Veolia calls for better management of infrastructure to future proof industry

Veolia has called on the UK water industry to improve its management, and the efficiency of water infrastructure to meet the challenges of the next decade.

The company said its report, H2027 Future-proofing UK Water, focuses on how the UK water sector will meet the challenges of unpredictable rainfall combined with the need to reduce energy usage and carbon emissions.

John Abraham, Chief Operating Officer, UK Municipal Water and Ireland, said: “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.”

The main focus of the report is, according to Veolia, how the UK water sector will meet the challenges of unpredictable rainfall combined with the need to reduce energy usage and carbon emissions.”

Veolia goes on to say the report 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.” 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.