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OUR COMPANY

OUR OFFER

OUR EXPERIENCE

INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT

INTERNATIONAL

COLLABORATIVE ACTIVITIES

EKOTEK is an Engineering and Consultancy company specialising in providing integraland innovative solutions for the environmental sector, and so contributing to thesustainable development.

EKOTEK's activities constitute a complete range of projects and services aimed bothat public bodies and private enterprise on an international level, to provide environmentalsolutions.

The solutions available from EKOTEK cover all stages from initial studies up toimplementation of the projects, and are supported by a highly-qualified team integratedin an organisational structure focused on continually improving and innovating itsprocesses and services.

With the intention of incorporating state of the art technologies into the Environmentalfield, and promoting sustainable development, EKOTEK has created an RD&Idivision responsible for developing and applying the best available technologies, sothat our customers can obtain the solutions that best suit their needs.

MAIN SECTORS OF ACTIVITY

EKOTEK's develops integral solutions in two main areas:

- Environmental Studies and Consulting- Engineering and Implementation of Integral Projects for:

Waste Water

Contaminated Soils Atmosphere

STRUCTURE AND MEANS

Aware of our Customers’ requirements, in EKOTEK we are concentrated on providingintegral solutions, from consulting to engineering and project implementation. Theseactivities are complemented by tracking and technical assessment of all of our projectsand by the integration of new technologies so that our customers obtain the maximumvalue from our services.

To comply with these objectives, EKOTEK has set up an organisation based on highly-qualified multidisciplinary teams, specialising in the environment, allowing us todevelop large-scale projects, integrating different specialities such as civil, industrial,energy and chemical engineering, etc.

OUR COMPANY

INTEGRAL PROJECTS:

Consultancy Engineering Implementation

“Comprehensive,cutting edge

solutionsfocussing on the

environment”

Engineers

BSCs in Chemistry

BSCs in Biology

Other

STAFF CHART BYQUALIFICATION

OUR COMPANY

AWARDS AND PRIZES

Thanks to the experience we have gained during the development of our activities,and with a permanent commitment to continuous improvement in the achievementof all of our objectives, EKOTEK has at its disposal advanced technical andadministrative resources, of which the following deserve special mention:

- ISO 9001:2000 certification- ISO 14001 certification- R+D+I management system (UNE 166002:2002 EX)- Specialised hardware and advanced software tools for process calculation, modelling

and simulation, project management. (GESIP, PRESTO, ASPEN, etc)

In addition, EKOTEK has reached collaboration agreements with other entities, inorder to offer an integral service to our customers, including analyses, groundsoundings, etc.

EKOTEK's professional trajectory has been rewarded on many occasions by awardsthat validate the high standards of its work in all of its fields of activity:

- Prize for the best Basque business conceded by AJEBASK in 1992- 2nd Prize for the best business in the Spanish State, conceded by CEAJE in 1996- The “Developer of the Year” prize for technological innovation in 1998, conceded by

Erns & Young- In 2002, we received the Prize for Business Trajectory from the Diputacion Foral de

Bizkaia (Biscay Provincial Deputation).- Our innovations and social commitment were recognised in 2003, by the award of

the Begizta Label (awarded by the Public Company Beaz, SA).- Recognition by the Novia Salcedo Foundation for social and professional integration

of young people, in 2005- The “Luis Olartua” Prize for Business Development and Ethics, awarded by AVIC

("Asociació'97n Vasca de Empresas de Ingenierí'92a y Consultoria", the Basque Association of Engineering and Consultancy Companies) in 2006.

EKOTEK has substantial experience as an environmental consultant for both publicand private bodies, helping our customers to take decisions related to environmentmanagement and to sustainable development of their activities.

The most significant activities that EKOTEK undertakes in this area are:

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES.

One of EKOTEK's priorities is to help its customers to analyse the effects that theiractivity may cause to the environment. For this reason, EKOTEK's offer as a consultancycovers the following activities:

- Environmental evaluations and diagnostics- Studies of Environmental Impact Assessments- Studies of contaminated soils: study of the soil quality, treatment proposals and

recuperation techniques- Studies of waste valuation- Inventories and waste characteristics- Projects for atmospheric emissions- Studies of technical and economic viability for investment projects- Reports and environmental declarations- Master Plans for waste management

IMPLEMENTATION OF EMS AND SYSTEM AUDITS.

With its long trajectory in the implementation of management systems, EKOTEK hasa consolidated background in the design and implementation of EnvironmentalManagement Systems, and can provide integral assistance in these processes untilthey are certified:

- Implementation of Certifiable Environmental Management Systems- System Auditing- Environmental audits: processes, corrective measures, implementation of the Best

Available Techniques (BATs)- Implementation of integrated systems- Preparation of “Due Diligence” Audits- Updating of environmental legislation- Preparation of diagnostics and Waste-Management Master Plans

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND TRAINING

To complement its consulting and engineering services, and with the firm intentionof guaranteeing its customers an integral service, EKOTEK includes the followingoffers of technical assistance in its projects:

- Applications for Activity Licenses- Preparation of projects to obtain administrative permits- Environmental training programs- Projects to legalise and obtain permits for industrial installations.

OUR OFFER2.1 ENVIROMENTAL STUDIES AND CONSULTING

“We assist clientswith their

environmentalmanagement”

PROJECTS BY AREASOF ACTIVITY

Biotechnology AreaEnvironmental Consultancy

Degraded AreasRecuperation

Contaminated SoilsWaste Valorisation

EKOTEK has carried out numerous implementations of industrial environmentalprojects, from their design through to their entry into service, offering its customersintegral services in all phases of the project life cycle, such as Works Management,Technical Assistance, Project Management, etc.

The most relevant activities in this area are:- Edition of projects and Technical Dossiers- Basic and detailed engineering projects- Process modelling- Integral Project Management.- Works management and Technical Assistance- Exploitation and investment projects

EKOTEK implements integral projects in the following areas of activity:

WASTE

EKOTEK has a wide experience of solving environmental problems concerning wasteproducts, using both traditional methods and state of the art technologies, such asplasma technology. EKOTEK's offer in this area is:

- Plants to obtain energy from organic waste- Preparation of projects to recycle and exploit waste- Installation of systems to exploit industrial by-products- Projects for environmental exploitation and investment- Integral Projects for waste treatment- Treatment Plants for hazardous waste- Technical assistance for Pubic Authorities: preparation of Master Plans- Projects for the treatment, sealing and closing of landfills- Technical landfill projects

LAND

Using its own technology to remedy contaminated sites, EKOTEK has developednumerous rehabilitation projects for “brownfields” which has contributed to acquiringthe experience needed to offer a wide range of services related to the recovery ofcontaminated sites:

- Investigation of soil quality- Preliminary, exploratory and detailed studies- Drawing-up and execution of "turn-key" projects for the recovery of contaminated

soils- Technical assistance during works- Biological remediation projects, using EKOTEK's composting techniques

OUR OFFER2.2 PROJECT ENGINEERING AND IMPLEMENTATION

“Comprehensivesolutions forsustainable

development”

WATER AND THE ATMOSPHERE

EKOTEK brings a wide range of services to bear in this area of activity, fromcharacterisation and diagnosis of the problem to the design of corrective measuresagainst atmospheric contamination, while in the case of water, our offer runs fromstudies to integral projects for water-treatment plants.

- Studies aimed at minimising waste emissions- Design and works management for water treatment and purifying installations.- Projects involving atmospheric emissions.- Characterisation and monitoring of atmospheric contaminants.- Dispersion Studies and studies of Air Quality.

OUR OFFER2.2 PROJECT ENGINEERING AND IMPLEMENTATION

“Personal technology to offer comprehensive and cutting edgesolutions to our clients”

IMPLEMENTATION OF INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND ENVIRONMENTALMANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (UNE-EN–ISO 14001-EMAS)

SISTEMAS FORJADOS DE PRECISIÓN, SFP, ALCORTA BROKHAUS,S.A.,RIOGALINDOS.L., AGUAS DE ALZOLA, S.A.

ObjectivesTo support our customers in the design and implementation of integrated systemsfor quality-control, the environment and risk prevention, from the definition of theenvironmental policies to the issue of reports and audits and the training required toobtain the appropriate certificates, using models and developments that simplify theapplication of the regulations.

ResultsMore than 20 companies have implemented their Environmental ManagementSystems with the aid of EKOTEK's tools and consultancy services, achievingimprovements in their management and contributing to sustainable development ofthe Industrial Sector.

STUDIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT AND INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTALAUTHORISATION

GRUPO ORMAZABAL, INFRISA, SFP, SIDENOR INDUSTRIAL S.L, LKS, L&PSPRINGS,S.L, BALANZATEGI, S.L.

ObjectivesIn order to provide an integral service to our customers, EKOTEK carries out projectsto obtain Integrated Environmental Authorisation and Environmental ImpactAssessment, as well as Activity Permits and Impact Declarations, in accordance withLaw 16/2002 (IPPC).

