Veolia to Double Sustainable Desalination Capacity by 2030

Over the past 25 years, desalination has evolved into a cornerstone technology for addressing global water shortages. Marked improvements in efficiency, scalability, and affordability have made it a go-to solution to meet the world’s rising demand for fresh water.

Rapid Market Expansion on the Horizon

The desalination industry is poised for accelerated growth over the next five years, with major developments expected across the Middle East, Asia-Pacific, and parts of Europe. Planned projects are projected to deliver a combined capacity of approximately 40,000 million litres per day (MLD), signalling a strong upward trend.

Veolia’s Global Leadership and Growth Strategy

Veolia stands as a dominant force in the desalination market, responsible for 18% of the world’s installed capacity built using its technologies. With plans to double its operating capacity from 1.4 billion to 2.8 billion cubic meters by 2030, Veolia is reinforcing its position as a global leader in the field.

Recent Milestones Highlight Ambitious Expansion

Veolia’s recent project wins illustrate its aggressive growth trajectory. Key developments include the Mirfa 2 and Hassyan desalination facilities in the UAE (2023 and 2024), the Cornwall plant in the UK (2023), and ongoing exclusive talks for the Rabat project in Morocco (2024).

Pioneering Innovation and Sustainable Solutions

With over five decades of dedication to desalination, Veolia has driven remarkable technological progress:

> Energy usage has dropped nearly sevenfold since 1970.

> Advanced systems like Barrel (introduced in 2019) and AI-powered reverse osmosis have made plants more compact and efficient.

> Environmental impact has been reduced through minimized chemical usage and an increasing reliance on renewable, decarbonized energy sources.

> Marine ecosystems are better protected, especially through improved brine disposal methods.

Beyond Desalination: Broader Water Solutions

Veolia's commitment to water innovation extends beyond desalination. By integrating technologies for micropollutant removal and advanced wastewater treatment, the company is creating synergies that tackle a wide range of water-related issues, reinforcing its role as a holistic water solutions provider.

"Our global leadership and ambitions in desalination, in line with our strategic GreenUp program, demonstrate our capability to develop increasingly innovative and adaptable technological solutions to meet the needs and challenges of territories and industrial players. It is our unique positioning and through our winning formula that combines expertise, performance and environmental responsibility that allows us to have even greater ambitions today to implement effective and more affordable solutions while preserving both this vital resource and local ecosystems", says Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia.