acceptable for drinking purposes, at no additional cost to consumers.
‘Purilma’ is part of a series of projects carried out by the Water Services Corporation. These projects, entitled ‘Towards a Net Zero-Impact Utility’, are partly financed by the European Union with an investment of more than €120 million. Ultimately, the goal is to have more consumers choosing tap water as their drinking water, and eliminating the use of bottled water, thus reducing plastic waste.
The ‘Purilma’ Project is funded by the Energy and Water Agency as part of the National Strategy for Energy and Water Research and Innovation (2021-2030).
