In recent years French transnational company Veolia has emerged as a leader in the environmental sector, particularly in Hungary, where it has implemented significant initiatives aimed at addressing water pollution and enhancing energy sustainability. The company’s strategic investments and innovative technologies position it to tackle pressing environmental challenges, such as the proliferation of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often dubbed ‘forever chemicals’ due to their persistence in the environment.
European Energy Ventures
In February 2024 Veolia made headlines with its acquisition of a gas-fired power plant in Gönyű, Hungary, from German energy giant Uniper. This move underscored the company’s commitment to electric flexibility and energy security within the European market. According to Le Figaro, the plant boasts a capacity of 430 MW, significantly bolstering Veolia’s ability to balance the energy grid amidst the growing integration of renewable energy sources.
The importance of energy flexibility cannot be overstated as Europe strives to reduce its carbon footprint and transition towards more sustainable energy solutions. Veolia’s acquisition is part of a broader strategy to double the EU’s electrical flexibility by 2030, enhancing Veolia’s portfolio and consolidating the company’s capacity to leverage its existing expertise in water management.
The Gönyű plant, which has been operational for several years, allows Veolia to generate power while maintaining a focus on reducing emissions. By adding this gas-fired plant to its portfolio, Veolia not only diversified its energy sources, but also enhanced its capacity to manage supply and demand fluctuations in the grid.
The PFAS Challenge
In parallel with its energy initiatives, Veolia has focused on addressing the growing concern surrounding PFAS contamination in water systems in Hungary. On 17 October 2024, during its Deep Dive–New Solutions for Water conference in Oroszlány, Veolia announced ambitious revenue goals of €1 billion by 2030 aimed specifically at PFAS treatment technologies. The event showcased a comprehensive global strategy for combating these pollutants, which are increasingly recognized as a significant public health threat. As highlighted by La Croix, the company aims to offer a full treatment solution that includes detection, recovery, and elimination of PFAS.
PFAS, commonly used in various industrial applications and consumer products due to their water- and grease-resistant properties, have accumulated in the environment and human body, leading to serious health concerns, including cancer and hormonal disruptions. Veolia’s initiative comes as increasing regulations from governments worldwide mandate lower acceptable levels of PFAS in drinking water.
Veolia’s approach includes not just the detection of PFAS in water but also advanced treatment methods and waste management solutions. As reported by L’Eau, l’Industrie, les Nuisances, the company introduced a new range of mobile treatment units that will aid municipalities in managing PFAS contamination more effectively. General Director Estelle Brachlianoff emphasized that Veolia’s latest capabilities integrate multiple areas of expertise within the company, ensuring a holistic approach to water treatment.
The mobile units are designed to be deployed rapidly in response to contamination events, enabling immediate action where needed. This agility is crucial as municipalities and industries face increasing scrutiny regarding their water quality and environmental impact.
Moreover, Veolia’s efforts to combat PFAS are complemented by its ongoing research and development initiatives aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of its treatment technologies. The company invests heavily in innovative processes that can reduce the time and resources needed to detect and remove these harmful substances from water supplies.
Water Treatment Technologies
Veolia’s commitment to innovation is further exemplified by its advanced membrane production facility in Oroszlány, Hungary. This facility has been pivotal in producing ultrafiltration membranes that can effectively filter out PFAS and other micropollutants. According to L’Usine Nouvelle, the Oroszlány site is recognized as the largest global production hub for these membranes, which are crucial for maintaining water quality in treatment facilities.
The membranes produced here utilize state-of-the-art technology to capture pollutants at a microscopic level, making them effective against even the smallest contaminants. This aligns with Veolia’s goal to double its technological solutions in the water market, positioning itself as a global leader in this field. Estelle Brachlianoff noted that the Oroszlány facility has already tripled its production capacity since its inauguration in 2002 and plans to further expand its operations to meet the rising demand for effective water treatment solutions.
At Oroszlány, the production facility reportedly operates around the clock, utilizing advanced machinery to produce millions of square meters of membranes each year. These membranes have been designed specifically to address the challenges posed by PFAS and other micropollutants, ensuring high-quality filtration for both municipal and industrial water treatment processes.
Profit-Driven Purer Water
Veolia’s initiatives are not limited to Hungary. They reflect a broader, global strategy aimed at capturing a significant share of the PFAS treatment market. As highlighted in an article by Capital, the company aims to secure one-third of the global market for PFAS treatment. With a revenue trajectory that has already seen its PFAS-related earnings rise from €50 million in 2023 to €200 million in 2024, Veolia is poised to meet its ambitious €1 billion target by the end of the decade.
The market for PFAS treatment is rapidly evolving, especially in the United States, where a significant proportion of drinking water has been found to be contaminated. New regulations set to take effect aim to reduce PFAS levels, creating a robust demand for effective treatment technologies. The anticipated growth in this sector is further fuelled by heightened awareness of environmental issues and the critical importance of clean water for human health.
With the growing recognition of the importance of sustainable industry and water recycling, Veolia’s various power plants in Hungary are fine illustrations of innovative initiatives born out of European and Western cooperation. May there be as many as there are engineers on both sides of the pond.
