News

The European LIFE ReFitting project has been launched. Coordinated by LNEC, the project (2026–2029) brings together partners such as SMAS Almada, the Portuguese Catholic University and the Porto Higher Institute of Engineering to promote the use of digital strategies and tools (the PLAN-DO+ toolbox) developed for urban wastewater treatment in previous European projects.

LIFE ReFitting will assess the performance, cost, risk and life cycle of various advanced technologies, tested in a real-world environment at the Valdeão WWTP (SMAS Almada), to address emerging challenges such as:

• Pharmaceutical compounds

• PFAS and microplastics

• Antimicrobial resistance

• Safe water reuse

• Energy efficiency and nutrient removal.

The project aims to support the implementation of the new Urban Wastewater Directive (UWD) and accelerate the transition to a more resilient, sustainable water sector aligned with European objectives of zero pollution and the protection of public health.