0:00:09.274,0:00:14.500 Hello, We have the honor today to host two members of the research team 0:00:14.870,0:00:21.551 in charge of designing and building a pilot prototype device for Saltwater Desalination 0:00:22.751,0:00:26.297 Nikitas Nikitakos is professor at the University of the Aegean 0:00:26.460,0:00:31.026 and Theodoros Lilas, electronic mechanician, also a professor at University of the Aegean. 0:00:31.561,0:00:41.546 I would like to thank you for being here and ask you about this prototype device for Saltwater Desalination called "Hydriada" 0:00:42.520,0:00:49.535 This device has drawn attention everywhere else in the world, yet in Greece is not known as should for what it does. 0:00:53.712,0:00:55.492 So, what exactly is "Hydriada" and how does it work? 0:00:56.926,0:01:03.019 Hydriada is a the result of e research program funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) 0:01:09.359,0:01:16.352 It's a pontoon desalination platform which uses solar and wind energy 0:01:17.202,0:01:26.593 to convert seawater into drinkable water by a desalination plant using reverse osmosis. 0:01:28.660,0:01:33.746 As mentioned before, it was funded by ERDF and it is situated in Irakleia Island (Cyclades) 0:01:33.944,0:01:43.175 It works with wind and solar energy to produce its minimum energy requirements, 0:01:44.023,0:01:50.769 and produces the everyday drinkable water requirements of the Iraklea island. 0:01:52.939,0:02:06.499 It was a small scale prototype platform and it is mostly used for experimental and improvement reasons. 0:02:07.252,0:02:14.547 We intend to build a bigger desalination unit and produce 1000 tons of water per day 0:02:15.337,0:02:21.240 instead of 70 tons of water per day that the current unit produces. 0:02:22.009,0:02:26.687 We have positive feedback and grater expectations, but unfortunately 0:02:27.179,0:02:33.030 due to the latest events and the financial and economic crisis 0:02:33.596,0:02:39.555 we are experiencing delays in bureaucracy and procedural matters. 0:02:42.122,0:02:47.663 We hope to overcome these problems soon 0:02:48.486,0:02:53.303 and hopefully attract more interest from abroad. 0:02:54.714,0:02:59.635 Could you give us more information on this matter? 0:03:00.358,0:03:05.399 There has been interest from abroad from the presentation in European and global scale for this archetype unit. 0:03:07.683,0:03:13.889 Thank you for your invitation. This unit has attracted European and global interest. 0:03:15.364,0:03:20.391 It has been awarded as an innovation for regional european development. 0:03:21.163,0:03:25.018 It has been presented in many developed countries, such as Norway. 0:03:25.308,0:03:29.820 In events for pattern that could attract investment interest. 0:03:30.179,0:03:37.070 It has been presented in the USA in competitions for for business patterns and reached top classification. 0:03:38.198,0:03:42.267 This means that there are big chances to be developed abroad. 0:03:42.679,0:03:49.310 There has also been interest from countries having scarce in drinking water. Such as in North Africa and the Middle East, 0:03:49.761,0:03:53.398 where there have been presentation in collaboration with the ministry of foreign affairs. 0:03:53.643,0:03:59.968 So, these countries have shown great interest through their ministers for investment in this field. 0:04:02.968,0:04:08.767 We expect to make presentations and meetings in order to promote this technology abroad. 0:04:09.639,0:04:15.234 Which do you believe are there the main advantages of this technology in comparison 0:04:16.307,0:04:23.024 to other technologies used in Greece to fed our islands with water? 0:04:24.430,0:04:30.096 Meaning desalination process and carrying water in lorry tracks. 0:04:32.269,0:04:38.514 There are currently 3 feeding methods of clean water to these islands. 0:04:40.800,0:04:45.287 First: Carrying water with boats from other islands. 0:04:45.825,0:04:52.977 Meaning, when an islands is in need of clean water we carry it with boats to and from the islands, 0:04:54.127,0:04:59.432 and polluting the environments by using this method and burning fuels. 0:05:00.056,0:05:05.743 Second: The old fashioned desalination methods that have been done using electric power on the islands. 