The European Alliance to Save Energy (EU-ASE) is very pleased to welcome Nalco Water – an ECOLAB Company, Orbital Systems, and Xylem Inc. among its current group of industrial members.
The drinking and waste water sector is a high energy consumer, yet none of the water-related directives in the EU – the Water Framework Directive, the Drinking Water Directive, and the Urban Waste-Water Treatment Directive –covers energy efficiency. Nonetheless, a broad range of solutions are available to reduce energy consumption across the EU water value chain. According to the IEA World Energy Outlook[1], with the right set of water policy measures, global energy savings of 270 TWh by 2040 are possible. This is achievable with today technologies and know-how and could free valuable resources for the needed investments in water infrastructure in the short, medium or long-terms.
Monica Frassoni, President, EU-ASE: “Energy efficiency is a key driver to a carbon neutral economy by 2050 and there is huge energy efficiency potential across industrial sectors, regions and cities. In the water sector, by saving water, one also saves energy and this is why we have decided to create a dedicated water working group within the Alliance. Our current and new members will work together on the water energy-nexus which has been overlooked in current regulatory framework. We want to make sure that policy makers understand the win-win situation and the need to integrate an energy efficiency dimension across the EU water policies and legislation”.
David Martin, VP Marketing, Europe & MEA, Nalco Water: “Nalco Water, an ECOLAB Company, is pleased to join progressive partners to promote energy efficient solutions and unlock the potential of the energy-water nexus. Together, we can make energy efficiency a priority in EU water legislation and promote water efficiency as a natural solution to achieve energy savings. Because what’s good for Water is good for Business.”
Simon Goldschmidt, Chief Commercial Officer, Orbital Systems: “We are very pleased to join the EU-ASE. This strategic membership will hopefully help us to create a paradigm shift in daily water usage and speed up the market uptake of our innovative domestic water saving solution.”
Alexis de Kerchove, Vertical Marketing Manager, Water Utilities, Xylem Europe: “Xylem is looking forward to building a strong and active water group with the EU-ASE to strengthen innovative positions on water policies and demonstrate how efficient technologies and smart solutions can benefit the water sector in its current challenges through the optimization of energy use.”
[1] IEA, World Energy Outlook 2016
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.