Veolia Environnement (VIE) Investor Update summary

Strategic vision, market positioning, and leadership

• Holds #1 global position in water operations and technologies, with €44.7bn in revenues and operations in 56 countries.

• Desalination is a core growth pillar, driven by global water scarcity and climate change, with 50% of the world population already affected and usage expected to rise over 50% by 2050.

• Veolia holds an 18% share of global installed desalination capacity, aiming to maintain this leadership and double operated capacity by 2030.

• The company targets 6–10% annual growth in water technology, focusing on five priority markets: micropollutant treatment, ultra-pure water, strategic metal recovery, water reuse, and desalination.

• Middle East operations have accelerated, with €1.2bn in 2024 revenues and 21% from desalination.

Addressing water scarcity and market trends

• Global water demand is projected to rise over 50% by 2050, with half the world facing water scarcity.

• Desalination is essential, especially in regions like Oman where 86% of potable water comes from desalination.

• The desalination market is expected to double in growth rate from 2024–2027, reaching $97bn by 2030.

• Enhanced growth is expected outside Europe, especially in the Middle East, U.S., and Australia, with the Middle East showing 12.5% growth last year.

• Desalination is expanding from a regional to a global solution, with 60% of new capacity expected outside the Middle East.

Technological innovation and operational excellence

• Innovations have reduced desalination energy use from 20kWh/m³ to under 3kWh/m³ and costs to below $0.5/m³.

• Breakthroughs include the Barrel modular technology (25% less energy), AI-driven digital solutions for predictive maintenance, and sustainable design minimizing chemical use.

• Digital tools and AI optimize plant operations, reduce downtime, and enhance efficiency, as demonstrated in real-time plant management scenarios.

• Modular and mobile solutions (Barrel and containerized units) enable rapid deployment and address space or emergency needs, expanding reach to small and medium markets.

• Innovations in membrane technology also support water reuse and micropollutant removal, broadening application beyond desalination.