From October 20 to 22, 2025, the province of Ourense, in Galicia (Spain), became the European hub for sustainable thermalism. The ThermEcoWat project organized a workshop there, bringing together researchers, thermal spa managers, and local authorities from France, Spain, and Portugal.
Workshop Objective: Sharing and Testing Sustainable Solutions
The workshop aimed to:
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present the preliminary results of the ThermEcoWat project, focused on the preservation of thermal waters in the face of climate change;
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promote the exchange of best practices among European thermal territories;
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test innovative solutions on-site for the management and energy valorization of thermal waters.
A Comprehensive Program Combining Conferences and Field Activities
The workshop included:
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Conferences and roundtables on thermal source resilience and climate adaptation strategies;
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Technical visits to the main thermal spas of Ourense, such as A Chavasqueira and As Burgas, as well as the University of Vigo campus, to observe geothermal applications and heat reuse projects;
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Transnational working groups, where researchers and local stakeholders exchanged practices and identified transferable solutions for other territories.
A Mobilized European Consortium
The event brought together:
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BRGM experts (France) and public geological centers from Spain and Portugal (ICGC, CN IGME CSIC, LNEG);
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Local thermal operators and authorities from Portugal (Termalistur – Termas de São Pedro do Sul E.M. S.A) and Spain (Ajuntament de Caldes de Montbui – ES), emphasizing collaboration and co-design of sustainable solutions;
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the Diputación Provincial de Ourense, which hosted and coordinated the workshop.
Why Ourense?
The province is an emblematic territory for thermalism:
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rich in historical thermal springs;
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a pioneer in the sustainable and innovative exploitation of thermal waters;
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ideal for observing and testing climate adaptation strategies developed by ThermEcoWat on-site.
Outlook
This workshop represents a key milestone in the ThermEcoWat project:
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lessons learned in Ourense will be integrated into the action plans for pilot sites in France, Spain, and Portugal;
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they will enable the implementation of tools and methodologies to help thermal territories sustainably manage their water resources and energy potential;
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it also prepares the dissemination of best practices to other European territories.