0:05:06.179,0:05:10.916 We should note that Desalination is a process requiring great amount of energy 0:05:11.398,0:05:16.662 and the islands have limited power and energy availability 0:05:17.682,0:05:23.624 So by using the existing energy supply on the island for desalination purposses 0:05:24.044,0:05:28.841 we may probably cause energy shortage on that island. 0:05:32.840,0:05:38.157 Energy shortage is the reasons for energy black outs during the summer in those islands. 0:05:38.907,0:05:45.962 There are also the method for producing energy by using fuels, 0:05:46.472,0:05:50.682 but this way we cause environmental pollution. 0:05:52.244,0:05:55.068 Third method is the one we use. 0:05:55.878,0:06:01.412 This is an autonomous unit which uses renewable energy sources 0:06:02.992,0:06:08.096 meaning that it doesn't produces any carbon dioxide and doesn't pollute the environment. 0:06:08.956,0:06:12.237 This way it produces its necessary energy for the desalination process. 0:06:12.497,0:06:20.241 In short, with this method we solve energy and water shortage problems for these islands. 0:06:21.341,0:06:28.286 Another great advantage is that it can be transferred from one place to another. 0:06:29.064,0:06:37.124 So, in case somewhere is needed, we can transfer it with a boat in any area. 0:06:38.994,0:06:44.056 There are also other significant advantages for the environment. 0:06:45.193,0:06:53.911 It's anchored somewhere with big depth, so in these depths there is no problem of making the water salter 0:06:55.681,0:07:03.631 by returning extra salty water from the desalination process. 0:07:06.961,0:07:13.510 It's a process like water evaporation and does not cause any environmental problems. 0:07:13.740,0:07:17.203 We do not use any chemical in this process. 0:07:17.521,0:07:21.898 So, by solving these problem we have a natural way of producing drinkable water, 0:07:21.898,0:07:24.221 which does not affect the environment. 0:07:24.221,0:07:29.130 Unlike other method narrow places which can cause many problems in that ecosystem. 0:07:30.010,0:07:38.175 We can say that the cost is low since it use free and renewable energy sources 0:07:40.998,0:07:47.976 Since it uses solar and wind produced energy and does not pollute the environment. 0:07:51.147,0:07:57.903 Which are the economic profits that could result from using this method? 0:08:01.138,0:08:08.581 First of all, in greek islands, electricity is subsidized by the government as it is very expensive for these areas. 0:08:10.678,0:08:17.371 With the new European Community legislation (ETS) electicity will get even more expensive. 0:08:19.565,0:08:25.233 So, the desalination method using electricity power will get even more expensive. 0:08:26.723,0:08:33.128 With our desalination method the only cost is the cost for building the unit, as it produces its own energy, 0:08:34.030,0:08:36.836 as solar and wind energy is for free. 0:08:37.106,0:08:43.171 And the only thing necessary is a small maintenance every 2 years 0:08:45.388,0:08:48.204 as well as a general maintenance every 10 years. 0:08:48.484,0:08:52.305 This unit life expectancy is up to 30 years. 0:08:52.535,0:09:00.556 As a result, this method is a sustainable investment and it gets even more with bigger units. 0:09:04.035,0:09:07.638 Which is what we are trying to do nowadays. 0:09:08.208,0:09:15.300 My next question is about the possibility to extend the dimensions and the size of this unit 0:09:15.882,0:09:18.007 in order to produce bigger quantities for bigger islands. 0:09:18.007,0:09:21.505 I can give you an example for what we are currently trying to do. 0:09:21.505,0:09:25.100 We would like to produce 1000m3 drinking water per day. 0:09:25.620,0:09:30.226 To create such a system we need either one unit on land 0:09:30.596,0:09:33.976 or one, like our autonomous unit, in the sea. 0:09:34.556,0:09:40.127 On the one hand, for the one on land there would be a cost of 1 million Euro to build it. 0:09:40.127,0:09:44.998 On the other hand, if we build a complete autonomous desalination unit which can produce its own energy 0:09:44.998,0:09:48.549 the cost be about 4,5 million. 0:09:48.549,0:09:55.211 For the maintenance the price would be the same for both units. 