The GREEN HYSLAND PROJECT adresses the requirements of the call FCH-03-2-2020: H2 Islands by deploying a fully-integrated and functioning H2 ecosystem in the island of Mallorca, Spain. The project brings together all core elements of the H2 value chain i.e. production, distribution infrastructure and end-use of green hydrogen across mobility, heat and power. The overall approach of GREEN HYSLAND is based on the integration of 6 deployment sites in the island of Mallorca, including 7.5MW of electrolysis capacity connected to local PV plants and 6 FCH end-user applications, namely buses and cars, 2 CHP applications at commercial buildings, electricity supply at the port and injection of H2 into the local gas grid. The intention is to facilitate full integration and operational interconnectivity of all these sites. The project will also deliver the deployment of infrastructure (i.e. dedicated H2 pipeline, distribution via road trailers and a HRS) for distributing H2 across the island and integrating green H2 supply with local end-users. The scalability and EU replicability of this integrated H2 ecosystem will be showcased via a long-term roadmap towards 2050, together with full replication studies. The intention is to expand the impact beyond the technology demonstrations delivered by the project, setting the basis for the first H2 hub at scale in Sothern Europe. This will provide Europe with a blueprint for decarbonization of island economies, and an operational example of the contribution of H2 towards the energy transition and the 2050 net zero targets The project has already been declared to be a Strategic Project by the Balearic Regional Government, and has support from the National Government through IDAE.

The ROBINS project aims at filling the technology and regulatory gaps that today still represent a barrier to the adoption of Robotics and Autonomous Systems (RAS) in activities related to inspection of ships, understanding end user’s actual needs and expectations and analyzing how existing or near-future technology can meet them. ROBINS aims to improve the ability of RAS in sensing and probing, in navigation and positioning in confined spaces, as well as the capability to access and move safely within hazardous spaces. ROBINS also aims to provide new software tools for image and data processing, e.g. for production of 3D models and virtual/augmented reality environments, to provide the surveyor with the same level of information as obtained by direct human observation. A framework for the assessment of equivalence between the outcomes of RAS-assisted inspections and traditional procedures will also be provided by defining test procedures, criteria and metrics for the evaluation of RAS performance. Test campaigns will be performed both on-board and in a specific testing facility, where repeatable tests and measurements can be carried out. The development of robust technical solutions and a regulatory framework for RAS-assisted ship inspection is expected to streamline wide scale adoption of RAS technology in marine industry. The impact on safety, as far as hazardous environments are involved, can be easily understood and has already been witnessed in similar industrial domains (energy, oil and gas). The economic impact is expected to be beneficial for robotics industry (new supply chains and new potential markets), ICT industry (new services and products for data processing specific to marine industry), ship asset owners and operators (reduction of costs due to simplified preparation of items, reduced survey duration, improved quality and variety of inspection services) and certification bodies (new certification schemes for equipment, operators and procedures).

The World Health Organisation named antibiotic resistance as one of the greatest threats to global health, predicting the advent of infections not responding to antibiotics. The humanity needs to pioneer disruptive technologies to re-gain the upper hand. To do so, PEST-BIN mobilized 5 universities, 3 institutes, a hospital and 5 private companies. We will fight infections with very diverse tools: from nano-engineering, antibiotic production, via proteomics-based diagnostics to big data analysis using artificial intelligence (AI). PEST-BIN will train ESRs in an interdisciplinary and intersectoral environment in these impact areas: 1) Diagnostics: Current diagnostic tools fail to meet the clinical requirements for high speed, throughput, accuracy, cost and simplicity of use. PEST-BIN will develop infection diagnostic kits based on graphene, that will be functionalized by receptors capturing infection biomarkers. Our chips will contain only pure carbon and biodegradable polymers – zero environmental footprint. They will be used as “plug-and-play” disposable chips with a micro-SD jack. 2) Infection mechanisms: MS proteomics has been extensively used to analyse infectious bacteria, but our understanding of infection mechanisms has not advanced much. PEST-BIN is taking two new directions: i) generate proteomics datasets more relevant, comprehensive and time-resolved and ii) use novel computational tools (based on AI) to analyse proteomics datasets. This will lead to new drug targets for development of antibiotics. 3) Killing biofilms: Dense extracellular matrix prevents drugs from reaching bacteria inside biofilms. This limited exposure enhances development of antibiotic tolerance. PEST-BIN will engineer magnetic nanoparticles (directed by magnetic field), spiked with antibacterial graphene coating which will be loaded with antibiotics. Such molecular “nano-weapons” will physically penetrate biofilms and ensure sustained delivery of antibiotics inside biofilms.

The objective of this project is to study energy procurement practices and its relationship with environmental, economic, and social sustainability. To do so, we aim to carry out ethnoarchaeological fieldwork regarding fuel-related practices among the Vedda indigenous communities in Sri Lanka. In parallel, we will develop archaeobotanical research to interrogate these questions in prehistoric and early historical periods of the island. The building of a wood reference collection will be key and will boost the development of proper charcoal analyses. The results of this research will be integrated to create an educational resource for museums, botanical gardens and schools, with the aim to bring the study of humans and plants interactions to the general public. This project requires f different methodologies, whose field of expertise, facilities and knowledge are shared between academic and non-academic organizations in France, Spain, and Sri Lanka. For the successful development of the project, we involve 21 persons with different categories (PhD students, postdoctoral and senior researchers, technicians, and members of non-academic organizations) developing a total of 64 months of secondments in the institutions involved. This project will set up the basis for sustainable collaboration between academic institutions working on archaeological charcoal and ethnoarchaeology of fuel, and non-academic institutions engaged in educational resources on ethnobotany and the diversity of human uses of plants. The project is organized in 5 packages including four objectives and the management and dissemination of the project. The research will be carried out through long-term secondments by PhD students and shorter secondments by senior researchers and non-academic members. This project will provide scientific impact by delivering training and resources for the study of charcoal remains and socio and economic impact throughout the production of an educational resource.