Water and Energy - Draft Report of the GWRC Research ... - IWA

2.2 From knowledge gaps to research needs
Following the presentations and discussion of the current knowledge and activities, the
participants identified in 3 break-out group the gaps of knowledge and possible topics for
research to address the gaps. In the break-out groups both 'big picture' as well as ‘in depth'
discussions were held. The 'big picture' discussion was used and needed to give focus to the
rather broad area of water & energy (climate change, recovery and renewable energy, alternative
water resources, optimisation/innovation, regulations, etc), the drivers and time scale to be
considered for the possible activities.
Some 63 topics were identified by the breakout groups and during the plenary discussion related
topics were clustered in 12 categories (see table 1). All individual topics are listed in annex E.
Table 2. Knowledge Gaps and Research Needs
Knowledge exchange - State of the Science
Capabilities and limitations of present systems
Future concepts/innovation and scenario planning
Implementing new concepts and making innovation happen
Communication strategies, engagement and image (PR)
Analytical toolbox, modelling
Whole life carbon costing
Benefit cost analysis (BCA)
Technology improvement
Energy recovery, content and management
Small scale systems
Infrastructure and other sectors
To discuss and devise proposals for possible projects/actions, the 12 themes have been grouped
around three more comprehensive categories:
new technologies (included the results of the Energy Recovery/Sludge workshop and
report in 2007);
tools for performance evaluation (energy efficiency, GHG emission, costs, ..),; and
future concepts and scenario planning.
GWRC Water & Energy - Draft report
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