Veolia wants to accelerate its development in the energy sector by the end of the decade, based on its customers' needs for decarbonization, local production and savings, CEO Estelle Brachlianoff said on Thursday.

At a presentation of its strategy in the sector in London, the world's number one water and waste company said it was aiming for a 50% increase in its production capacity from bioenergy and renewables, to reach 8 gigawatts (GW) by 2030.

By the same date, Veolia is also counting on a 50% increase, to 3 GW, in its "flexibility" capacities (shaving services or consumption postponement).

Also by 2030, the Group aims to become No. 1 in district heating networks in Europe, as well as in energy efficiency for buildings and industry in Europe and the Middle East.

Veolia is active in local energy production from waste and wastewater, management of heating and cooling networks, and energy efficiency for local authorities, industry and large buildings (hospitals, shopping centers, etc.).

Energy accounted for around 25% of the Group's sales in 2022, or some 10.5 billion euros, compared with 41% for water and 35% for waste.

(Benjamin Mallet reports, edited by Kate Entringer)