France authorises the reuse of wastewater in industry and nuclear sectors

The French government has issued a decree expanding the use of treated wastewater to industrial and nuclear sectors, aiming to reduce pressure on water resources.

Partagez:

On 15 March 2025, the French government enacted a decree allowing the use of treated wastewater in industrial and nuclear facilities. This initiative aims to reduce reliance on potable water resources by promoting alternatives for specific domestic and industrial applications.

Expansion to industrial and nuclear sectors

The decree now permits the use of non-drinkable water for specific domestic applications, such as laundry washing, interior floor cleaning, excreta evacuation, decorative fountain supply, exterior surface cleaning, and irrigation of vegetable gardens and green spaces. This measure applies to classified installations for environmental protection (ICPE) and basic nuclear installations, including reactors, nuclear fuel-related facilities, and radioactive material storage.

Objectives of the Plan Eau

This initiative is part of the Plan Eau announced in March 2023 by President Emmanuel Macron, which aims to reuse 10% of wastewater by 2030. The objective is to promote water conservation in industrial and nuclear installations by preserving potable water resources and reducing withdrawals from natural sources.

International comparison

Currently, France utilises only 1% of its treated wastewater reuse (REUT) potential, whereas Israel exploits 80%, Spain 14%, and Italy 10%. This initiative could position France as a more active player in sustainable water management.

Regulatory framework

An order issued on the same day specifies quality criteria and technical conditions to be met for using these waters in ICPE and nuclear installations. This regulatory framework ensures that the reuse of treated wastewater complies with health and environmental standards.

Implications for affected sectors

Industries and nuclear sites will need to adapt their infrastructure to integrate these new non-potable water sources. This could lead to investments in suitable treatment and distribution systems while also providing opportunities to reduce costs related to potable water supply.

This initiative reflects France’s increased commitment to modernising its water resource management in alignment with international practices and current environmental imperatives.

  • Populaires ​
Emeren Group signs definitive merger agreement to go private
Eni, BP and TotalEnergies partially evacuate Iraq; Lukoil maintains operations
Europe accelerates gas storage filling despite declining reserves
Russia ready to deliver liquefied natural gas to Mexico
Orano challenges Niger’s decision to nationalize mining company SOMAÏR
UK urged to accelerate electricity price reforms
The UK's Climate Change Committee is urging the government to quickly reduce electricity costs to facilitate the adoption of heat pumps and electric vehicles, judged too slow to achieve the set climate targets.
Brussels expands subsidies for low-carbon technologies and nuclear power
The European Commission will extend until the end of 2030 an expanded state-aid framework, allowing capitals to fund low-carbon technologies and nuclear power to preserve competitiveness against China and the United States.
Japan Faces Major Electricity Shortfall of 89 GW by 2050
Japan's grid operator forecasts an energy shortfall of up to 89 GW by 2050 due to rising demand from semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicles, and artificial intelligence technologies.
EU Approves Targeted Energy Aid for Europe’s Heavy Industries
Energy-intensive European industries will be eligible for temporary state aid to mitigate high electricity prices, according to a new regulatory framework proposed by the European Commission under the "Clean Industrial Deal."
Mauritius launches international tender for floating power plant
Mauritius seeks international investors to swiftly build a floating power plant of around 100 MW, aiming to secure the national energy supply by January 2026 and address current production shortfalls.
Spain and Portugal Strengthen Networks Following April Blackout
Madrid announces immediate energy storage measures while Lisbon secures its electrical grid, responding to the historic outage that affected the entire Iberian Peninsula in late April.
Indonesia Commits 190 Billion USD to Expand Energy Capacity by 2034
Indonesia has unveiled its new national energy plan, projecting an increase of 69.5 GW in electricity capacity over ten years, largely funded by independent producers, to address rapidly rising domestic demand.
France: Moratorium on renewables; warning about immediate industrial impact
French Minister Agnès Pannier-Runacher condemns the parliamentary moratorium on new renewable energy installations, warning of the potential loss of 150,000 industrial jobs and increased energy dependence on foreign countries.
New European Battery Regulation Disrupts Europe’s Industrial Sector
The European battery regulation, fully effective from August 18, significantly alters industrial requirements related to electric cars and bicycles, imposing strict rules on recycling, supply chains, and transparency for companies.
European Parliament urges Brussels to act on energy grids
The European Parliament calls on the Commission to strengthen energy infrastructure and accelerate the implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal to enhance the continent's energy flexibility and security amid increased market volatility.
Europe Commits Major Investments to Electricity Grids and the Clean Industrial Deal
The European Commission unveils an ambitious plan to modernize electricity grids and introduces the Clean Industrial Deal, mobilizing hundreds of billions of euros to strengthen the continent's industrial and energy autonomy.
Wood Mackenzie highlights advantage of regulated utilities amid data centre boom
In the United States, regulated electric grid operators hold a decisive advantage in connecting new data centres to the grid, now representing 134 GW of projects, according to a Wood Mackenzie report published on June 19.
France sets renewable energy target of 200 TWh by 2030
The French National Assembly approves a specific target of 200 TWh renewable electricity production by 2030 within a legislative text extensively debated about the future national energy mix.
United States: emissions stagnate in 2024, uncertainty under Trump administration
In 2024, US CO₂ emissions remain stable at 5.1bn tonnes, as the Trump administration prepares hydrocarbon-friendly energy policies, raising questions about the future evolution of the American market.
France: Anticipated Energy Decree, National Assembly Denounces Democratic Risk
The early publication of France's energy decree triggers strong parliamentary reactions, as the government aims to rapidly secure investments in nuclear and other energy sectors.
Spain Blackout: Analysis of Causes and European Financing Plan Approved
Seven weeks after the major Iberian power outage, Spain identifies technical network failures, while the European Investment Bank approves major funding to strengthen the interconnection with France.
European Union Sets Precise Timeline for Russian Gas Import Ban
The European Union has announced a detailed schedule aiming to definitively halt Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, anticipating internal legal and commercial challenges to overcome.
Madagascar invests in thermal power plant to counter chronic power cuts
Madagascar plans the imminent opening of a 105 MW thermal power plant to swiftly stabilise its electricity grid, severely affected in major urban areas, while simultaneously developing renewable energy projects.
India proposes virtual power purchase agreements for industrial companies
India's Central Electricity Regulatory Commission proposes a new financial instrument enabling industrial companies to meet renewable energy targets through virtual contracts, without physical electricity delivery, thus facilitating compliance management.
France Accelerates PPE with Decree Expected Before September 2025
Minister Marc Ferracci confirms the imminent publication of the energy programming decree, without waiting for the conclusion of parliamentary debates, including a substantial increase in Energy Efficiency Certificates.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS