Projects shall demonstrate cost-effective technical solutions which significantly reduce or replace the water consumption of CSP plants. The demonstration shall take place in a region with very good solar resource values (Direct Normal Irradiation > 2000 kWh/m² year).

Since the availability of water resources particularly in arid areas is linked to broader socioeconomic and livelihood issues and therefore of particular relevance to local communities, multidisciplinary research designs that integrate contributions also from the social sciences and humanities are encouraged. Engaging and involving local communities, and further investigating the roots of social acceptance or any resistance to CSP plants, so as to develop mitigating strategies or alternative solutions, should likewise be part of the project.