Report Type: Research Note

Brief research summaries of market development or company strategies.

Spain Tenders Pinpoint Wastewater Deficiencies

On 16 January 2015 Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Environment (MAGRAMA) published 34 wastewater project tenders worth US$135 million as part of its Plan for Growth, Competitiveness, and Efficiency (Plan CRECE). Ten of these contracts (US$98 million) include construction of wastewater treatment plants, and the remainder include consulting and management service contracts.

Global Ballast Water Market Takes Shape

On 15 December 2015, Wärtsilä Corporation announced a contract to supply 12 Aquarius UV ballast water systems to Japan’s Namura and Onomichi shipyards. The systems will be delivered in Q4 2014 through Q2 2016 and installed in six ships.

ACEA, Foreigners Gear Up for Italy Consolidation

On 11 November 2014 the Italian government enacted its ‘Unlock Italy’ set of economic reforms. This decree facilitates the reduction of municipal multi-utility holdings in the water sector to reduce debt. It also builds on the 2012 Development Decree (83/2012) that laid out tendering terms for awarding public water concessions to private operators, which includes longer term tariff visibility and less risk for ownership transfers. As part of 2015 budget negotiations, the government envisions greater regional consolidation to create fewer, more efficient water utilities led by potential national champions such as Acea SpA, Gruppo Hera, Iren Group, and A2A. Italy currently hosts over 100 regional water utilities.