Rising energy costs and tighter environmental regulations are having a significant impact on the water cycle. For local authorities, operators and industrial users, every stage of the process, from collection through treatment to distribution, is highly energy-intensive, placing a heavy burden on their carbon footprint and operating costs. Yet this infrastructure holds largely untapped potential for renewable and recovered energy in the form of thermal, photovoltaic and biogas sources. Failing to exploit these resources means sacrificing both financial and environmental competitiveness. The challenge today, therefore, is to turn this water-energy interdependence into a strategic opportunity for resilience and sustainable performance. ## The twofold climate and economic challenge facing infrastructure ## A six-step approach to unlocking the value of the water-energy nexus We use a structured, tailored methodology to address the technical, regulatory and operational constraints of each site. #### 1. Scoping and initial assessment Analysis of the site's objectives, operating constraints and energy challenges to identify opportunities linked to the water-energy nexus and define the scope of the study. #### 2. Analysis of operational data Collection and analysis of available data (electricity consumption, flow rates, temperatures, process operation) to characterise actual performance and identify potential for optimisation and energy recovery. #### 3. Additional on-site measurements (if necessary) Where existing data is insufficient, targeted measurement campaigns (hydraulic, electrical and thermal) are carried out to refine the analyses and firm up the technical assumptions. #### 4. Co-design of solutions Collaboration with operating teams to test technical scenarios against real-world conditions and validate their feasibility, integration and implementation requirements. #### 5. Energy balance and recovery scenarios An assessment matching the available energy sources (waste heat, biogas, hydraulic potential, solar) to the site's needs, in order to maximise self-consumption and build tailored recovery scenarios. #### 6. Economic analysis and decision support A techno-economic evaluation covering CAPEX, OPEX, payback period, LCOE, carbon savings and funding opportunities, in order to compare scenarios and inform the investment decision.  ## Why choose us  **Expertise rooted in operations** Proven, transferable solutions drawn directly from the Veolia Group's hands-on experience of operating thousands of facilities.  **Integrated approach** A combination of hydraulic, energy and industrial expertise to analyse each site as a whole and design robust technical and economic solutions.  **Commitment to ecological transformation** A circular economy approach that makes use of local resources and integrates renewable energy, delivering a tangible reduction in carbon footprint. ## Our flagship projects  Energy efficiency and resilience of drinking water infrastructure in Albania ### Energy efficiency and resilience of drinking water infrastructure in Albania The National Water and Sanitation Agency (AKUK) and five regional utilities received detailed audits and assessments of their photovoltaic potential. We identified the priority investments needed to protect the infrastructure against seismic risks and to cut energy consumption across the country's water services by 25%.  Biogas recovery and waste heat recovery at a wastewater treatment plant in France ### Biogas recovery and waste heat recovery at a wastewater treatment plant in France Our energy optimisation study for Veolia Eau France at Sarreguemines confirmed the thermal and gas potential of the municipal wastewater treatment plant. By optimising the co-digestion process and fitting a heat pump to the treated water, the site increased its biomethane production for direct injection into the GRDF network, while also improving its energy self-sufficiency.  Modernisation and energy management of 60 distribution networks in Georgia ### Modernisation and energy management of 60 distribution networks in Georgia Working with the United Water Supply Company of Georgia (UWSCG), we overhauled the management of 60 urban drinking water distribution and sanitation systems. Our analysis of consumption enabled us to define a strategy for purchasing electricity on the hourly market and to tap into the potential of renewable energy to improve the performance of the national network.