The FIC-FIGHTERS project, funded by the Horizon Europe programme and overseen by IDENER.AI, celebrated its first consortium meeting on June 11th in Seville.

This endeavor is advancing local democracy by crafting new circular economy models for waste management, with a special emphasis on converting phosphogypsum (PG) waste into eco-friendly materials for multiple industries. Over a 48-month period, engaging a variety of stakeholders, the initiative aims to showcase its innovations through a mobile pilot plant and to encourage community participation through local workshops and a specialized forum. The project strives to be adaptable across Europe, to disseminate knowledge extensively, and to set out guidelines for achieving circularity, thus tackling environmental issues and fostering socio-economic advantages.

The inaugural assembly brought together a 27-member consortium, with coordinator María González-Moya of IDENER.AI leading the proceedings. Each partner presented their expertise and defined their role within the project. The meeting included comprehensive reviews of the work packages and collaborative discussions to align efforts and strategize for upcoming activities.

By integrating pilot validation and engineering proficiency, IDENER.AI refines these models, using Python to solve MDO problems and bolster subsequent engineering tasks. Furthermore, IDENER.AI conducts both conceptual and detailed engineering of the NaOH route, detailing process descriptions, equipment specifications, and safety assessments, ultimately producing thorough documentation for module integration and procurement. Additionally, they are developing a digital twin of the NaOH and AMONI routes, allowing for virtual design modifications and operational improvements. This collaborative endeavor results in detailed reports, a public summary, and a functional digital twin to facilitate stakeholder involvement.