PERSPECTIVES OF THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY FOR WATER AND SEWAGE OPERATORS IN ROMANIA

Arpad-Zoltan Fulop and Fulop Kinga-Erzsebet
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Fulop Kinga-Erzsebet: POSTDOCTORAL STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY 1 DECEMBRIE 1918 ALBA IULIA, LECTURER AT SAPIENTIA UNIVERSITY CLUJ-NAPOCA

Annals - Economy Series, 2023, vol. 6, 125-129

Abstract: In response to the challenges associated with unsustainable resource consumption, embracing the circular economy becomes an imperative necessity. This research delves into the pivotal role of the circular economy in the water sector, examining data from regional water operators in Romania spanning the years 2014 to 2021. Water, a crucial resource across all economic sectors, is experiencing a sustained surge in demand driven by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and climate change. The scrutinized data reveals a notable increase in water losses and energy consumption among water operators in Romania. Potable water losses constitute approximately 45% on average of the introduced volume into transport and distribution systems, with an average energy consumption of 0.50 MWh/m³, underscoring the urgency to enhance system efficiency. Crucial to attaining circular economy objectives are investments in water distribution networks and technologies for leak detection and repair. These measures are indispensable in addressing the inefficiencies highlighted by the data. Additionally, advocating for the judicious use of water and investing in renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic parks through programs like POIM and PDD, emerge as key strategies. The implementation of circular economy principles in the water sector not only optimizes resource utilization but also aligns with global sustainable development goals.

Keywords: Circular economy; Water Utilities; Circular economy of water; Water strategy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cbu:jrnlec:y:2023:v:6:p:125-129

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