ResultsEKOTEK has carried out the studies and procedures of environmental impact studies,integrated environmental authorisations, and the study and implementation of theBest Available Technologies (BAT’s) through close collaboration with our customersand the authorities in a large number of the companies, old and new, that constitutethe Basque Industrial Complex.

DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS

IHOBE SOCIEDAD PÚBLICA MEDIO AMBIENTAL, S.A.

ObjectivesEKOTEK offers assessment via the implementation of Ihobe's EKOSCAN EnvironmentalDiagnostic Tool and the Environmental Indicator Databanks, with the aim of introducingindustrial companies to environmental diagnosis and management.

ResultsEKOTEK has successfully implemented many such systems, especially in the graphicsarts and the ironworks sectors, implementing improvements and good environmentalpractices into these sectors.

OUR EXPERIENCE3.1 Environmental Studies and Consulting

ENVIRONMENTAL TRAINING PROGRAMS

FUNDACIÓN LANTEGI BATUAK, SIDENOR, UPV, GLOBAL ALLIANCE, GEOLAN, ACEROSOLARRA, FORJANOR.

ObjectivesIn order to increase awareness and to offer environmental training to businesses andorganisations, EKOTEK designs and gives specialised training courses for a varietyof environmental themes, aimed at achieving the maximum awareness and agreementin the workforce with the company's environmental objectives.

ResultsEKOTEK has designed and imparted environmental awareness days and courses toover 2,000 people, and has offered technical day-courses to quality-control andenvironmental managers in businesses and public organisations in more than 30 workplaces, apart from the implementation of Management Systems in accordance withthe UNE EN ISO 14001 and EMAS Standards.

“DUE DILIGENCE” ENVIRONMENTAL AUDITS

SIDENOR INDUSTRIAL, GRUPO LUCCINI.

ObjectivesEKOTEK can evaluate the environmental liabilities that have repercussions in businessactivities, and can establish the subsidiary responsibilities of “new owners” as regardscontamination in the transmission, association and/or purchase operations thataffect businesses.

ResultsAs a result of its experience, EKOTEK has carried out several “Due Diligence”Environmental Audits, such as the one involving several fusion processes in Europeansteelworks, evaluating and establishing the economic and legal costs of theenvironmental liabilities in 10 iron and steel works in Italy, France, Great Britain,Sweden and Poland.


“Ekotek has trained more than 2,000technicians in environmental subject matters”

INTEGRAL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

SIDENOR, S.A., SISTEMAS FORJADOS DE PRECISIÓN, GRUPO ORMAZABAL, OTSAILAXXI,

Objectives

Among its consultancy services, EKOTEK offers its customers integral environmentalassessment, covering all aspects from administration of applications for legalisation,licence applications, land quality certificates, environmental audits, design ofinstallations, training and implementation of Environmental Management Systems.In fact, EKOTEK offers a wide range of integral consultancy and environmentalengineering services to respond to our customers' requirements.

Results

EKOTEK offers an integral environmental assessment service in which we takeadvantage of synergies to gain deeper understanding of customers' problems andneeds, to provide an environmental "out-sourcing" service of great quality andexperience.

EXPERT ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE TRAINING OFOPERATORS AND SMEs IN MEXICO (PIAPYME)

CENTRO EMPRESARIAL MÉXICO-UNIÓN EUROPEA-IDOM

Objectives

The objective of the PiaPyme Program is to increase the competitiveness and exportcapability of small and medium enterprises in Mexico, in order to establish theenvironmental criteria they must comply with in order to export to the EU. To this end,EKOTEK, as a European environmental expert, has offered technical assistance inenvironmental matters to all Mexican operators and SMEs interested in exporting tothe European Union.

Results

We have provided expert and individualised assessments to over 50 Mexican operatorsand businesses regarding the environmental requirements and standards concerningexports to Europe, in diverse sectors such as: textiles, foodstuffs, beverages, furnitureand decoration, environmental technology, etc.


“Ekotekprovides

comprehensive,expert

environmentalassessment for

all activitysectors”

SOIL QUALITY STUDIES

DITECO INGENIERÍA, NEWELL, TREFASA, PLÁSTICOS COYMA, PROMOCIONES COMA,SIDENOR INDUSTRIAL

Objectives

The objective of these projects is to determine soil quality and levels of contamination,and to establish the measures for soil decontamination and protection. EKOTEK hascarried out the entire project, consisting of the following phases: the ExploratoryPhase, including historical studies and sampling, and the Detailed Phase, includingdrilling, and ending with the obtaining of the land quality certificate.

