DARROW

Growing concerns about climate change and water scarcity have transformed how we view wastewater. Rather than merely disposing of it, society now recognizes the potential to recover valuable resources such as clean water, nutrients, and energy.

The DARROW project seizes this opportunity by advancing Water Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs) into centres of sustainability. Drawing on innovative research from partners across Spain, Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands, DARROW aims to maximize the value of wastewater while minimizing its environmental footprint.

A central focus of DARROW is to integrate data-driven AI solutions that make WRRFs both more autonomous and more efficient. By leveraging real-time data from the entire wastewater treatment process, the project’s AI will streamline operations, reducing energy consumption, chemical use, and sludge generation while enhancing the production of biogas and nutrient recovery. The ultimate goal is not only to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also to contribute to a more circular economy—where waste becomes a resource rather than an end product.

DARROW’s effectiveness will be demonstrated at the Tilburg wastewater treatment plant in the Netherlands, an ideal site due to its high daily inflow and sophisticated infrastructure. Here, state-of-the-art AI tools will be tested and refined to optimize resource recovery from both secondary treatment and anaerobic digestion processes. The plan includes ensuring reliability, improving efficiency, and delivering transparent, explainable recommendations to plant operators.

By combining technological innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to sustainable development, DARROW charts a new course for wastewater management. The project’s work underscores the importance of turning challenges into opportunities, showing how AI can drive environmental progress and help WRRFs better meet urgent needs for clean water, renewable energy, and responsible resource use.