Suez & Vinci Behind Europe's Newest Wastewater Plant
Water is the cornerstone of life on our planet, making its conservation and treatment are paramount.
With populations growing and environmental degradation escalating, the urgency for universal access to clean, ample water supplies cannot be overstated.
The United Nations reports that, as of 2022, a staggering 42% of household wastewater globally was released untreated into the environment. This neglect poses serious risks to human health, ecosystems and natural habitats.
Suez and Vinci Construction are spearheading the introduction of the premier wastewater treatment facility in Belgrade, Serbia.
This landmark project will stand as Europe’s most contemporary large-scale greenfield wastewater treatment plant.
Following a pivotal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the framework for cooperation was solidified in a gathering graced by President Emmanuel Macron and President Aleksandar Vučić, alongside Goran Vesic, Serbia's Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure.
“It’s a powerful example of the value of international cooperation for improving people's quality of life,” said Sabrina Soussan, Chairman and CEO of Suez.
“It’s a new milestone in the concretisation of this strategic facility, which will treat 423,000m³ of wastewater daily, serving the equivalent of 1.5 million people.
“The plant will significantly reduce water pollution in the Danube and Sava rivers.”
Introducing Suez
Suez, headquartered in Paris, is a leader in providing water and waste management solutions.
In 2023, the company generated revenues amounting to €8.9bn (US$10bn) and employed a workforce of 40,000 across the globe.
Suez proudly serves 57 million individuals with potable water and extends sanitation services to over 36 million people worldwide, utilising more than 50,000 connected objects and sensors to pioneer intelligent waste management.
Discover Vinci Construction
Vinci Construction, with roots dating back to 1899 in France, is a global powerhouse employing 119,000 individuals. Annually, it tackles over 69,000 projects.
Boasting revenues of €31.5bn (US$35bn), Vinci is at the vanguard of sustainable construction, championing materials such as low-carbon concrete.
Vision for the Serbian wastewater plant
The Veliko Selo facility is poised to redefine standards with state-of-the-art wastewater treatment technology, exemplifying the pinnacle of modern advancements.
This ambitious project is segmented into two phases:
- The inauguration of the cutting-edge plant, a collaborative effort between Suez and Vinci Construction
- The extended phase of operation and upkeep, a joint venture involving Belgrade Waterworks and Sewage (BVK) and Suez, which includes the imperative tasks of local workforce training and knowledge dissemination.
Suez envisions the plant leveraging innovative technologies to recover heat, boost biogas production, cut electricity use and possibly generate renewable energy via a proposed photovoltaic plant.
Sabrina said the MoU for the project is “a new illustration of our ability to build relevant integrated partnerships with strong environmental value”.
She added: “It also demonstrates our commitment to enable our customers to provide access to wastewater services with resilient and innovative solutions.”
The plant's incorporation of advanced sludge carbonisation technology signifies a leap towards a circular economy in wastewater management. This technology aims to reduce sludge volume for incineration while increasing biogas output.
Thus, what was previously deemed waste is now transformed into valuable resources. The initiative is expected to safeguard the biodiversity and water quality of local rivers and generate renewable energy for Belgrade’s populace.
Spanning 1,170 miles, the Danube is Europe’s second-longest river, vital to the ecosystems of the ten countries through which it flows.
Capucine Journet, Procurement Excellence Director at Suez, said: “The Danube Delta is the largest remaining wetland in Europe and shelters precious biodiversity.
“The more we act upstream, the better.”
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