0:09:56.891,0:10:04.717 But for the island unit the power cost for would be 8 million euro for 10 years 0:10:05.890,0:10:08.782 while the cost for our autonomous unit will be 0! 0:10:09.255,0:10:14.219 So, instead of paying millions for paying fuels on producing energy, 0:10:15.359,0:10:20.688 we could eliminate it and pay a portion of that money to build units like the one we do 0:10:22.268,0:10:27.056 and give work to greek shipping yards and companies for building the necessary units. 0:10:27.306,0:10:32.401 Overall, instead of using fuels, we could use a far less expensive and ecological method. 0:10:33.621,0:10:37.598 Did you had ny obstructions when building this unit? 0:10:38.068,0:10:40.367 Let's say with bureaucracy etc... 0:10:40.727,0:10:48.229 The main obstacle was the nature of this unit itself, as it could not be set legally. 0:10:48.688,0:10:53.978 Because, in order to transfer the unit we should make papers for this kind of device. 0:10:54.638,0:11:00.428 That could not be covered by the existing maritime law. 0:11:02.292,0:11:10.713 We had some help from our colleague and we could justify it as pontoon. 0:11:14.373,0:11:22.165 Another problem was that we had to have a classification surveyor and to insure it. 0:11:22.820,0:11:27.800 And generally follow a procedure for something unprecedented 0:11:27.970,0:11:33.271 for the greek legislation and bureaucracy. 0:11:35.368,0:11:41.559 We successfully went through this procedure and created a sort of case law for this invention 0:11:43.638,0:11:48.145 and we estimate that this procedure will be much easier on our next unit of this kind. 0:11:49.786,0:11:55.778 Do you think that the current financial crisis and the situation we lately face in Greece 0:11:56.048,0:12:01.788 will affect negatively any future plans on extending and using these units 0:12:03.834,0:12:06.446 and the ones concerning green development. 0:12:07.646,0:12:10.119 Quite the opposite. 0:12:11.023,0:12:14.785 We have a high cost on using current units 0:12:15.403,0:12:20.234 so, by proposing and promoting innovative solutions we both offer jobs to people 0:12:22.013,0:12:24.611 and diminish the total cost of production. 0:12:24.982,0:12:28.743 Therefore, it's the current crisis that pushes us walk towards this direction. 0:12:29.218,0:12:31.816 I would like to add something. 0:12:32.096,0:12:34.208 The financial crisis is a result of globalization. 0:12:34.541,0:12:41.121 We and our entire team, through this experiment, support that we must turn to local communities 0:12:46.853,0:12:52.429 and try a new economic pattern which will be based on its own natural resources. 0:12:52.932,0:12:59.875 Hydriada is such an example. It sufficiently produces its own energy, water and anything needed. 0:13:00.173,0:13:03.646 "Ai Stratis" is another example in greater scale on an island. 0:13:05.316,0:13:08.286 In the USA is called "a Resource Based Economy". 0:13:08.691,0:13:12.070 An economy based on its own resources and supplies. 0:13:12.733,0:13:16.574 This is what we beliene in and promote as a part of a Green growth 0:13:16.918,0:13:20.579 Would you like to give us more details on the experiment of "Ai Stratis"? 0:13:20.920,0:13:28.154 This experiment is about a small Island of 300 residents, which is away from the greek power network. 0:13:30.694,0:13:35.750 We are trying to make 3 big interventions. 0:13:36.998,0:13:40.192 1st: To make it power autonomous. 0:13:40.855,0:13:47.275 That is to use photovoltaic and wind turbines and use 100% renewable power sources. 0:13:51.031,0:13:53.037 This is our first target. 0:13:54.527,0:14:01.700 2nd: To use the power produced for other purposes like geothermal and producing hydrogen 0:14:03.550,0:14:09.501 in order to use electric cars and completely remove fuel using on the Island. 0:14:11.791,0:14:19.671 To make greenhouse with photovoltaics and to process waste and water 0:14:20.790,0:14:26.160 in order to produce new plants growing greenhouses. 0:14:26.798,0:14:33.276 And the most important, build a power academy, in order to change the thinking of people 0:14:34.249,0:14:36.782 starting from the youngest 0:14:37.124,0:14:43.742 and shape and build the basis for a new economy and thinking of green growth. 