Rome Starts Work on New Waste-to-Energy Plant

Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, and Acea’s CEO, Fabrizio Palermo, began construction on a new waste-to-energy plant in the Santa Palomba industrial area. The plant will process roughly 600,000 tons of non-recyclable waste annually. Construction is expected to last two years, with the first waste deliveries scheduled for September 2029.

The one billion euro project includes a circular resource park with research spaces, a greenhouse, and green areas. It aims to reduce waste disposal costs compared to current transport methods within Italy or abroad. The plant will generate 65 megawatts of thermal and electrical energy.

The facility will use a flue gas treatment system designed to produce carbon dioxide emissions 80 times lower than landfills. Water needs will be met through rainwater collection and reuse of treated water. However, long-term monitoring of emissions, soil, water, and noise levels will be necessary to verify environmental impact.