This project marks a major step forward for renewable energy in Italy, as it will be the country's first facility to combine source-separated organics (food waste) with wastewater sludge to produce renewable biomethane.
Anaergia Inc., through its Italian subsidiary Anaergia S.r.l., has announced a binding agreement with RDR S.p.A., a prominent Italian engineering and construction firm. This agreement solidifies Anaergia's role in providing the essential capital equipment for a groundbreaking co-digestion facility in Livorno, Tuscany. The project, awarded to RDR by ASA Livorno, the operator of the municipal wastewater treatment plant, is poised to become Italy's inaugural facility to integrate food waste and other source-separated organics (SSO) with wastewater sludge for biogas production and subsequent conversion into renewable biomethane.
Construction on this innovative facility is already in progress, with the system anticipated to be fully operational by December 2026.6 The total investment for this ambitious project is estimated at approximately CA$25million, with Anaergia expecting to generate revenues of CA$3.2 million from its equipment supply.
Francesco Freddo, Head of Commercial Department at RDR, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "We are pleased to be partnering with Anaergia on this groundbreaking project for ASA Livorno. Anaergia's proven experience in anaerobic digestion and its expertise in co-digesting organics with wastewater sludge make it the ideal technology partner for this innovative system." This sentiment underscores the critical role Anaergia's specialized knowledge plays in bringing this pioneering project to fruition.
Assaf Onn, CEO of Anaergia, highlighted the significance of the project, remarking, "While Anaergia’s long-standing experience in Italy and in co-digestion globally is well established, we’re especially excited to deliver Italy’s very first co-digestion plant. Leveraging our global expertise with our proven solutions, this project exemplifies how we turn complementary waste streams into valuable energy resources, helping Livorno, and the planet, move toward a sustainable future." His statement emphasizes Anaergia's commitment to sustainable solutions and its global leadership in converting waste into valuable energy.
The co-digestion process offers substantial environmental benefits by diverting organic waste from landfills, thereby reducing methane emissions – a potent greenhouse gas. Furthermore, by utilizing wastewater sludge, the facility will optimize waste management processes, creating a closed-loop system that generates clean, renewable energy. The biomethane produced can be injected into the national gas grid, contributing to Italy's energy independence and decarbonization goals.
ASA Livorno, a utility providing integrated water services in the Province of Livorno, is part of Azienda Servizi Ambientali S.p.A. (ASA), a company dedicated to optimizing resource efficiency for future generations.