Results

Since Law 1/2005 for the prevention and correction of soil pollution came into force,there are many companies that, with the help of EKOTEK's projects, have received aland quality certificate that certifies that their premises are apt for future uses.

PREPARATION OF INVENTORIES OF "GREEN" ORGANIC WASTE IN BISCAY

S&F, S.L.

Objectives

To prepare an inventory of the green organic waste produced in Biscay, in order todetermine the types and quantities of organic materials that are suitable for treatmentin a composting plant. To prepare this inventory, EKOTEK has designed a methodologyfor data processing and has carried out over 200 interviews with town councils,catering companies, agricultural producers, shopping centres, hypermarkets, fooddistribution companies and maintenance companies for parks and gardens, with theaim of determining the overall quantity and distribution of each waste type.

Results

An inventory of the generation of waste produced by agriculture and horticulture,green waste from markets, biodegradable waste, waste from use of woodlands,municipal waste from parks and gardens, and green waste from businesses and fromselective collection in towns. As a result of this study, a project for a composting plantfor Biscay has been designed and approved.


STUDIES OF THE USE OF WHITE SLAG AND BLACK SLAG FROM ELECTRICALSTEELWORKS

ACERO Y MEDIO AMBIENTE, SIDENOR INDUSTRIAL, ACEROS OLARRA

Objectives

EKOTEK has carried out these studies for the Steel sector in order to determine thebest alternative, from technical and economic viewpoints, for the re-use of slag,both white and black. To do this, the characteristics of the different types of slag andof the steel works were studied, and we carried out a market study involving the mostimportant actors in this sector in order to establish the best way to use these materials:re-use in cement factories, applications in building work and road works, etc.

Results

A complete study has been completed that analyses and evaluates the best ways,economically and technically, to re-use the waste produced by the Steel Industry.

ATMOSPHERIC EMISSION PROJECTS: LEGALISATION OF EMISSION POINTS

FUNDIFES, OTSAILA XXI

Objectives

EKOTEK has undertaken projects concerning atmospheric emissions for severalindustrial plants. The emission points have been characterised and classified, andwe have produced the technical designs for the exhaust, emission control, measurementand analytical systems. We have also prepared the documentation and have establishedthe technical modifications required in order for the company's emission points tocomply with the regulations governing prevention and correction of atmosphericpollution.

Results

All projects prepared by EKOTEK have been presented to the appropriate authorities,thus complying with the regulations concerning prevention and correction ofatmospheric pollution.


CECA PROJECT FOR THE REDUCTION OF POLLUTION FROM THE IRON AND STEELINDUSTRY VIa ANALYSIS, ModelLING AND PARAMETER Control.

SIDENOR i+d, i+d, corus uk Ltd, leces, bfi, isq, crm, mefos

Objectives

This project is intended to achieve a reduction in the emissions of organic substances(VOCs and SVOCs), NOx, SO2 and particles in the iron and steel production, using amodel that integrates the relationships that exist between the operating parametersand the emission of pollutants. EKOTEK has contributed to the development of animproved control process that uses "soft-sensing" predictive models, and a new dampcontactor to reduce emissions of NOx and SO2.

Results

As a result of this project, the European Iron and Steel Sector now has a usefulatmospheric emission control tool that will be of great help with regards to the Lawon Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control (IPPC).


“We guarantee the quality of our activities from the initial studiesup to the implementation of the projects”

PLANTS FOR ENERGY RECOVERY FROM WASTE

RECOVER, SOLENA, SOLENA POLSKA (POLAND).

Objectives

In its engineering section, EKOTEK offers an integral service to design, direct andrealise execute plants for treatment of and energy recovery from waste of bothindustrial and municipal solid waste, using plasma technology.

Results

As a result, EKOTEK has designed and realised several plants for the use of municipaland industrial waste, generating between 15-100 MW of electrical energy and treatingbetween 50,000 and 300,000 Tonnes/year of waste in Europe, and we have variousprojects in the detailed engineering stage for the implementation of plants in Chinaand Brazil.

PROJECTS FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE PREPARATION OF MASTER PLANS FORINTEGRAL WASTE MANAGEMENT

THE ENVIRONMENTAL MINISTRY OF THE PROVINCE OF SICHUAN, CHINA, AND THELUZHOU, YIBIN AND PANZHIHUA TOWN COUNCILS

Objectives

With the aim of providing integral solutions, EKOTEK can carry out all stages fromenvironmental diagnosis of the existing management models through to the preparationof Integral Master Plans for the waste management in a zone, region or state. Theprojects we have undertaken run from the identification of the resources andinfrastructures required to implement a sustainable management system, to thedevelopment of the engineering and implementation of the proposed solutions,assisting the different entities in the search for investment plan funding.

