The power of fog water in the fight against drought
Canarian origin of an innovative solution
In the battle against drought, every drop of water counts. On this occasion, a revolutionary technology has been developed in the Canary Islands, with funds from the European Union, which takes advantage of fog water, an unexpected source, for agricultural use and human consumption in places like Catalonia.
The ingenuity behind water harvesting
A group of experts, in collaboration with various institutions such as the Cabildo of Gran Canaria, has managed to take advantage of the potential of fog water through the implementation of sophisticated collection systems. These devices, of varying complexity and effectiveness, have proven to be capable of collecting more than 500 liters of water per square meter in a period of 10 months, according to tests carried out in the Canary Islands.
Expanding innovation towards Catalonia
Presentation of the project in Manresa
The project has been presented in Manresa, Barcelona, as part of the European LIFE program, by a team of researchers from various entities. The objective is to extend this technology throughout the Iberian Peninsula to combat water scarcity.
Inspiration from nature for a positive impact
The collection devices have been designed taking nature as a reference, imitating, for example, the structure of the Canary pine collection meshes. This strategy, inspired by biodiversity, has allowed the creation of more efficient and less expensive systems than previous technologies used in other countries.
Potential uses of fog water
Although fog water is suitable for human consumption, its main application focuses on agriculture and the irrigation of new green areas in areas affected by fires. This resource is presented as an innovative solution to mitigate water stress in Catalonia and other regions with favorable conditions for its collection.
Perspectives in Catalonia and beyond
Application potential in various Catalan regions
Although the Canary Islands remain the optimal environment for this technology, Catalonia presents significant potential. Regions such as Anoia, Bages and Les Garrigues offer ideal conditions for collecting fog, while places such as Garraf are exploring experimental projects to also take advantage of morning dew in the restoration of Mediterranean ecosystems.
Challenges and future possibilities
Catalonia hosts various opportunities for the implementation of this technology, both in the restoration of degraded areas and in supporting agriculture. Fog water harvesting technology offers a hopeful path toward drought mitigation and restoration of ecosystems affected by natural events such as wildfires.