“The water sector plays an important role in the path towards the ecological transition given its close link with environmental issues and climate change. The acceleration of infrastructure investments, digitization and technological innovation therefore become necessary and priority”. This is what we read in the 2022 Report of theAgici Water Observatory entitled "Sustainability, decarbonization and circular economy in the SII. Strategies and investments for the ecological transition of water”.
The analysis underlines that "these actions are even more urgent in the light of expensive energy: the energy expenditure of water operators will go from 300 million euros in 2019 to an estimated 1,5 billion euros for 2022 (+500%)".
Investments of water utilities
As for investments in the ecological transition of water utilities, "in the period 2018-2023, they amount to 2,7 billion euros (800 million euros in 2018-2019 and 1,9 billion euros expected in 2020-2023)". In particular, investments in the efficiency of networks and plants "are the masters (77% in 2018-2019 and 65% in 2020-2023): reduction of losses, sustainability of the resource, digitization and measurement systems and smart meters".
Sustainability strategies
Sustainability strategies are followed "by communication campaigns (86%) and by the achievement of certifications (78%) able to certify a company's commitment, for example in circularity or efficient energy management - continues the report – A few steps below are the decarbonisation strategies (67%), particularly concerning the use of energy from renewable sources (RES) or energy efficiency interventions, followed by the preparation of sustainability reports (65%) and from circular economy strategies (59%) for the reuse of resources and recovery of materials. In last place, with just over half of the companies in the sample, are Research and Development strategies (55%)”.
Agici: "Using Pnrr funds quickly and effectively"
According to the Agici Water Observatory, "it is necessary to identify financial instruments capable of supporting the development of infrastructures that guarantee equal access to water" and "the Pnrr can be an important resource for accelerating the ecological transition process and the implementation of investments in water supply infrastructure, but it is necessary to use the available funds quickly and effectively”.
Managers comment
“The water sector, which has long been committed to achieving the objectives for the protection of natural resources and human health, can strongly contribute to the ecological transition, which will be able to generate not only environmental benefits for the sector, but also economic benefits, with the reduction of costs and the increase in competitiveness and resilience of companies”, commented Alessandra Garzarella, director of the Observatory for a Sustainable Water Industry of Agici.
"To face the titanic challenge of climate change and high energy costs, the water service must be managed by technologically advanced and financially robust industrial operators - added Marco Carta, CEO of Agici - A process of concentration of the sector is therefore desirable and a broad and structured collaboration between utilities and cutting-edge technology companies”.
