Strategies for Water Resilience: Insights from Harry Sachinis, CEO of EYDAP
In our latest episode of the Exec Exchange podcast, we had the privilege of hosting Harry Sachinis, CEO of EYDAP, the primary water and wastewater management company in Athens, Greece. Sachinis shared his remarkable journey, insights, and the groundbreaking plans his company is enacting in the face of Athens’ unique challenges.
An Illustrious Career Journey
Harry Sachinis has been at the helm of EYDAP for six years, having transitioned from an extensive career in the United States. With a background in mechanical industrial engineering and an MBA from Harvard Business School, Sachinis specialized in global information across the energy, aerospace, defense, and construction sectors. His expertise and leadership have been transformative, influencing EYDAP’s strategic approaches toward water resilience.
Navigating Ancient Infrastructures
Athens, a city steeped in history, now faces the challenge of modernizing its water infrastructure while preserving its heritage. Sachinis discussed the formidable task of managing water supply through ancient Roman aqueducts and decaying pipelines established in the 1960s. With a €200 million investment plan, EYDAP aims to replace parts of the old network while lowering non-revenue water levels from 15% to 10%.
Water Supply Resilience Amid Drought
One of EYDAP’s significant challenges is the ongoing three-year drought. Sachinis detailed an innovative three-tiered plan to ensure water supply resilience. The primary solution involves connecting Athens’ reservoirs to a new source through a series of tunnels, providing five times the current capacity. Alternative solutions involve costly desalination and the strategic use of tankers to transport additional water.
Expanding the Wastewater Network
The company is also focused on extending Athens’ wastewater network. With significant construction underway to increase the sewer reach to 90-95% of the population, Sachinis emphasized plans for recycling treated wastewater for irrigation and data center use, enhancing sustainability efforts citywide.
Psyttalia: Pioneering Net-Zero Energy Wastewater Treatment
A standout project is the transformation of Psyttalia, Europe’s second-largest wastewater treatment plant, located on a compact island. EYDAP aims to make the facility energy net generative by optimizing biogas use and implementing advanced sludge drying techniques. This project is inspired by similar, smaller-scale successes globally and leverages Athens’ climate.
Envisioning a Greener Athens
Beyond infrastructure, Sachinis revealed a larger vision for Athens: leveraging increased water availability to create more green spaces, which could cool the city, conserving energy on a scale potentially even more impactful than the infrastructure investment itself.
Advice to Future Leaders
In parting, Sachinis imparted a crucial lesson for aspiring leaders: capitalize on best practices worldwide, learn from them, and innovate upon established foundations to achieve smarter, faster, and more efficient results.
Sachinis’ vision, rooted in comprehensive planning and global insights, showcases the ingenuity and leadership needed to tackle contemporary water management challenges. As Athens endeavors to secure its water future, Sachinis and EYDAP are trailblazing a path of sustainable innovation. Join us next time on the Exec Exchange for more inspiring stories from global leaders.