What is the main focus of your Expert Group?
The Expert Group focuses on identifying practical solutions to bridge financing gaps and overcome investment barriers in water-related technologies and sustainable water management practices. By developing strong business cases and proposing proof-of-concept exercises, the group aims to demonstrate the viability of investments that contribute to a Water-Smart Economy and Society. It explores innovative financing models such as public-private partnerships, green and blue bonds, and impact investing to mobilise capital for water initiatives. In parallel, the group facilitates dialogue and knowledge exchange among financial institutions, water utilities, and policymakers to strengthen awareness of water-related risks and unlock investment opportunities. Through this work, it also formulates actionable recommendations for EU policymakers to inform relevant legislation, strategies, and policy frameworks.
What are the opportunities and challenges in your field that the Expert group is addressing?
The Expert Group seeks practical, results-driven water finance solutions. Key opportunities include financing infrastructure upgrades, issuing green and sustainability-linked bonds, and enabling public-private partnerships (PPPs). Innovative financing mechanisms like blended finance can attract private capital by reducing risks. Banks can support technological advancements such as smart meters and advanced treatment systems, and offer risk management products tailored to the water sector. Advisory services and support for integrating water risks into business strategies are crucial, along with community-based and collaborative investments that enhance social impact and resilience.
However, several challenges hinder investment. The water sector often yields lower returns than others like tech or real estate, making it less attractive. Heavy regulation and government control add complexity. Long-term capital commitments and slow payback periods discourage short-term investors. Climate risks and aging infrastructure add uncertainty.
How does your Expert Group plan to achieve its goals, and how will it contribute to Water Europe’s Vision of a Water-Smart Society?
To achieve its goals, the Expert Group is focused on closing the financial investment gap that hinders the transition to a Water-Smart Economy. It undertakes research studies, market analyses, and case studies to identify financing trends, investment opportunities, and best practices in the water sector. The group facilitates collaboration by organising workshops, roundtables, and networking events that bring together financial institutions, water utilities, and project developers. Additionally, it develops practical guidance documents, toolkits, and training programmes to help stakeholders access finance and structure bankable projects. The group also explores regulatory incentive models aimed at promoting sustainable water investments and eliminating barriers to finance. Through these efforts, the Expert Group strengthens the financial foundation needed to scale water innovations, improve infrastructure, and drive systemic change across the sector.
Expert Group team:
– Leader – Magdalena Rzeczkowska (Federation of Polish Entrepreneurs, CALPE)
– Co-leader – Alan Mestat (H2OVortex)
– Mentor – Gonzalo Delacámara (IE Centre for Water & Climate Adaptation)
Members:
– Agata Lupomeška (Federation of Polish Entrepreneurs)
– Eduard Pérard (Head of Water Division, European Investment Bank)
– Waldemar Jastrzemski (Senior Economist, European Investment Bank)
– Marta Saracyn (ESG Risk Strategy Manager, Polish National Development Bank BGK)
– Margot d’Ancona-Roesink (Head of Rabo Water, Rabobank; Board Member, WaterBank)
– Mirela Ciucur (Head of Economic Affairs Application, Romanian Waters National Administration)
– Łukasz Kozłowski (Senior Economist, Federation of Polish Entrepreneurs)
– Geoff Townsend (Nalco Water, an Ecolab Company)
– Joe Ray (CDP)
– Tania Pentcheva (Xylem)
– Bruno Penisson (Economist, Agence de l’Eau Artois-Picardie)
– Jaroslav Mysiak (Director, Research Division “Risk Assessment and Adaptation Strategies”, University of Venice)
– Detmer Koekoek (Advisor & Executive in Public-Private Partnerships; Climate Risk and Sustainable Finance)
– Philipp Kehrein (Senior Analyst, Robeco)
– Tim Segboer (NWBBank)
– Christofer Flensborg (SEB)
– Friedrich Barth (Chelsea Capital)
– Vylon Ooms (Verzekeraars)
