Suez and VINCI Construction Grands Projets have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to build Serbia’s large-scale wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in its capital, Belgrade.  

The MoU was signed with Serbian Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Siniša Mali. 

The Veliko Selo WWTP project is said to be a significant development for Serbia's infrastructure and environmental protection. 

This initiative is a critical step towards safeguarding the Danube and Sava rivers from pollution, thereby enhancing ecological balance and improving the quality of life for the local population. 

The plant is designed to treat a daily wastewater volume of 423,000m³, which is equivalent to 1.5 million residents.  

The project is structured in two pivotal phases, namely the construction and operation and maintenance phases. 

The consortium of SUEZ and VINCI Construction Grands Projets will undertake the facility’s construction. 

Meanwhile, a joint venture between Belgrade Waterworks and Sewage and SUEZ will manage the long-term operation and maintenance of the plant.  

This phase will focus on the training of local teams and the transfer of essential technical knowledge.

The Veliko Selo WWTP will feature advanced technologies aimed at energy recovery, reduction of electricity consumption, and enhancement of biogas production.  

Specifically, the advanced sludge carbonisation process will amplify biogas production and decrease the volume of sludge requiring incineration.  

Additionally, there is potential for the generation of renewable electricity via a proposed photovoltaic (PV) power plant. 

SUEZ chair and CEO Sabrina Soussan said: “I am proud to sign this MoU with the Serbian authorities to help them improve the quality of life for the people of Belgrade, and would like to thank them for their trust.  

“This MoU is a new illustration of our ability to build relevant integrated partnerships with strong environmental value. It also demonstrates our commitment to enable our customers to providing access to wastewater services with resilient and innovative solutions.”