Results

In the context of these activities, EKOTEK has prepared, among others, the WasteManagement Master Plans for the Province of Sichuan (China), a highly-industrialisedarea with a population of 87 million inhabitants. In addition, Master Plans have beendeveloped for the towns of Luzhou, Yibin and Panzhihua, with 5, 4 and 1.5 millioninhabitants, respectively.

OUR EXPERIENCE3.2 Engineering and implementation of Integral Projects

PROJECTS FOR RECYCLING AND RECOVERING WASTE IN THE METAL INDUSTRY

ACERO Y MEDIO AMBIENTE, ACERALIA, ACB, SIDENOR.

Objectives

To design and implement a project for recycling dust from electrical steelworks inorder to enrich its zinc content so that it can be re-used, and to minimise the productionof this type of waste. To this end, systems have been designed and implemented toextract dust from electric furnaces for subsequent storage and re-circulation, withthe aim of reinserting the dust into the furnace and so recycle it.

Results

The technology implemented by EKOTEK, has achieved a reduction of a 60% in thetotal quantity of waste generated, with a greater than 10% enrichment of dust fromelectric steel furnaces, leading to a significant environmental improvement and asignificant cost saving in waste management.

DESIGN OF TECHNICAL ALTERNATIVES FOR THE TREATMENT OF SOLID WASTE INTHE CITY OF MANAGUA

MANAGUA TOWN HALL

Objectives

In the development of this project, EKOTEK has designed the integral wastemanagement system for the city of Managua (Nicaragua). The most important aspectof this project is the selection of a final disposal/treatment system for this waste andthe design of the preferred technical option. To this end, the different phases thatconstitute the integral waste management system have been attended to, from initialgeneration / production of waste and the possibility of a reduction at source, passingthrough a system of selective collection that foments recycling and/or re-use, andconcluding with a final system for treatment of and/or energy recovery from the wastethat best suits the characteristics of the area, all on the basis of technical, economic,financial, social and environmental criteria.

Results

This project has given the City of Nicaragua a modern, up-to-date treatment anddisposal system for municipal solid waste that is suitable for its main requirementsand that incorporates the most advanced European technology in order to guaranteethe maximum safety both for the environment and for public health.


DECONTAMINATION AND RECUPERATION PROJECTS FOR DEGRADED AREAS.

ARMURUMENDI, PROMOCIONES COMA, ARANGUIZ Y GANALTO, THE LEGAZPI TOWNHALL, THE BANGLADESH MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, ACLIMA

Objectives

EKOTEK, via its soil section, can carry out the recuperation of areas degraded bycontamination derived from industrial use of land, via decontamination projects andproper management of waste. For this reason, EKOTEK develops integral recuperationprojects by applying different treatment technologies, including, the CompostBioremediation technology developed by EKOTEK.

Results

As a result of these activities, more than 100.000 m2 of land have been decontaminatedand recuperated, and prepared for either industrial or urban use, these projects havingbeen implemented on both local and international levels.

RECUPERATION AND REHABILITATION OF CONTAMINATED AREAS IN THE CITY OFDHAKA (BANGLADESH).

BANGLADESH MINISTRY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Objectives

The presence of a large textile industry with no environmental management of anykind has led to the appearance of numerous contaminated areas in the city of Dhaka(Bangladesh), that have a serious effect on the health of the population living in theseareas. Via this project, the recuperation and subsequent rehabilitation of thesecontaminated industrial areas has been undertaken, applying innovative Europeantechnologies such as EKOTEK's compost bioremediation treatment to treat bothorganic and inorganic compounds in the contaminated soil.

Results

Thanks to this project, the concentrations of organic compounds and heavy metalssuch as Cr, Cd, Pb or As have been reduced to safe levels in two areas of the city ofDhaka (Hazaribagh and Tejgaon). The concentrations of these heavy metals inunderground water has been reduced by 95% thanks to the soil treatment used,obtaining standards of quality in the underground water that make it suitable forhuman consumption.


PROJECTS FOR THE TREATMENT, SEALING AND CLOSING OF DUMPING SITES.

SIDENOR INDUSTRIAL.

