Maria del Mar Micó Reche

Mar Micó Reche is a chemical engineer and sustainability leader specialising in circular water management and resource recovery. As Head of the Water Treatment and Resource Recovery Area at the Innovation Department of Acciona, she implements innovative strategies to transform wastewater treatment plants into biofactories that align with circular economy principles.

Her work focuses on integrating cutting-edge technologies—novel biological processes, power2gas initiatives and resource recovery systems—into wastewater treatment sites to maximise efficiency, reduce emissions, and recover nutrients, biomethane, energy, etc. She has led major EU-funded initiatives, including LIFE-CELSIUS and LIFE-PRISTINE, both of which promote circular approaches to water reuse and resource valorisation.

With over a decade of experience in R&D, María del Mar has designed and implemented pilot plants, developed sustainable treatment solutions, and contributed to scaling innovations in international projects across Europe and the Middle East. She actively supports business units with simulation tools and tailored sustainability proposals, enhancing environmental and operational performance.

She holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the University of Barcelona, where she also lectured in environmental and chemical engineering master’s programs. Her training includes certifications in project management (PMI®), innovation, and responsible technology development.

An author of 15 scientific publications, María del Mar frequently shares insights at global conferences on water reuse, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure.

Passionate about driving systemic change, she also served as a proposal evaluator for Horizon Europe programs and volunteers with organisations promoting youth education, girls’ empowerment, and social reintegration.