site.btaSofia's Water Company Aims for 95% Investment Completion by 2025 with Focus on Sustainability and Digitalization

Sofiyska Voda, the Sofia water company, announced on Thursday that the company expects to complete more than 95% of its 2025 investment programme, emphasizing continued infrastructure improvements, digitalization, and sustainable initiatives. CEO Vassil Trenev highlighted that the company's initiatives primarily target the sustainable maintenance of its infrastructure, including pipelines, treatment plants, laboratories, and digital systems. "We will certainly move towards digitalization, because this is how we manage all of Sofiyska Voda's assets in the way they are managed in the world," he said, noting the company is also exploring the use of artificial intelligence in its operations.

Technical Director Veselin Dimitrov added that daily laboratory analyses are conducted to ensure the highest water quality. He also provided an update on the company’s mini-hydroelectric power plant project, confirming that the design phase is on schedule for completion by the end of 2025. "In 2026, we will focus on preparing the construction documentation and obtaining the relevant permits, aiming for operational facilities in 2027," Dimitrov said.

Financial Director Anelia Ilieva addressed the impact of Bulgaria’s euro adoption, noting that the change will influence everything from technologies and financial models to customer communication and trust-building practices. Commercial Director Borislav Georgiev added that while cash payments remain predominant - accounting for around 50-53% of transactions - online payments are growing at 15-18% annually.

The presentation also featured Veolia Bulgaria CEO Francois Debergh, who described 2025 as a challenging year with multiple operational tasks and large projects underway. Debergh highlighted upcoming sustainability initiatives, including the installation of photovoltaic systems across Sofiyska Voda sites to achieve energy neutrality. "We have also signed a memorandum with Sofia Municipality for the construction of hydroelectric power plants, which will help save energy and reduce carbon emissions," he said.

Lyubomir Filipov, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Regulation, underscored the importance of innovation for the company and said that innovative projects are pursued both within the company and externally. "In recent years, many startups in Bulgaria have emerged onto the international stage, and Veolia Bulgaria’s idea is to work with this entrepreneurial ecosystem and look for good ideas," he said.

Filipov highlighted some of the interesting projects they have discussed with startups, including anti-drone protection for water facilities, using drones instead of humans to inspect large sewer collectors, and integrated energy system management. He also mentioned that the company is considering the creation of an internal innovation unit to commercialize employees’ good ideas.