Wastewater Treatment

In 2004, the public utility gap - that is, sewer length per one kilometer of water supply pipe - was still over 30 percent; only 44.3 percent of settlements were connected to wastewater collection systems; and only 66.5 percent of collected wastewater was biologically treated. At the same time, the utilization rate of the treatment capacity of plants is very low, with only 32 percent going through level III cleaning (nutrient removal). In parallel with sewage collection, alternative wastewater treatment solutions - e.g., close-to-nature wastewater treatment, individual wastewater disposal - have not widely spread.

In a continuation of the National Municipal Wastewater Collection and Treatment Program, Hungary aims to construct wastewater collection and treatment systems and facilities, including works for the treatment of liquid waste; extend and modernize existing wastewater treatment and wastewater collection systems; develop wastewater sludge treatment and recycling; and, in the framework of diverse and comprehensive technical projects, begin “semi-natural” and “unique” wastewater treatment where sewerage is not justified by environmental or economic reasons.

In addition, at settlements or part of settlements in highly vulnerable areas without a sewer system, where professional, individual wastewater disposal is not an option, the Government of Hungary aims to ensure the transportation of adequate liquid waste (on road), treatment and development of utilization. Hungary also aims to reduce the generation of municipal liquid waste and improve and expand sludge treatment and utilization.

The development of the wastewater collection and treatment systems has to be in harmony with other infrastructure development investments (for example, development of rainwater collection systems), to avoid extra costs caused by repeated operations in the same area (for example, re-pavement). Selection among options - as long as they comply with legal regulations - is based on long-term cost efficiency.

Market Data

According to market research consultancy Datamonitor, the Hungarian water utilities industry generated total revenues of $3.2 billion in 2006, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.8% from 2002-2006. The industry is forecast to continue to grow, with an anticipated CAG of 4.2% for 2006-2011 expected to drive the industry to a value of $3.9 billion by the end of 2011.

In 2006, investment in the environmental sector was USD 961 million or 4.4 percent of total investment in Hungary. The EU financial support for environmental infrastructure projects will spur growth in this sector in coming years, possibly as much as 15 percent annually. According to Hungary’s Central Statistical Office, wastewater treatment now accounts for 43 percent of all environmental spending, protection of soil and groundwater quality for 11 percent.

Best Prospects

The following technologies / equipment is expected to offer best sales prospects in the coming years: (1) technologies to improve the quality of drinking water; (2) alternative wastewater treatment solutions (close to nature wastewater treatment, individual wastewater disposal); and (3) monitoring devices and systems.

Key Suppliers

Major suppliers to the water utilities industry are companies undertaking outsourced activities. A wide variety of business activities are outsourced by water utilities companies, including construction, civil engineering, laboratory services and administrative functions. Such activities are generally provided under a fixed term contract by suppliers providing a degree of power by increasing switching costs for water utilities companies. Hungary’s water industry is dominated by foreign companies. French (Veolia, Suez Environment), German (RWE, Berlinwasser) and Austrian (Purator) presence is especially strong. The most significant U.S. player is GE Zenon, maker of water and wastewater membrane technology. Important consulting and implementation companies include: Vituki Consult Rt., Öko Zrt., Aquaprofit Zrt., Viziterv Consult Kft and Vegyépszer Zrt.

 Prospective Buyers

The largest end-users of water pollution control equipment are the water/wastewater works companies. Following the major economic and political changes in 1989, Hungarian local authorities were given ownership rights for about 80 percent of the water works facilities. There are currently five large regional water works companies and more than 300 local, municipality-owned smaller ones. In many cases the smaller plants operate uneconomically, therefore it is likely that they will merge over the long term. Water supply and sewage services are provided often by the same company; however, there are a number of waterworks dealing only with water and there are a few dealing only with wastewater. For example in Budapest there are two service companies: Budapest Water Works provides water supply, while Budapest Sewage Works is responsible for the wastewater management. Dunántúli Regionális Vízmu (Transdanubian Regional Waterworks Co) on the other hand provides water supply, sewage treatment and maintenance of the water infrastructure. The other major group of end-users of water pollution control equipment includes the chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, energy and food processing industries.

Market Entry

Utilities

For private-sector players, it is not possible to compete directly for end-users; instead, companies must usually bid for contracts to supply all customers within a geographic region. Fixed costs are high, since the water supply industry involves the running of water treatment plants and other large-scale facilities regardless of the revenues generated. Exiting the industry can be costly, especially if a player has invested substantially in infrastructure.

Technologies / Equipment

Environmental products and technologies are marketed in Hungary mainly through local engineering firms and/or agents and distributors of environmental equipment and instruments. It is essential for U.S. firms to have a local affiliate or representative, who keeps contact with key decision makers, knows the local business practices and is able to provide technical assistance and after-sales service. Forming a joint-venture with a Hungarian company is also an excellent way to penetrate the market.

Public Procurement   

Once contracting authorities have agreed to support a particular action with the help of EU funds, this project needs to be tendered according to the EU Public Procurement Directives. The type of the project and its total cost will determine whether it falls under the scope of the EU public procurement directives or, if under the agreed thresholds, it is subject to national legislation on public contracts. Since January 1st, 1996, the United States and the European Union have been party to the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA), which allows U.S.-based firms to bid on certain EU contracts above established thresholds. U.S. firms legally established (ongoing business, paying local taxes) in a Member State of the European Union are accountable as a European company. Those firms may bid on EU public procurement contracts advertised just as any other European firm. However, U.S. companies interested in the Hungarian market should strongly consider partnering with a local firm. The local partner will be able to provide information on local business practices, pertaining rules & regulations, the decision making process and provide technical assistance. The U.S. Commercial Service at the U.S. Mission to the European Union offers a tool on its website to help U.S.-based companies identify European public procurement opportunities. See: http://www.buyusa.gov/europeanunion

Market Issues & Obstacles  

The Hungarian market is open for foreign products and services. With Hungary’s accession to the European Union on May 1 2004, Hungary adopted the EU’s common external tariff (CXT) rates, resulting in an average tariff level of 3 percent. Tariff assessment and all other customs procedures take place at the first port of entry into the EU. However, Hungary still collects the Value Added Tax (VAT) on all goods with Hungary as a final destination. In 2008, the VAT is 20 percent on most products and services.  

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Excerpts from: Hungary: Water & Wastewater Industry, August, 2008,

US Commercial Service