Objectives

EKOTEK has designed, projected and executed all stages of the project, from thesealing of the site through to the preparation of the area for future uses such as aleisure or industrial zones, achieving its integration into the landscape and allowingrecuperation of these spaces as parks or leisure areas.

Results

The result is the reintegration into the landscape of a highly-degraded area of over60,000m2 via the preparation of the executive project and execution as a turn-keyproject of the work of treatment and sealing of the land, and control of the sealingconditions.

TECHNICAL LANDFILL PROJECTS.

BASALUR, S.L, SAT EL CUADRO.

Objectives

In these projects, EKOTEK has carried out the technical design of the landfill,evaluating the capacity, the logistics and the improvement in subsequent usage of theland, and covering all aspects from the evaluation of the civil works, water-proofing,drainage, etc, to the subsequent constructional work or preparation of the land foruse.

Results

Technical executive projects for the execution of the planned fills, applications andprocessing of licenses for the execution of the projects, with a total volume of over 3million m3 of landfill.


DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF WATER PURIFICATION SYSTEMS.

BEHIALDE, S.COOP.

Objectives

EKOTEK has carried out the execution of the works and the installation of the equipmentrequired to purify water to food grade for use in a milk factory. After a detailed analysisand the selection of the most suitable technologies, we have implemented systemsfor storage, filtering and ultraviolet disinfection with automatic control of the parametersand alarm management for the three milk factories belonging to Behialde, S.Coop.

Results

Behialde, S. Coop. now has a reliable, robust system for purification and treatmentof the water used in its plants that requires minimum maintenance, and that is capableof maintaining all parameters below the limits established by applicable standards.

PROJECTS FOR THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF SYSTEMS FOR GREASEREMOVAL, STRAINING AND DEHYDRATION OF SLUDGE FROM A PURIFICATIONPLANT

SIDENOR, S.A.

Objectives

We carried out an engineering project and the installation of a system for dehydratingsludge with the aim of minimising its management requirements. To this end, EKOTEKhas designed the preceding treatments and the dimensions of the filter-pressinstallations and the auxiliary installations.

Results

A project and the execution of the treatment line that includes a system for strainingthe incoming water, grease removal from the sedimentation tanks, sludge collectionand pumping systems, gravity settling of the sludge, sludge homogenisation andpumping, mechanical dehydration by filter-press and pump systems.


In EKOTEK, we believe in innovation and technological development as a way toincorporate innovative technologies in the environmental sector, promoting sustainabledevelopment and continuous improvement of the products and services that we offerour customers.

With its policy of continuous investment in RD&I, and with the aim of achievingcontinuous innovation in the processes and products oriented towards the needs ofits clients, EKOTEK's RD&I section works on numerous research and developmentprojects in collaboration with other entities, on both national and international levels,incorporating the best technologies and methods in all projects that we undertake.

The main lines of technological development followed in EKOTEK are the following:

Recycling, Reuse and Exploitation of waste

Development and exploitation of new Renewable Energy Sources

Recuperation of Contaminated Land

Biotechnological Processes applied to the Environment

EKOTEK has extensive experience in leading technological research and developmentprojects in collaboration with Public Administrations, Universities, Technology Centresand Private Companies at an international level, in countries such as Great Britain,Italy, France, China, India, Cuba, etc.

EKOTEK participates actively, both as a co-ordinator and as a collaborator, in thedevelopment of integrated projects in diverse RD&I programs, of which the mostprominent are:

- INNOTEK (Industry Dept. of the Basque Government)- PROFIT (Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism)- CDTI (Centre for Industrial Technological Development)- EUREKA and IBEROEKA PROGRAMS- LIFE-ENVIRONMENT (European Commission)- FRAMEWORK PROGRAM (European Commission)- ASIA-PROECO PROGRAM (European Commission)


“One of our strongpoints is

innovation”

International Cooperation

National Cooperation

Other

RTD PROJECTS

EUROPEAN "EUREKA" PROJECT FOR ENERGY PRODUCTION FROM WASTE USINGPLASMA GASIFICATION TECHNOLOGY

Objectives

The main objective of the project consists in the design and development of a systemto treat waste and recover the energy contained in them, based on plasma gasificationtechnology. This technology is an innovative alternative to existing systems for useand elimination of waste, with minimum environmental impact. For its development,we have collaborated with Tetronics (Great Britain) and the Solena Group (USA),adapting this technology for energy recovery from organic waste and optimising thekey process parameters.

