Water and energy loss put pressure on the water industry
According to World Economic Forum 2017, a water crisis is evaluated as one of the highest risks to the world and with the largest impact.
As populations grow, pressures mount and finding a more sustainable relationship between water and energy supplies become critical in less than two decades. Today, close to one third of the world’s population is estimated to live in water stressed and scarcity areas and by 2040, almost 20 % of all countries are anticipated to experience extremely high water stress.
Yet, water and energy loss in the water sector are extremely high. In fact, the average amount of water wasted by waterworks is 40 % worldwide and 26 % in Europe – due to errors, leakages, and water pressure.
At the same time, 4 % of global electricity is consumed by the water industry – a figure that is expected to double by 2040 – and water accounts for up to half of a municipality’s total energy bill.
Watch the webinar here.
In a fast-changing political and economic environment, 2025 was a year of continued efforts to strengthen security, stability, and competitiveness for European businesses.
Throughout the year, our work demonstrated that energy efficiency is not only essential to achieving climate goals, but also a key driver of innovation, energy independence and sustainable long-term growth across Europe.
Strong engagement with policymakers, combined with the successful organisation of the 4th European Energy Efficiency Day, highlighted the importance of collaboration and dialogue in advancing shared objectives. Partnerships across sectors and institutions remained central to delivering impact and shaping effective energy policies.
Looking ahead to 2026, we will intensify our efforts to secure the regulatory certainty that can accelerate the energy transition, while providing businesses with the investment confidence they need and strengthening Europe’s competitiveness.
Read the full Activity Report here.