Water services under the microscope

EYATH had a double representation at the event of the water sector of the Waste, Energy and Water Regulatory Authority (WAERA), which took place within the framework of the 3rd International Circular Economy Exhibition “Forward Green” of HELEXPO-TIF.

The president of EYATH, Agis Papadopoulos, professor at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and former member of RAE, coordinated the “water panel”, in which of course the CEO of EYATH, Anthimos Amanatidis, also participated.

The discussion was preceded by the introductory statement of the vice president of ΡΑΑΕΥ and chairman of the water sector, prof. Dimitrios Psychogyios, who pointed out that this is one of the most critical service sectors in Greece, which is of great current interest and will face major challenges in the long term. He presented the regulatory responsibilities of  PAAEY and noted that “our vision is to leave a better environment for future generations, while our mission is to regulate monopolies as a compensation for the lack of competition that exists in this area”. “All the actions of the regulator aim at protecting the consumer and improving the efficiency and innovation of the water services sector”, assured Mr. Psychogyios.

The president of EYATH, opening the discussion, pointed out that “organizations that operate critical infrastructures have been called upon in recent years to manage the uncertainties of climate change, the security and cost of energy supply and a volatile economic environment”. “Addressing these uncertainties requires a comprehensive review of the water resource management model, careful planning, selection of the best technologies and solutions, as well as substantial participation of all stakeholders,” he added.

Mr. Amanatidis, CEO of EYATH, argued that “according to the data we have at our disposal, in collaboration with PPC, it appears that water supply is fully covered by 2030 even in the most adverse scenarios. Of course, the hydrological conditions under consideration are subject to the uncertainty of forecasts in the midst of a climate crisis.” He stated that the company’s goal is rational water management and emphasized that “digitalization is now a prerequisite for all businesses in the sector. We, at EYATH, are modernizing the water supply networks and expanding their remote management systems, with the aim of reducing water losses.” As the most critical project for the company’s development amid climate uncertainty, he mentioned, in combination with the digitalization of operational function, the expansion of the Water Treatment Plant, which will double the available quantities of water in the area.

The event also attended EYDAP CEO Charalambos Sachinis, EDEYA President George Marinakis, GOEB President of Pediada Thessaloniki-Lagada, Dimitris Vafeiadis, and TOEB President of Zervochori, Petros Vassiliou.