Results

The “EUREKA” project has allowed EKOTEK to offer an economically- feasible systemwith minimum environmental impact for energy recovery from various waste types,such as industrial waste (hazardous and non-hazardous), hospital waste, specifiedrisk material (SRM), and even Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). In line with currentpolicies based on the 3 R’s concept: "reduce, recycle and reuse", plasma gasificationhas proven to be one of the cleanest technologies, most efficient and with lowerenvironmental impact, for waste treatment and waste energy recovery. These featuresmark it as one of the most propitious technologies for the use of waste as a renewableenergy source.

SYNTHESIS OF METHANOL AND ETHANOL FOR USE IN FUELS VIA THE APPLICATIONOF SUPERCRITICAL FLUID TECHNOLOGY (SC- CO2)

Objectives

EKOTEK has developed an innovative technology for synthesising oxygenated organiccompounds (methanol and ethanol) in a supercritical fluid medium (SC- CO2), to beapplied in the production of biological fuels (biodiesel) and conventional fuels(oxygenated additives for petrol). This new method of synthesis is a low-cost and high-quality technology that offers an alternative to the costly existing systems used toproduce both compounds.

Results

During this development, supercritical fluid technology has been adapted, developedand optimised for use in the catalytic synthesis of ethanol and methanol, in order tobe used in the bio-fuel sector. The inherent properties of this technology allow high-quality products of maximum purity to be obtained, in perfect compliance with thequality standard requisites for fuels and bio-fuels. The development of this type oftechnology favours the use of non-fossil fuels and promotes Sustainable Developmentin the Transport Sector.


DEVELOPMENT OF A BIOREMEDIATION TECHNOLOGY FOR THE RECLAMATION OFCONTAMINATED SOILS

Objectives

EKOTEK has developed an on-site bioremediation technology for soils contaminatedwith organic compounds, based on the application of composts specifically designedto the characteristics of each site, and enriched with specific degradative micro-organisms, selected to breakdown the contaminating substances. Moreover, thistechnology has been demonstrated in full-scale applications in two highly-contaminatedsites in the framework of a LIFE-ENVIRONMENT project funded by the EuropeanCommission.

Results

EKOTEK can offer a versatile technology that achieves lower end-levels of contaminationthan conventional bioremediation processes and reduces the overall treatment time.This technology offers our customers a technique for the recuperation of contaminatedsoils that is highly cost-effective, and that incorporates innovation and quality intothe contaminated land management models.

“IBEROEKA” PROJECT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW BIOLOGICAL FUNGICIDESUSING ADVANCED BIOTECHNOLOGICAL PROCESSES

Objectives

The aim of this project is the production of new bio-active compounds with potentialfungicide activity to avoid two of the most devastating diseases that attack crops:Mildew in potatoes and tomatoes, and Black Sigatoka in plants of the genus Musa(bananas and plantains). Large-scale production of these new products will be developedby means of the design and start up of advanced biotechnological processes. Theproject includes the demonstration of the effectiveness of the resulting products inpotato and tomato crops in Europe, and in banana and plantain production in Cuba.

Results

EKOTEK offers a new, highly-specific, innocuous plant health product that can beused for prevention and treatment of agricultural crops. This biological fungicide isseen as a solution to the need for new biological products to replace chemicals, giventhe evident lack of products of these characteristics in the market.


BIOSENSORS FOR THE PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF MICROBIOLOGICAL RISKSIN WATER

Objectives

This project is aimed at the development of new detection methods based on theintegration of impedance-measuring devices, using micro- and nano-technology topermit rapid detection of pathogens in water, as an alternative to current methodsof control and analysis, which are slow and costly.

Results

The end result of this project comprises of a set of diagnostic methods for the detectionof pathogens in water, such as Legionella, E. coli, Clostridium perfringens andenterococci, and that could be extended to detect other pathogens. Biochemicalmicrosystems will be used, manufactured using micro- and nano-manufacturingprocesses based on electrochemical transduction as bioanalytical tools. The data isprocessed using a computer platform that offers data to users over the Internet,constituting an important tool to aid preventive decision-making.

PROJECT TO REDUCE CO2 EMISSIONS IN THE CEMENT INDUSTRY BY USINGCARBONIC FERTILISATION OF CROPS

Objectives

The main objective consists in the development of a system to use the CO2 generatedin cement factories for the production of energy crops (biomass) that can be used asfuel in the same cement kiln. The CO2 captured in the biomass will contribute to thereduction of the amount of CO2 emitted to the atmosphere, which will have an overallpositive effect in compliance with the Kyoto Protocol Agreements.

