Veolia, the global water management giant, has set its sights on doubling its desalination capacity by 2030, a bold move that could reshape the water sector’s landscape. With its technologies already accounting for 18% of the world’s installed desalination capacity, Veolia is not just a key player; it’s a dominant force. But what does this expansion mean for the future of water management, and how might it challenge the status quo?
Over the past quarter-century, desalination has evolved from a costly, energy-intensive process to a viable solution for water scarcity. Technological advancements have slashed energy consumption, making desalination more cost-effective and scalable. Veolia, with its 50-year history in sustainable desalination, has been at the forefront of these innovations. The company has reduced energy consumption by nearly 700% since 1970, developed compact and efficient units, and pioneered AI-driven reverse osmosis processes. Moreover, Veolia has been committed to minimizing environmental impact, from reducing chemical usage to incorporating renewable energy sources and preserving marine environments.
Veolia’s expansion plans come as the desalination market is poised for accelerated growth, particularly in the Middle East, Pacific Asia, and certain European countries. Planned projects are expected to add around 40 million cubic meters per day to global desalination capacity. Veolia’s ambition to double its operated capacity, from the current 1.4 million cubic meters per day, is a clear indication of its confidence in this growth trajectory.
Recent global contract wins underscore Veolia’s strong market position. The company is set to build or maintain desalination plants in strategic locations, including the Mirfa 2 & Hassyan plants in the UAE, the Cornwall plant in the UK, and the Rabat plant in Morocco. These projects are not just about expanding capacity; they’re about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in desalination technology.
But Veolia’s ambitions go beyond just increasing capacity. The company is also focusing on making desalination more affordable and environmentally responsible. “Our unique positioning and winning formula that combines expertise, performance, and environmental responsibility allows us to have even greater ambitions today,” says Estelle Brachlianoff, Veolia’s CEO. This formula could set a new standard for the industry, challenging other players to prioritize sustainability and affordability.
Veolia’s expansion could also spark a wave of innovation in the water sector. As the company pushes the limits of desalination technology, it may inspire others to explore new solutions for water scarcity. Moreover, Veolia’s focus on preserving marine environments and reducing chemical usage could lead to a broader industry shift towards more sustainable practices.
However, Veolia’s dominance in the desalination market also raises questions. Will this expansion lead to a more consolidated market, with fewer players controlling a larger share of desalination capacity? And how will this affect innovation and competition in the sector? These are questions that will need to be addressed as Veolia’s expansion unfolds.
In the meantime, one thing is clear: Veolia’s plans to double its desalination capacity by 2030 are a game-changer. The company’s focus on sustainability, affordability, and innovation could reshape the water sector, challenging norms and sparking debate. As Veolia pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in desalination, the rest of the industry will be watching—and, hopefully, learning.
