This Friday, June 6th, Christian Estrosi signed a financing agreement with the European Investment Bank concerning the Haliotis 2 station. A wastewater treatment and valorization complex. An agreement between two closely linked partners, serving the ecological transition.
“We are moving to an investment phase that involves water,” declared Christian Estrosi, as he began his speech preceding the signing of the financing agreement for Haliotis 2. This complex for the treatment and valorization of Nice’s wastewater. With the financial support of the European Investment Bank (EIB), the city aims to establish itself as a European hub of cutting-edge technology serving the ecological transition. The station is being gradually put into service since 2025.
An agreement between two partners
This is a financing agreement between two well-acquainted partners. The EIB is a major partner of the city of Nice, particularly in ecological projects. “It’s not just a financial partner! The EIB can claim to have contributed to supporting projects that reduce pollution emissions by 15 to 28%. That’s why signing this contract today makes more sense”, explains Christian Estrosi.
Investments are happening as the issue of ecology imposes itself in interstate discussions as well as between institutions. Realizing ambitious projects is the goal set by the city of Nice in terms of environment. “A community must make investment choices, spread out over time. We are securing the future of upcoming generations. And we’re not leaving them with debt, but rather an investment in the future,” declared the mayor of Nice.
For Ambroise Fayolle, vice-president of the EIB, there is a “strong link between the success of the ecological transition and economic competitiveness. We finance many projects because there is a very strong European ambition. Our goal is the construction of a climate-neutral and energy-independent Europe.”
Haliotis 2: symbol of the ecological transition
Haliotis 2 is one of the largest modernization projects of a treatment plant in Europe, and “the largest industrial project in France” according to the mayor. The station’s principle: treat wastewater and reuse it, eliminate pollutants and microplastics, treat sand, and improve air quality. “With Haliotis 2, we will consume ten times less energy, manage the discharge of microplastics completely, and there will be no more in the Mediterranean,” he proudly states. Nearly 90% of microplastics will be eliminated by the station, with the recycling of five million cubic meters of water per year.
In terms of energy, Haliotis 2 will also be a model. The goal: generate new sources of renewable energy. This complex will produce four times more energy than it currently consumes, thus contributing to the decarbonization of the territory. For a total investment of 700 million euros, 26 municipalities and their 680,000 inhabitants will benefit from the advantages of Haliotis 2.
