The European Investment Bank (EIB) has signed a €250 million loan to support the construction of Haliotis 2, a next-generation wastewater treatment plant in Nice. This major initiative, led by Eau d’Azur on behalf of Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur, aims to enhance water treatment efficiency, support climate adaptation, and reduce wastewater discharge into the Mediterranean.
Once completed, the Haliotis 2 wastewater project will serve around 680,000 residents in the metropolitan area. With advanced environmental technologies, the plant will turn wastewater into value—through biogas generation, heat recovery, and large-scale reuse of treated water.
Unveiled during the EIB Adaptation Days, just ahead of the UN Ocean Conference, the project is a cornerstone of Nice’s climate strategy. “This is the largest next-generation wastewater facility in France,” said Mayor Christian Estrosi. “It aligns with our goals to cut emissions by 55% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050.”
Key climate adaptation elements of the project include:
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Reusing up to 5 million m³ of treated wastewater annually to conserve potable water;
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Flood-proof infrastructure design;
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Protection against sea-level rise and marine submersion through 2100.
The EIB not only provided funding but also supported Eau d’Azur with financial modeling and advisory services, helping identify future EU-level funding sources. This initiative marks a significant step toward more resilient and circular urban water systems in Europe.