EU’s Clean Industrial Deal overlooks water in industrial transition

The European Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal is aiming to boost industrial competitiveness while transitioning to a climate-neutral economy. However, despite its strong emphasis on decarbonisation and circularity, the strategy largely ignores the role of the critical resource water. Industries are a major consumer of water and also, they significantly contribute to water pollution. Thus, a truly clean industrial transition should include water management.

The proposal for the Clean Industrial Deal, that was presented in Antwerp on February 26 by EU president Von der Leyen, prioritises reducing greenhouse gas emissions but fails to address the water footprint of industries. While circularity is recognised as a key driver for resource efficiency, the focus remains on raw materials and waste, leaving water management out of the equation. Industrial activities account for a significant share of Europe’s water consumption. According to the UN industry is the biggest user of water in Europe. Utilising a hefty 45 per cent the European industry uses annually more water than agriculture (30%).

EurEau concerned about this omission

The European Federation of National Associations of Water Services EurEau cautiously welcomed the Clean Industrial Deal but also emphasised the need for water resilience in achieving Europe’s sustainability goals. The organisation stressed that enabling conditions must be in place to ensure the water sector can contribute to closing raw material, nutrient, carbon, and water cycles. On their website they say: “Keeping our water resources free from pollution through effective control-at-source measures is paramount. The lower the treatment levels needed to protect public health and the environment, the more renewable energy, reclaimed water, nutrients and recovered materials we can provide to European companies.”

EurEau policy advisor Sébastien Mouret, also expressed his concern over this omission: “While we strongly welcome the emphasis on circularity as a tool for decarbonising our economy, it is disappointing to see the Commission narrow down the meaning of ‘clean’ to carbon emissions alone. In addition to climate impacts, a truly ‘clean’ industrial policy should consider the impacts of industrial activities on water resources, both in terms of water use and in terms of water pollution.”

Industrial water

Water is essential for industrial processes, from cooling systems in energy production to water-intensive manufacturing. Without proper water management strategies, the push for increased industrial production and clean-tech manufacturing could exacerbate existing water scarcity issues, particularly in drought-prone regions. Additionally, industries contribute to significant water pollution through chemical runoff, heavy metals, and microplastics. The Clean Industrial Deal neglects the broader environmental challenges posed by industrial water use and pollution. In the proposal of the Clean Industrial Deal that exists out of 24 pages there is only once referred to water resilience.

Strengthening the Clean Industrial Deal with water policies

The Clean Industrial Deal should adopt a more holistic approach that includes water management. This means setting clear water efficiency targets for industries, promoting water reuse and recycling technologies, and implementing stricter regulations on industrial water pollution. A clear link with the Water Resilience Strategy is also essential. As discussions on implementing the Clean Industrial Deal continue, experts and stakeholders are urging the Commission to recognise water as a fundamental pillar of sustainable industrial policy. Integrating water resilience measures into the strategy would not only enhance Europe’s environmental leadership but also safeguard its industries from future water-related disruptions.