Jump to section
View Sumitomo Corporation's Sustainability : Water Resources
Water is an essential natural resource. However, due to an increase in water demand as a result of population growth and economic development, there will be more and more areas where water will become scarce. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), water demand is projected to increase by 55% between 2000 and 2050 and, in 2050, 240 million people will have no access to clean water and 1.4 billion people will be without access to basic sanitation.
Our Group conducts its business around the world, including in highly water-stressed areas. Fully recognizing the finiteness of water resources, we approach relevant issues both in terms of risk and opportunity through our efforts to reduce water consumption, improve efficiency, and establish water infrastructure.
While water demand is expected to increase on a global basis as a result of population growth, urbanization and industrialization, the infrastructure environment to ensure the supply of safe and hygienic water has not been improved and water issues are expected to become even more serious. In response, in the 21st century, water business that aims to address water issues has started attracting people's attention globally. Increasing awareness that developed countries are responsible for contributing to achieving a safe and hygienic living environment in developing countries has also contributed to the increased attention to water business.
We regard water business combining water supply and sewerage systems as an important pillar of social infrastructure. Based on this recognition, we are engaged in various business projects around the world. We have been expanding our water business from BOOT and BOO business*1 using private-sector capabilities*2, such as water and sewage treatment and seawater desalination, to fully privatized business in promising markets around the world, including areas with rapidly increasing water demand. We have realized substantial achievements in these business areas. We will continue to take on challenging issues in globally expanding and multifaceted water business by supplying safe and secure water using Japanese technology and responding to the demand for reducing social costs by using private capital.
| Country | Activity Description | Business category |
|---|---|---|
| Brazil | Investment in BRK Ambiental, one of the largest private water-related companies, holds assets of 23 business projects of water supply and sewerage treatment (our indirect ownership ratio is 14%). We are participating in promising water supply and sewerage treatment business in Brazil. | Water supply and sewerage treatment business |
| China | We established Capital Summit at 40% share ratio with Beijing Capital Eco-Environment Protection Group, a leading water infrastructure company in China. Capital Summit operates sewage treatment plants in Shandong Province and Zhejian Province. | Sewerage treatment business |
| Oman | We have been awarded a seawater desalination project using reverse osmosis membrane technology and private-sector capabilities/funds. Commercial operation was started in February 2016. | Seawater Desalination business |