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Methodology

The Theseus Hub for Circularity (H4C) methodology follows a phased approach, integrating existing knowledge, expertise, and tools from current and ongoing H4C initiatives, Circular Cities and Regions Initiatives (CCRIs), and Industrial-Urban Symbiosis (I-US) projects. This process ensures the development, validation, and replication of innovations, while preparing for large-scale upscaling

Phase 1: Definition (M1-M8)

This foundational phase establishes the baseline and frameworks for the Theseus consortium, project operations, and H4C activities. Key activities include:

  • Setting up synergies with existing H4Cs and CCRIs.
  • Integrating knowledge, tools, and practices from replication areas and other projects.
  • Conducting preliminary studies on waste, energy, and material flows in Attica.

Implemented mainly under WP1 and WP2, this phase lays the groundwork for project alignment and successful integration.

Phase 2: Development (M9-M24)

The development phase focuses on designing and developing innovative solutions in waste, energy, and water management, alongside advanced sorting and digital systems. Key activities include:

  • Tailoring existing expertise and tools to address regional needs.
  • Preparing for the setup of pilot systems.

Implemented primarily under WP3-WP7, this phase ensures readiness for pilot implementation.

Phase 3: Implementation (M25-M36)

This phase finalizes the technologies and innovations developed earlier and integrates them into value chains. Major activities include:

  • Completing the Theseus pilot systems for water, energy, and materials.
  • Preparing replication areas by leveraging knowledge from the main H4C activities.

 

Implemented under WP3-WP7 and WP8, this phase transitions innovations into operational pilots.

Phase 4: Validation (M37-M48)

Validation activities assess the performance of Theseus pilots and solutions. Highlights include:

  • Testing and validating circular products and integrated value chains.
  • Operationalizing replication areas and refining solutions based on feedback.
  • Providing insights for policy recommendations and standardization activities.

This phase is carried out mainly through WP8, ensuring the robustness of project outputs.

Phase 5: Replication and Upscaling (M49-M60)

The final phase ensures the scalability and sustainability of Theseus solutions. Key actions include:

  • Completing the development of replication areas and sharing knowledge between the main hub and replication sites.
  • Conducting impact assessments for pilots and solutions.
  • Developing conditions for upscaling Theseus innovations to other European regions.

Implemented primarily under WP9, WP10, and WP11, this phase facilitates the transition from pilot operations to commercialization and widespread adoption.

Iterative Knowledge Exchange

Throughout all phases, a continuous knowledge exchange process between the main hub in Attica and replication areas (e.g., Malmö in Sweden, Mo in Norway) ensures alignment, mutual learning, and scalability.
This structured methodology positions Theseus H4C to achieve its mission of transforming Attica into a model hub for circular economy and climate neutrality by 2050.

The Theseus Hub for Circularity (H4C) employs a systemic, interdisciplinary approach to establish Greece’s first H4C in the Attica region. The methodology integrates advanced technological, digital, and governance innovations, leveraging Industrial-Urban Symbiosis (I-US) to drive circularity in water, energy, and material flows. Theseus builds upon existing knowledge, expertise, and tools from ongoing H4C and CCRI initiatives, ensuring a comprehensive and replicable framework.

Core Concepts

  • Facilitates cross-sectoral collaboration between municipalities, industries, and regional authorities for efficient resource, waste, energy, and water management.
  • Supports eco-industrial development and urban transitions towards sustainability.
  • IP1: Cross-sectoral collaboration and knowledge exchange with European projects (e.g., DigInTraCE, IS2H4C, REDOL).
  • IP2: Materials circularity focusing on upcycling and recycling of complex material streams (e.g., textiles, CDW, MSW).
  • IP3: Energy solutions integrating renewable sources, waste heat recovery, and decarbonization strategies.
  • IP4: Advanced digitalization and robotics for sorting, tracking, and optimizing resource flows.
  • IP5: Governance models fostering collaboration among stakeholders and enhancing policy alignment.

Strategic Approach

  • Baseline Definition:
    • Evaluate existing frameworks, tools, and practices from other H4Cs, CCRIs, and I-US projects.
    • Conduct regional studies in Attica to identify opportunities for circularity in water, energy, and materials.
  • Technology Development:
    • Design tailored solutions for Attica’s unique needs, integrating advanced sorting systems, robotic innovations, and digital tools.
    • Focus on closing loops in key material streams (e.g., textiles, glass, biobased packaging).
  • Pilot Implementation:
    • Establish and operationalize pilot systems in the Attica region, demonstrating the viability of Theseus solutions in real-world settings.
  • Replication and Scalability:
    • Create replication frameworks for other regions in Europe (e.g., Malmö, Sweden, and Mo, Norway).
    • Utilize tools like Material Flow Analysis (MFA) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to ensure replicability.

