New Sustainable Project: Green Asphalt

Eiffage infraestructurastogether with theUniversity of Huelvaare studying the implementation of a project called Green Asphalt based on the development of sustainable construction materials. Last March, the Innovation and Development Agency of Andalusia (IDEA) ,approved the creation of the Joint Innovation Unit (UIC), between Eiffage Infraestructuras and the University of Huelva, to develop this project.

The main objective of this initiative is to use various agricultural, vegetable and plastic wastes as additives in bituminous binders, as well as asphalt materials known as Bioligants and Bioasphalts. Green Asphalt plans to set up a pilot bitumen modification plant in Atalaya. This will make it possibleto obtain materials with special properties and improved characteristics, leading to more eco-efficient construction.

The budget required to carry out the project represents an estimated investment of 1.5 million euros. The Joint Innovation Unit has a grant of 926,925.06 euros approved by the Agency for Innovation and Development of Andalusia (IDEA), a body attached to the Regional Ministry of Economy, Knowledge, Business and University. The grant is co-financed by the ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) for specific R&D projects.

Joint Innovation Units

TheJoint Innovation Unit subsidises joint projects between companies and research entities in technological development and innovation activities.

The necessary funding can be requested by large companies, public research organisations, public and private university centres, technological development centres, as well as innovation and technology entities of the Andalusian knowledge system.

A minimum grant budget of 1.5 million euros and a maximum aid amount for each project of 60% of an eligible investment of 2 million euros is required.

The minimum contribution of the participating company must be at least 50% of the total budget and the duration must not exceed 3 years nor end later than 30 June 2023.

The different objectives and activities of the projects must be aligned with the priorities of theAndalusia 2020-RIS3 innovation strategy.