Circular water-energy integration in off-grid viticulture: An Ecocanvas approach to resource efficiency

Viticulture faces growing challenges from climate change, including water scarcity, rising energy demand, and resource insecurity, particularly in off-grid rural areas. This study proposes a circular water-energy integration strategy to enhance resource self-sufficiency and resilience in agri-food systems. A mixed-methods framework was applied, combining technical monitoring of a circular water-energy system with business model analysis. The Ecocanvas framework, a circular adaptation of the Business Model Canvas, structured system integration, while a PESTEL analysis identified institutional and regulatory drivers. The system was evaluated under real operating conditions in an off-grid winery in Spain as part of the LIFE Climawin project, demonstrating both technical feasibility and circular performance. Results demonstrate technical feasibility and strong circular performance. Approximately 1000 m³ of water were sequentially reused per production cycle, reducing groundwater extraction. Photovoltaic-powered water-to-water heat pumps improved thermal efficiency, achieving energy savings of 38 % for heating and 56 % for cooling compared with the baseline. Smart microgrid control enhanced overall system efficiency and stability, confining diesel use to backup operation only, corresponding to an inferred approximately 80 % decrease in diesel-generated electricity compared with the baseline, and lowering annual CO₂ emissions by about 260 t CO₂eq (-76.5 %). Overall, the study confirms that circular water-energy integration is a viable pathway to resource autonomy in off-grid viticulture. The findings highlight Ecocanvas as an effective decision-support tool for scaling circular transitions in small and medium-sized enterprises in the agri-food sector and for informing European Union sustainability policies.