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Dr. Ieva Sapkaite is an environmental engineer with a PhD and over eight years of experience in sustainability and environmental services. Specializing in water and wastewater treatment, circular economy, and environmental management, Dr. Ieva Sapkaite has excelled as an Environmental Engineer, Sustainability Researcher, and R&D Project Manager. Her decade in Spain provided valuable multicultural experience, enhancing her global perspective. Now based in the UAE and fluent in Spanish and English, Dr. Ieva Sapkaite leads the development of the Atmospheric Water Generation platform at Khalifa University, collaborating with international teams and stakeholders to address complex environmental challenges and improve sustainability practices.
Atmospheric Water Generation Systems: Testing and Analysis
The Atmospheric Water Generation (AWG) platform, commissioned by Executive Affair Authority (EAA) of Abu Dhabi and developed by Khalifa University, focuses on assessing the viability of commercial AWG systems for freshwater production. These systems present a promising solution to address water scarcity and emergency water needs in the UAE.
Constructed in 2022, the AWG platform is strategically located in two distinct environments within the Abu Dhabi Emirate: coastal Abu Dhabi and the desert region of Madinat Zayed. These sites were selected to test the performance of AWG systems under varying climate conditions, particularly different humidity levels.
Platform Objectives:
R&D Focus: The research and development efforts at this platform center on designing and constructing off-the-grid, solar-powered, sustainable AWG systems. In the UAE, where surface water and rainwater are scarce, and groundwater reserves are depleting, AWG technology emerges as the sole renewable water source. However, desalination poses significant challenges, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions.
By integrating AWG with renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, the project aims to enhance net water production from air, offering a sustainable approach to combat water scarcity. This initiative not only addresses immediate water needs but also promotes environmental sustainability. The project explores the system-level design necessary to implement such technology effectively, with a particular focus on overcoming the challenges posed by desert environments like those found in the UAE.
