Our recent panel discussion our April H-HOPE mid-term event brought together voices from academia, policy, and international networks to explore how energy harvesters can contribute to resilience in water management, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.
Despite running slightly over schedule, the session sparked an engaging conversation on how to integrate technical innovation with policy, social, and environmental considerations to build holistic frameworks for sustainability and resilience.
A Holistic Approach to Harvesters
The discussion highlighted that developing energy harvesting devices is only part of the challenge. Their real impact lies in how they are used across sectors, how they connect to policies at local and European levels, and how they address societal needs. The work package leading this effort is focused on three main pillars:
Assessing environmental impacts
Conducting socio-economic evaluations
Integrating these with technical aspects to upscale solutions to a European scale
Case Studies and Applications
Examples from Iceland, Ljubljana, and Venice showcased the diversity of contexts in which energy harvesters could be applied — from powering self-sufficient monitoring systems in geothermal plants to do-it-yourself devices for citizens, and even supporting flood resilience in high-current environments.
Panelist Marco Schiavon (University of Padova) emphasized opportunities in agriculture, particularly in powering soil moisture and air quality sensors. He also pointed to challenges in water flow conditions that may limit energy harvesting potential in certain regions.
Policy and Global Perspectives
From a European perspective, Jean-Yves Stenuick (Aqua Publica Europea) highlighted that resilience is high on the EU agenda, with a forthcoming Water Resilience Strategy set to stress efficiency and digitalization. Sensors and data collection, he argued, will be critical in enabling evidence-based policy and helping utilities meet ambitious new energy neutrality targets.
At a global scale, Lydia Vamvakeridou (KWR Water Research / ICT for Water Cluster) underscored the importance of decentralization and crisis response. She cautioned that awareness and capacity-building remain major barriers to uptake, especially among fragmented and smaller water utilities.
Barriers and Enablers
The discussion identified both technical and institutional challenges, from low water flow rates in certain channels to skill shortages within the water sector. At the same time, collaboration among stakeholders was recognized as a key enabler, creating synergies that can accelerate adoption.
Stakeholder Engagement
Participants were invited to contribute through an online survey, ensuring that diverse perspectives on barriers, risks, and enablers will directly inform ongoing research and project outcomes.
Looking Ahead
The panel reaffirmed that energy harvesters are not just technical devices but tools for resilience that must be embedded within broader social, environmental, and political frameworks. With European and global policies aligning toward digitalization, efficiency, and resilience, the opportunities are significant — but realizing them will require awareness, training, and cross-sector collaboration.
