Cigat Circular is the result of the partnership between Viaqua and Cetaqua Galicia with the support of the Xunta through the Galician Innovation Agency in the framework of the Joint Research Units programme.

This Joint Centre is the continuation of the work carried out by the two organisations in the two previous Joint Units: Cigat (2015-2018) and Cigat Biofactoría (2018-2021). This stage will last four years and will involve a total of 3.5 million euros, of which the Xunta de Galicia will provide 40% of the investment. In addition, it will create 12 qualified jobs, including both new and maintenance jobs.

Areas of work

Cigat Circular evolves in order to expand knowledge in the field of generation and recovery of by-products. To this end, it focuses on various lines of research and innovation to conclude the circularity of the priority axes (water, energy and waste) of its predecessor project, Cigat Biofactoría.

The first line, related to the water axis, focuses on the development of advanced treatments for the elimination of microplastics and obtaining reusable water. In the field of energy, it seeks to promote activities focused on the use of energy to obtain green hydrogen and biomethane. In the area of waste, two areas of research are envisaged: one directly related to the production of high added-value biocomposites and the other to the use of resources present in waste flows.

With the aim of promoting renewable-based industries in Galicia, Cigat Circular also plans to introduce a digital axis that will act as a catalyst for the creation and consolidation of sustainable business models based on circular value chains.

This Joint Research Centre, in addition to being aligned with the challenges and priorities of the Galician Smart Specialisation Strategy (RIS3) of Galicia, also responds to the goals set by the Galician Climate Change and Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality in the region before 2050.