0:14:48.557,0:14:52.534 What was the reaction of the locals during this experiment? 0:14:53.376,0:14:58.441 In Iraklea and Ai Stratis concerning the targets you've set. 0:15:01.826,0:15:05.818 The participation of the local community is very important. 0:15:06.166,0:15:11.578 Before we even start our projects we visited Islands and contacted the local boards 0:15:13.118,0:15:17.413 We presented our projects and they completely accepted them. 0:15:17.784,0:15:23.529 So before we started we had informed the people there and they accepted our projects. 0:15:24.971,0:15:33.208 We think that for Ai Stratis to be a green Island, it is very important to participate the residents in this direction. 0:15:34.517,0:15:42.155 The project will not be independent from the people but the will be aware of its boundaries and adjust their behavior 0:15:44.616,0:15:49.664 so that to best co-exist in an 100% autonomous environment. 0:15:50.631,0:15:54.079 And to be able to continuously work on renewable energy. 0:15:54.581,0:15:58.722 In Iraklea Island the project was accepted by the residents at first. 0:15:59.445,0:16:02.201 And then when some problems came up 0:16:02.709,0:16:07.908 all the residents got together and even gathered signs to back up 0:16:10.322,0:16:15.779 and wanted the project to also go on on other Islands as well. 0:16:18.219,0:16:23.362 Therefor, the residents supported us on the problems we faced. 0:16:23.863,0:16:27.128 You mentioned the creation of a power academy. 0:16:28.037,0:16:31.264 Should this be something concerning the entire Greece? 0:16:31.736,0:16:36.805 This is something mentioned in many local communities. 0:16:40.508,0:16:46.245 First of all, we estimate that the approaching of the renewable energy is wrong. 0:16:47.661,0:16:52.426 Renewable energy resources cannot be designed in an office and then setup. 0:16:53.160,0:17:00.951 The should start from talking with the residents and then they should go along together and establish them. 0:17:03.292,0:17:08.988 This is because often can come up many problems concerning the land and location. 0:17:09.694,0:17:13.874 This power academy should mostly concern young people and children 0:17:15.690,0:17:19.934 so that they start that human is not an financial figure 0:17:20.617,0:17:26.605 but, every time one takes an act on his financial life, they should consider mother nature. 0:17:27.326,0:17:34.569 Someone's activities should not oppose nature and the environment which cannot be recycled. 0:17:35.181,0:17:40.492 It is crucial to understand this, otherwise our planet will face problems in the future. 0:17:41.989,0:17:45.272 And this education starts from young children. 0:17:45.592,0:17:49.474 We think that the power academy on Ai Stratis should be the center 0:17:50.127,0:17:55.346 and on the other Islands should be connection to the academy and pass on the message that 0:17:55.879,0:18:04.080 when doing anything we should think of the environment and that it should be maintained and improved. 0:18:08.961,0:18:15.664 Nowadays though in Greece and the entire planet we see that economy profits from the environment 0:18:16.171,0:18:22.027 and the environment is suffocating, no matter what the intentions are. 0:18:23.179,0:18:25.458 Profit comes first everywhere. 0:18:25.846,0:18:29.655 These are the new economic movements 0:18:30.074,0:18:33.584 and they believe that the only thing that flows is money. 0:18:33.835,0:18:40.684 In reality, the environment is above all things and the corporate social responsibility. 0:18:41.221,0:18:47.292 In everything that we do we should think that everything should be on a stability ball. 0:18:48.508,0:18:52.562 We should not always take from the environment for financial purposes 0:18:52.712,0:18:57.023 but, always keep these variables in stability. 0:18:57.578,0:19:02.467 There is now a global movement of reconsideration on all modern financial theories. 0:19:03.437,0:19:08.750 I would like to inform you that in about a month a will publish a book which is a translation 0:19:09.240,0:19:15.163 and it is about true green economy, which I would gladly like to present it to you. 0:19:15.851,0:19:17.749 I would like to thank you both. 0:19:17.987,0:19:19.456 Thank you.