PRIM-ROCK addresses process efficiency through a multifaceted strategy addressing industrial processes from input to output, supported by an ambitious digital framework and transversal supporting activities. In particular, advanced techniques for the pre-processing of the raw material will be deployed to enhance its efficiency according to the requirements of the process, supplemented by simulations and decision support systems to increase the operational limits of flexibility in the feedstock domain. Additionally, the process intensification component of the project will design, develop, and validate innovative and efficient processes, as well as optimizing the existing ones. The aim is to develop a portfolio of technologies to a higher resource efficiency and lower level of GHG emissions of extractive industries. The project will focus on improving the resource efficiency of the calcination and roasting processes, that are commonly used in the mineral and cement industries. To this end, process simulations in collaboration with AI data-driven models will be utilized and a digital twin for each process will be developed. Finally, waste reduction and re-utilization strategies will be investigated targeting to the real-time processes’ adjustment capabilities to feedstock changes and tighter processing control solutions. All these components will be supplemented by transversal supporting activities, such as technoeconomic assessment, LCA, standardization etc. The PRIM-ROCK solutions will be demonstrated in 3 different ASPIRE sectors, namely Minerals (magnesite, laterite), Cement (limestone) and Non-ferrous metals (sphalerite, chalcopyrite). The consortium is composed of 7 SMEs along with 6 RTDs, 3 universities and 5 large enterprises, working together to achieve over 30% resource efficiency enhancement in each use-case, 770ktCO2 averted, productivity increase in the range 9-16% and more that 1,360 new jobs by 2033.

The project is built around the three main pillars of monitoring plastic litter, its collection and valorisation and, of course, the prevention of the distribution of non-degradable plastics. We will do so by strongly building on former projects addressing these topics and by connecting to previously identified major initiatives active in this area. For us, the most promising aspect is the activation and necessary participation of citizens affected by plastic pollution directly on the shorelines. We will guide them to becoming plastic entrepreneurs with a deeply rooted knowledge base and the right tools to start their own businesses through the valorisation of collected plastic litter and the provision of zero-waste solutions to all actors. We plan to employ 4 breakthrough innovations per pillar (monitoring, collection, prevention) that are neatly interwoven, building upon each other to create an even better whole. We will test these solutions in 8 demonstration sites in 8 Mediterranean countries and after validation, scale them up in 33 more sites with the potential to be launched across the whole Mediterranean. In parallel we will run two open calls to third parties to attract more solutions for implementation following our same methodology. All-in-all, we plan to map out 170 km2 for plastic litter, reach circa 100,000 citizens, collect around 400 tons of plastic waste, and build up plastic prevention pathways through scaling and replication for an equivalent of 3,700 tons of plastic.

Industrial-Urban symbiosis (I-US) involves municipalities and regions cooperating with industries on the management of resources, waste, energy, water, infrastructures, services, transportation and networks. This inter-disciplinary and cross-sectoral character is implemented by Hubs4Circularity (H4C) in a FOAK approach, as key instruments for delivering territorial I-US solutions in Europe by Processes4Planed partnership. Theseus will establish first-of-a-kind H4C in Greece originating from the capital region of Athens/Attica (incl. Athens metropolitan area -Greek capital, 68 municipalities, 2.928 km, 3,7 million inhabitants 35% of national- several industrial and semi-urban areas) towards the whole country, with overarching aim of closing loops through I-US to become climate neutral by 2050, in line with P4P partnership objectives. Theseus will validate new or existing technologies and develop solutions for water, energy and materials based on regional needs (Innovation Pillar (IP) 2 , 3) and digital/robotic technologies (IP4). The hub will operate under innovative governance and cooperation models of involved stakeholders, to enable pilots, upscale solutions, exploit outcomes, attract further companies and expand existing ecosystem (IP1,5). Water, energy and material flows were targeted selected, being widely spread, having high potential all over Europe and included in EU/P4P strategies. The overall systemic, based on regional science approach and IP1,IP5 activities will ensure strong insights to smoothly replicate Theseus solutions to other EU regions. Several existing innovations from H4C, I-US and Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI) projects will be used, retrofitted and expanded.. The systemic solution of Theseus is expected to have significant impact on the region, while metaphorically recalling the mythical figure of Theseus, king and great reformer of Athens.

Nemesis strategically establishes five autonomous yet interconnected user-oriented, sustainable Living Labs (LLs) in Cyprus, France, Italy, North Africa (Tunisia/Algeria), and Spain, to combat desertification and improve soil health across the Mediterranean. These LLs will evolve into a multi-disciplinary virtual LL, with primary goal to incorporate all relevant soil health descriptors across a spectrum of heterogeneous real-life environments. The Nemesis community envisions itself as a potent hub of innovative solutions addressing adverse soil degradation issues in the region and beyond, and supporting the Soil Monitoring Law at multiple levels. Nemesis seeks to promote effective, sustainable land management practices and tackle the various societal challenges associated with soil health deterioration in the region. A comprehensive set of tools and frameworks will be established. These are designed to secure the long-term viability and optimal functionality of the LLs, with the aim to advance LLs’ pilot sites (60 already identified at the proposal stage) into Lighthouses where they can showcase solutions and exemplary achievements. A core principle guiding Nemesis is its commitment to co-creation and co-development. Nemesis will also emphasize the active engagement of local communities and citizens, with a special focus on representing future generations to build a foundation of environmentally conscious citizens. Nemesis facilitates the exchange of knowledge and fosters the development of novel and adaptable tools that are essential for informed decision-making and policy shaping. The project recognizes the importance of policy creation in addressing the complex challenges it seeks to tackle. This ensures that the innovative solutions generated within the Nemesis LL network will influence broader policy frameworks, fostering a more comprehensive and coordinated approach to combating desertification, among other objectives.