Aqua Publica Europea, the European Association of Public Water Operators, welcomes the European Commission’s Fit-for-55 Package and the proposals to set the EU on the path for climate-neutrality.

Water and energy are deeply interconnected. The energy sector is an important water user – according to the European Environment Agency, energy production accounts for 18% of total water use in the EU (compared to 9% for households). On the other hand, the water sector requires energy to fulfill its mission to provide safe water and sanitation to all. Finally, water operators also produce energy in the framework of their operations.
In a context where climate objectives meet the need to increase European energy security, all resources must be mobilised to facilitate a sustainable energy transition.

Considering the relations between water and energy and the potential of public water and wastewater operators to play a key role in this transition, we would like to highlight some key elements for consideration in the discussions related to the Fit-for-55 proposals, and in particular, the recast of the Energy Efficiency Directive, the Renewable Energy Directive and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive.

Key Messages

1. Public water and sanitation operators are committed to tackle climate change throughout their industrial activities
2. Public water operators’ contribution to the energy transition and Europe’s energy resilience must be encouraged and facilitated
3. Aqua Publica Europea supports the inclusion of references to the water-energy nexus
4. For clarity and fairness, requirements for the water and wastewater sectors should be defined in water legislation

Read the position paper