Wedoany.com Report-Jun 20, SUEZ, based in Paris, opened the Eaux Blanches wastewater treatment plant in Sète, France, in June 2025, serving seven municipalities in Sète agglopôle méditerranée. The facility processes 6.5 million m³ of wastewater yearly for 165,000 residents, expandable to 190,000. Launched in 2018 with a €64 million investment, the project involves Sète agglopôle méditerranée, the Rhône Méditerranée Corse Water Agency, and Thau Maritima (SUEZ and Vauban Infrastructure Partners).

Using ultrafiltration membrane technology, the plant achieves “bathing water” quality, removing over 90% of organic pollutants to protect the Mediterranean Sea and Thau Basin. It features a storm basin and adaptive systems to manage rainfall, ensuring minimal environmental impact and supporting local shellfish farming.

Integrated into the Val’Thau ecopole, the plant collaborates with a waste-to-energy facility and SAIPOL, producing 500,000 Nm³ of biomethane annually and recovering 2,800 MWh of steam for sludge drying. From 2025, steam will heat the digester, and residual sludge will support local agriculture. The plant reuses 60,000 m³ of water yearly, with 540,000 m³ planned for SAIPOL by 2026.

Loïc Linares, President of Sète agglopôle méditerranée: “We have chosen a plant with high environmental and territorial added value. The Eaux Blanches wastewater treatment plant is an investment that perfectly meets our needs and will shape the future of the region.”

Karine Bonacina, Rhône Méditerranée Corse Water Agency: “The Eaux Blanches wastewater treatment plant demonstrates the ability of local authorities to address the challenges of water transition, aquatic environment preservation and climate change adaptation. It is a concrete response resulting in facilities that are simple, smart and integrated.”

Arnaud Bazire, CEO of Water France at SUEZ: “As challenges become more complex and require a systemic and collaborative approach, we are proud to contribute to the industrial ecology initiative launched by Sète agglopôle méditerranée to provide a sanitation service that protects the environment and recovers resources.”

The plant’s modern design reduces visual, noise, and odor impacts, supporting sustainability and local economic growth, with 55% of the budget awarded to Occitanie businesses.