An investment of €255 billion will be required over the next six years to ensure the stability and security of Europe’s water infrastructure, Water Europe has said.
A study by the group, Value of EU Investing in Water, called for ‘robust’ water management, revealing that water scarcity currently affects 38% of the EU population – endangering critical industries like semiconductors, data centers, renewable hydrogen, and electric vehicle battery production.
These four sectors are currently valued at €192 billion, with projections indicating they could approach €1 trillion by 2030, provided they have access to sufficient resources. According to Water Europe, this anticipated growth will result in a 2.6-fold increase in water demand.
‘Water-smart industries’
“This study comes just at the right moment as the European Commission is planning a Water Resilience Strategy,” commented Durk Krol, executive director of Water Europe. “If we want to achieve the goals of the EU Green Deal and meet the objectives of industrial directives, industries must transition into water-smart industries.
“Our aim with this study is to provide actionable insights on how we can secure water availability for both nature and economic activities, paving the way towards a Water-Smart Society.”
Advanced technologies
Key recommendations from the study include adopting advanced technologies such as water purification and closed-loop systems, which can enhance efficiency and reduce consumption. These innovations could potentially save Europe up to €3 billion annually while creating over 13,000 jobs.
With nearly 29% of the EU’s territory already facing water scarcity, the report warns of the serious threats this poses to communities and ecosystems, as well as the ecological balance needed to sustain future growth.
It noted that the €255 billion investment by 2030 will be needed to ensure compliance with EU water directives and to increase the efficiency of water systems across the continent.
‘As Europe prepares to tackle the twin crises of climate change and water scarcity, the study presents a clear path forward: investing in water-saving technologies and sustainable management will secure both economic and environmental benefits,’ Water Europe said in a statement.
‘Public and private partnerships must be mobilised now to ensure that Europe’s water resources can support future economic growth and ecological resilience.’ Read more here.