Results

EKOTEK offers a technology for the recovery of CO2, one of the main sub-productsderived from cement manufacture, that also allows the reduction of CO2 emissions,obtaining economic benefits from a waste that up until now has never been used andthat, as a result of the Kyoto Protocol, involves considerable costs for the company.This technology also reinforces European Policies for the promotion and developmentof biomass production for energy purposes.

INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTINNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT

DEVELOPMENT OF A MANAGEMENT TOOL TO CONTROL THE LIFE CYCLE OFELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

Objectives

EKOTEK has developed this technology in response to the need in the electrical andelectronic equipment manufacturing sector for a tool able to manage the life cycleof their products, obtaining a computerised logistics tool to help them satisfy legalrequirements and achieve an efficient management of the waste that remains at theend of the operating life This tool will also provide the applications and servicesrequired to administer their production systems and to manage their products froman eco-design perspective.

Results

The tool that has been developed is an open system that integrates all agents involvedin the life cycle of electrical and electronic equipment, from the design stage onthrough the manufacture and marketing of the products and on to their conversioninto waste and the subsequent management of this at the end of their operating life.All data can be processed in a multiple-access sectorial tool, with applications andcontents suitable for use in the electrical and electronic equipment sector.


BIOREMEDIATION TECHNOLOGY FOR THE RECLAMATION OF

CONTAMINATED SOILS • WASTE TREATMENT USING PLASMA

GASIFICATION TECHNOLOGY • DEVELOPMENT OF NEW BIOLOGICAL

FUNGICIDES • TECHNOLOGY FOR THE RECOVERY OF CO2 •

BIOSENSORS FOR THE CONTROL OF POLLUTION IN WATER •

PRODUCTION OF BIOLOGICAL FUELS VIA THE APPLICATION OF

SUPERCRITICAL FLUID TECHNOLOGY • MANAGEMENT TOOL TO

THE LIFE CYCLE OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

“Technology and innovation for sustainable management”

EKOTEK, throughout its history, has accumulated solid experience in the developmentand implementation of projects at an international level.

Customer-oriented services are one of our main objectives. In order to keep in touchwith our customers and offer them the best service, EKOTEK has representatives foreach area of activity.

Moreover, EKOTEK participates in International RD&I Programs and in bilateral andmultilateral finance programs aimed at the development of new products and serviceswith a high level of innovation, allowing the best solutions to be offered, adapted tothe differing markets in which our customers operate.

Prominent among our international activities is the collaboration with entities throughoutthe world, developing technologies that allow us to maintain a range of valuableinnovative solutions. In addition, we collaborate with Local Authorities in order to offerenvironmental solutions adapted to the specific necessities of each country.

INTERNATIONALINTERNATIONAL

“Wherever our clients are we are there with them”

INTERNATIONALPROJECTS

Europe

Asia

South America

PARTICIPATION IN ACLIMA

EKOTEK is a member of ACLIMA, the "Asociación Cluster de Industrias de MedioAmbiente de Euskadi" (Cluster Association of Basque Environmental Industries),and participates in its activities, for example, working with the R+TD Group in orderto establish the Cluster's strategy as regards technological development. We alsocontribute to the Internationalisation, Normalisation and Land Contamination Groups,promoting sustainable development by defining the strategies of the EnvironmentalCluster.

AGREEMENTS WITH THE BASQUE REGIONAL GOVERNMENT, BBK, INGURALDE ANDTHE NOVIA SALCEDO FOUNDATION

The incorporation of technicians and students in EKOTEK has allowed us, togetherwith the above organisations, to develop training and specialisation programs in orderto facilitate the incorporation of young people into the business environment.

BEEX AIE (Bureau of Environmental Experts)

With the strategic aim of increasing the implementation of its products and servicesat an international level, by developing integral projects for public companies andentities, EKOTEK founded BEEX in the year 2002, in collaboration with other entitiesfirmly established in the environmental sector. BEEX was constituted as a consortiumof environmental experts to offer solutions to the international demand forconsultancies, engineering and RD&I.

THE METRIX ASSOCIATION

Within the framework of the research and development of biotechnological processesin the environmental sphere, and with the objective of generating new lines of activity,EKOTEK has been a promoter of, and forms an active part of, the Metrix Association,the fundamental aim of which is to promote new business initiatives in the field ofbiometrics. This will allow EKOTEK to strengthen its relationships with entities in thebiotechnology sector, and favour the creation of new technology companies that willagglutinate common interests in order to attack new markets in the biotechnologyfield.

COLLABORATIVE ACTIVITIES

“We cooperate to create value”

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