SIRERA is an innovative initiative to reuse treated wastewater in agriculture, combining automated subsurface irrigation , advanced water treatment, and agrivoltaic panels over crops to reduce energy consumption and improve water efficiency. The project relies on intelligent monitoring with sensors and AI algorithms that regulate irrigation and energy generation, ensuring water quality (including the removal of emerging contaminants such as pharmaceuticals or resistance genes) and optimizing its use in crops.
The challenge is to overcome regulatory and technical barriers to reusing reclaimed water in agriculture, ensuring microbiological and chemical safety, while at the same time reducing the energy footprint of irrigation.
"For this purpose, advanced treatment technologies are applied to eliminate emerging contaminants (pesticides, drugs, resistant genes).
Underground irrigation combined with photovoltaic panels over the crops (“agrivoltaics”), which reduces evaporation, optimizes irrigation and generates renewable energy.
AI platform with soil and water sensors that autonomously regulates irrigation intensity, water quality, and energy production.
Greater water security for agriculture, with the use of reclaimed water.
Reduction in energy consumption, thanks to the synergy between irrigation and solar generation.
Replicable model: if it works, it could be scaled to more agricultural areas with similar conditions.
