Floating cities with positive impact

Integrated floating city concept: urban development, ecological development, nutrient/CO2 recycling, food/energy production on water and monitoring with underwater drones
Technology demonstrated in relevant environment.
Representative model or prototype system, which is well beyond that of TRL 5, is tested in a relevant environment. Represents a major step up in a technology’s demonstrated readiness. Examples include testing a prototype in a high-fidelity laboratory environment or in a simulated operational environment.
Floating foundations are already proven technology. The integration and symbiosis among different floating functions is however something that still needs to be tested.

How does it work?

Urban development on water is combined with ecological development. Ecological structures offer habitat for (under)water species and provide other ecosystem services such as nutrient recycling. Food production is also included in the concept. Nutrients consumed by people are used to grow algae in floating systems. Algae are used as a base for biofuel and feed production. Feed is fed to fish grown in aquaponic systems. In this way local food is produced. Floating innovations related to food, energy production, infrastructure and ecological development can be integrated in the concept. The impacts on the environment and the aquatic life are evaluated using innovative monitoring systems such as underwater drones equipped with sensors and cameras.