Water 2027: Future-Proofing UK Water

New report highlights trends and innovation including producing renewable energy for over half a million homes

A new report, H₂027 Future-proofing UK Water, published recently by leading resource management company Veolia, highlights the emerging trends and innovative solutions needed for the UK water industry to meet the growing demand and resource needs over the next 10 years.

In the near future there will be 73 million people in the UK and how the water industry will meet the challenges of unpredictable rainfall combined with the need to reduce energy usage and carbon emissions is the focus of this report. By analysing the trends and highlighting what new technologies could be delivered the report seeks to show how the industry could be transformed to meet future demand.

The report also uncovers where under-used resources such as bio-resources (sludge) could be captured to potentially double renewable power generation and deliver energy self-sufficiency to the industry, as well as using bio-resources as a valuable natural resource for agriculture.

It also raises leading questions over R&D, collaboration, operational efficiency and asset maintenance as the industry looks to ensure it meets regulatory requirements, customer needs and value for money criteria. With insight from academics and industry figures and examples from best practices across the world the report also shows how challenging water supply issues have been met and what could be possible in the UK over the next decade. Using this approach Veolia are committed to be the water, energy and circular economy partner of choice for the long term, and for those challenged with meeting the changing needs of the future.

John Abraham, Chief Operating Officer, UK Municipal Water and Ireland, explains:

“Veolia are very focused on the opportunities that exist for the industry over the next few years. By challenging the water industry we hope to create and drive further value and opportunity for the future and in turn reduce the environmental impact of distributing and recycling water.

“To achieve this, all elements of water infrastructure need to be better managed and optimised for greater efficiency using innovative solutions and using pioneering technologies developed across the world. By tackling the future trends now and creating a forward vision and ambitious goals we will be able to maintain water supplies, recycle water more efficiently, control costs and reduce energy usage and carbon emissions.”

In 2016, the Veolia group supplied 100 million people with drinking water and 61 million people with wastewater services. In the UK Veolia provides operation and maintenance of water and wastewater recycling treatment plants and networks, and delivers asset optimisation services to water companies. The company’s water management services help reduce costs and improve efficiency of water and wastewater infrastructure for business and industry, with retail market services for businesses delivered through a partnership with Business Stream.

For more information visit https://www.veolia.co.uk/water-2027

About Veolia UK
Veolia is committed to protecting the environment and improving the lives of the communities in which it operates. Veolia has been awarded two of the UK's most prestigious business accolades for its role as an environmental and social sustainability leader. It was recognised in 2016 as Business in the Community's Responsible Business of the Year, and in 2014 it was awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development.

Veolia group is the global leader in optimised resource management. With over 163,000 employees worldwide, the Group designs and provides water, waste and energy management solutions that contribute to the sustainable development of communities and industries. Through its three complementary business activities, Veolia helps to develop access to resources, preserve available resources, and to replenish them. In 2016, the Veolia group supplied 100 million people with drinking water and 61 million people with wastewater service, produced 54 million megawatt hours of energy and converted 30 million metric tonnes of waste into new materials and energy. Veolia Environnement recorded consolidated revenue of €24.39B in 2016. For more information, visit www.veolia.com and www.veolia.co.uk.