In the field of urban water management, ensuring an efficient and quality service has become a priority that requires significant investments. In this context, the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO) has been responsible for managing the grants from the European Next Generation EU Funds through the Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE) aimed at the digitalization of the water cycle.
During the years 2022 and 2023, MITECO has launched two successful calls for proposals, providing 200 and 300 million euros respectively, financing a total of 80 projects. Recently, a draft has been presented for a third call, with an initial funding of 50 million euros, which could be extended to 100 million. This proposal represents a crucial opportunity to develop eligible projects that optimize the urban water cycle.
According to PWACS, a consulting firm specialized in urban water and environmental services, although these calls for proposals have had a high level of participation, the funds are insufficient to fully meet the sector’s needs. However, José Antonio Sanz de Barros, head of the PWACS Next subsidiary specializing in European Funds, believes that financing opportunities are not limited to this PERTE or the Next Generation Funds, and encourages exploring other possible calls that can address the current shortcomings.
PWACS’s experience in managing these opportunities is extensive, having successfully collaborated on more than 30 projects for these calls. Sanz de Barros emphasizes that a multidisciplinary approach has been key, integrating technical, environmental, strategic, financial, and legal experts to ensure alignment with the standards required by the call guidelines and applicable legal regulations.
In conclusion, the third call for the Digitalization of the Water Cycle PERTE stands as a new opportunity to advance in improving the urban water cycle. However, it is emphasized the need to continue exploring all available financing avenues to ensure a more sustainable and efficient future for water supply in cities.
via: MiMub in Spanish