Alignment with EU Strategies

The Theseus approach aligns with the Processes4Planet (P4P) partnership, addressing key European priorities like resource efficiency, decarbonization, and sustainable urban-industrial development. The systemic integration of digital and governance innovations ensures scalability across European regions.
This concept and approach lay the foundation for achieving the overarching goals of Theseus H4C: fostering circularity, improving environmental health, and advancing climate neutrality by 2050.

The Theseus Hub for Circularity (H4C) is structured into 11 interconnected Work Packages (WPs), each targeting critical aspects of project development, implementation, validation, and upscaling. These WPs ensure a comprehensive and systemic approach to achieving the project’s objectives.

WP1 – Project Management & Ethics

Objective

  • Manage the overall coordination of the project and consortium.
  • Monitor technical, legal, financial, and ethical aspects.
  • Ensure quality assurance (QA), risk management, and GDPR compliance.

Key Activities

  • Project coordination, reporting, and communication with the EC.
  • Development of data management and open science practicesGrant Agreement – GAP-1….

WP2 – Development of the Theseus Framework

Objective

  • Develop governance models and participatory approaches.
  • Analyze material flows and value chains.
  • Create regional and interregional pathways.

Key Activities

  • Implement material flow and value chain analysis.
  • Design participatory and digital planning toolsGrant Agreement – GAP-1….

WP3 – Digital Tools for Greek Attica H4C

Objective

  • Establish a digital framework for waste and logistics.
  • Deploy dynamic DDPs and secure data channels.
  • Develop a Theseus H4C marketplace.

Key Activities

  • Create GIS tools, symbiotic models, and logistics prediction modules.
  • Build data exchange and integration platformsGrant Agreement – GAP-1…..

WP4 – Separation and Sorting Technologies

Objective

  • Develop smart sorting technologies including AI-driven systems.
  • Enable autonomous platforms and XR human-machine collaboration.

Key Activities

  • Deploy XR apps, smart bins, and autonomous sorting platforms.
  • Evaluate and optimize robotic-human waste sortingGrant Agreement – GAP-1….

WP5 – Material Processing Technologies

Objective

  • Innovate recycling and upcycling methods for waste flows.
  • Support circular symbiotic synergies through material reuse.

Key Activities

  • Test bio-based, biodegradable, and construction materials.
  • Implement textile recycling via depolymerizationGrant Agreement – GAP-1….

WP6 – Energy Symbiotic Flows

Objective

  • Integrate renewable energy sources and optimize energy symbiosis.
  • Digitalize energy systems for better management and sustainability.

Key Activities

  • Implement smart energy systems and optimization software.
  • Validate hybrid heating and green hydrogen applicationsGrant Agreement – GAP-1….

WP7 – Water Symbiotic Flows

Objective

  • Valorize and recycle water for various circular applications.
  • Explore decentralized water reuse and rainwater harvesting.

Key Activities

  • Deploy sewer mining and fertigation using reclaimed water.
  • Develop a circularity master plan and sludge valorization pathwaysGrant Agreement – GAP-1…

WP8 – Piloting and Demonstration

Objective

  • Implement five pilot projects on different flows.
  • Monitor, evaluate, and validate the new systems and solutions.

Key Activities

  • Conduct pilots for biobased, textile, CDW & glass, energy, and water.
  • Assess the impact and enable scalability and replicationGrant Agreement – GAP-1….

WP9 – Synergies, Replication and Cooperation

Objective

  • Establish synergies with other initiatives and replicate Theseus.
  • Create guidelines and tools for replication.

Key Activities

  • Engage replicator sites and develop roadmap tools.
  • Document best practices and stakeholder cooperationGrant Agreement – GAP-1….

WP10 – Nexus Modelling, Social Awareness and Training

Objective

  • Model I-US and H4C systems’ climate, resource, and health impacts.
  • Raise awareness and deliver training on sustainability.

Key Activities

  • Develop WEMW nexus tools and training toolkits.
  • Create AR apps and simulate climate scenariosGrant Agreement – GAP-1….

WP11 – Exploitation and Dissemination Activities

Objective

  • Map commercialization potential and standardization pathways.
  • Promote communication, stakeholder engagement, and policy guidance.

Key Activities

  • Lead dissemination, market analysis, and policy recommendations.
  • Coordinate exploitation, open-source, and standardization actions

The integration of these work packages ensures that the Theseus H4C achieves its objectives of fostering circularity, supporting climate neutrality, and setting a replicable model for other regions in Europe.

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Funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Actions programme under grant agreement No 101095303, under topic HORIZON-CL4-2024-TWIN-TRANSITION-01-38 – Hubs for circularity for industrialised urban peripheral areas (Processes4Planet partnership) (IA).