Water and marine resources

Protecting the environment and contributing to the achievement of the Global Sustainable Development Goals is fundamental to METLEN's business course and is a key part of its strategy. The Company is committed to the sustainable management of the natural capital it utilizes, in the context of its activity, incorporating in its business strategy, investments and internal decision-making processes the basic principles of responsible environmental behavior. In particular, water is a key and irreplaceable natural resource for METLEN's core activities. The Company manages water and water resources in general with a high sense of responsibility, both towards the natural environment itself and the rights of the local populations adjacent to its facilities.

According to the 2024 dual materiality assessment, the following are identified as significant impacts related to the above challenge:

• Salinization of groundwater resources due to over-abstraction
• Reuse of seawater discharges

See more in Company's Annual Report 2024.

METLEN has established a comprehensive governance framework for the management of sustainability issues, which is integrated into the Company's core decision-making and oversight processes. The role of the Management is clearly defined and ensures continuous supervision and strategic guidance on sustainability issues.

In particular, the Sustainable Development Committee, as a committee of the Board of Directors, is responsible for monitoring the implementation of the sustainable development strategy, approving relevant policies and monitoring the Company's ESG performance. The Committee meets regularly and cooperates with the Directorate-General for Corporate Governance and Sustainable Development, which plays a crucial role in coordinating all sustainability issues within the Company. The governance of sustainability issues is supported by specially defined organisational structures, which include teams and sustainability officers in each Business Sector and a key subsidiary. ESG thematic pillar managers work with central and local management teams, ensuring coordination, monitoring progress and providing technical guidance, with the aim of systematically integrating the principles of sustainable development across the Company's range of activities.

At the same time, METLEN applies a systematic due diligence approach to manage actual and potential significant sustainability impacts, risks and opportunities. This approach is based on the international guidelines for responsible business conduct and includes: identification and impact assessment processes, setting targets, action plans, monitoring mechanisms, taking corrective actions, consulting stakeholders and promoting value chain partnerships.

Through these mechanisms, METLEN ensures that sustainability issues are integrated into its business strategy and day-to-day operation, enhancing long-term value creation for all stakeholders.

METLEN manages water responsibly, without financial impact on the Company, complying with the legislation and implementing risk prevention measures. It closely monitors water availability, avoiding salinization and ensuring stable production. Its resilience is based on a central environmental policy, continuous evaluation of practices, flexibility of adaptation, staff training, infrastructure upgrades and investments in insurance coverage. The Company ensures full regulatory compliance in water management, following the Environmental Terms Approval Decisions and Water Use Permits in all its units. There is regular contact with relevant authorities to monitor regulatory changes on sustainability issues. Environmental managers in each sector undertake the management of water resources, while a certified ISO 14001 Environmental Management System is implemented for the prevention and response of incidents. Water discharges are strictly controlled by monitoring quality parameters such as pH, temperature, and pollutants, while the physicochemical characteristics of the marine receiver are checked for compliance with quality standards.

METLEN is committed to the responsible and sustainable management of water resources in its industrial facilities, implementing a series of measures and initiatives aimed at protecting the environment, saving water and complying with applicable legislation. Indicatively, key actions, practices and initiatives for responsible water abstraction and use management include:

• Water pumping at the aluminum plant through a controlled drilling network, with continuous monitoring of the level and respect for the limits of the license.
• Application of waste seawater reuse in thermal power plants, saving an average of 16 million euros. m³ per year.
• Completion of industrial water saving project, reducing consumption by ~800,000 m³ in 2024.
• Continuous leak checks and installation of flow meters for optimal water consumption management.
• Implementation of an employee awareness campaign for the rational use of water, especially during the summer months.
• Continuous monitoring of the quality of the disposal of seawater, ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
• Investment in infrastructure and technologies for the protection and sustainable use of water resources, with operating costs of €490,000, in 2024.

See more in the Company's Annual Report 2024.

• -8% reduction of water withdrawal for use
• -12,5% reduction of total water consumption
• -31,1% decrease in the megalitres (ML) of withdrawn water per million Euro of revenue
• retention of the B rating (on a D-/A scale) from the international Sustainable Development organization CDP, in the Water Security category, which ranks it in the top performance of the 2nd category "Management level" of the index

METLEN has set specific objectives for the management of water resources, harmonized with legislation and environmental permits, as part of the overall strategy for sustainable water use in the Energy and Metals Sectors. The Company maintains full compliance with permits, standards and regulations regarding water quantity, availability and quality. During 2024, there were no incidents of non-compliance or were reported, confirming the Company's commitment to responsible management of water resources and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Total Water Use Footprint:

Pumping

In 2024, a total of 174.4 million euros were raised. m³ of water for use, an amount increased by 14.1% compared to 2023. This difference is mainly due to the increased amount of seawater pumping to meet the needs of METLEN's energy complex in Agios Nikolaos, Viotia.

Rejection

The amount of used water, which was returned to the water recipients after quality treatment and in accordance with the approved environmental conditions per Sector of Activity, was 164.7 million euros. m3, an increase of ~14% compared to 2023.

Consumption

As a result of the above, METLEN's total water consumption increased by 21% compared to 2023, which is mainly attributed to the increased amount of seawater evaporation used to cool the Company's thermal power plants.

Reuse

The amount of water reused between the units of METLEN's Sectors, which suggests that the Company is utilizing a significant part of the water it has already used, reducing the need to pump new quantities from natural resources, amounted to more than 16 million cubic meters for 2024. m³, showing a significant increase compared to 2023 due to the longer operating time of the new CCGT thermal power plant.

See more in the Company's Annual Report 2024.