This section aims to introduce each beneficiary, explain their sector, and describe their work within the framework of the project. Today, it is the turn of Rita Lourinho, from Águas do Tejo Atlântico.
What is Águas do Tejo Atlântico (AdTA)?
Águas do Tejo Atlântico is a company within the Águas de Portugal Group responsible for the integrated management of wastewater systems in the Greater Lisbon and Oeste regions. Our mission is to ensure the collection, treatment and valorisation of wastewater, helping to protect water resources, public health and the environment, while promoting innovative and sustainable solutions for the circular economy.
How long have you worked at Águas do Tejo Atlântico, and what has your career path and role within the organisation been?
I have worked at Águas do Tejo Atlântico for 24 years. During this time, I have been involved in a range of projects related to innovation, sustainability and institutional cooperation. I am currently involved in coordinating the Research, Development and Innovation department, contributing to the development of strategic national and international initiatives aimed at improving the company’s environmental and operational performance.
What do you enjoy most about your work?
What motivates me most is knowing that our work has a direct impact on protecting the environment and the territory, and on people’s quality of life. It is also highly rewarding to work in a field where innovation, science and sustainability come together every day to address real societal challenges.
Is this Águas do Tejo Atlântico’s first participation in a European project? Do you enjoy working on transnational projects?
Águas do Tejo Atlântico has a long track record of participating in European projects and international initiatives. We believe transnational projects are extremely important because they enable us to share knowledge, learn from different contexts and develop joint solutions to challenges shared by many territories. International cooperation acts as an accelerator for innovation and good practice.
What makes SOLLAGUA special and interesting for Águas do Tejo Atlântico?
SOLLAGUA is particularly interesting because it addresses key issues for the future of water management, such as sustainability, the circular economy, climate change adaptation and resource valorisation. It also promotes collaboration between partners from different countries and disciplines, making it possible to test innovative solutions and generate knowledge that can be applied in real-world contexts.
What is Águas do Tejo Atlântico’s role in the SOLLAGUA project?
Águas do Tejo Atlântico’s role is to contribute its technical and operational experience in wastewater management and resource valorisation, supporting the development, testing and demonstration of the innovative solutions envisaged by the project. We also aim to ensure that the results have practical applications and can be replicated in other infrastructures and territories.
What are you currently working on?
We are currently involved in developing and monitoring the project’s technical activities, working with the other partners on results analysis, knowledge sharing, and demonstration and dissemination activities. We are also focused on identifying solutions that can deliver long-term environmental, operational and socio-economic benefits.
What are the main challenges you are currently facing?
The main challenges relate to the need to accelerate the transition towards more sustainable water management models, respond to the impacts of climate change and the new wastewater directive, and promote more efficient use of the available resources. Innovation projects also face the challenge of transforming scientific knowledge into robust, economically viable solutions that can be readily applied in operational settings.
What are the main conclusions so far?
One of the main conclusions is that collaboration between organisations from different countries and areas of expertise creates significant value, enabling more comprehensive and effective approaches to be developed. The project has also demonstrated the potential of innovation- and sustainability-based solutions to address complex environmental challenges, reinforcing the importance of cooperation between science, industry and water management organisations.
What contribution will SOLLAGUA make after the project ends in scientific, social and economic terms?
From a scientific perspective, SOLLAGUA will contribute to advancing knowledge and validating new methodologies and solutions. In social terms, it will help raise awareness of the importance of sustainable management of water and associated resources, delivering benefits for communities and the environment. From an economic perspective, the project results are expected to support the adoption of more efficient and resilient solutions that can reduce costs, optimise resources and create new opportunities for sustainable development.