A2A debuts in Calabria in the water sector and takes over Novito Acque

A2A, through its subsidiary A2A Ciclo Idrico, has signed an agreement to acquire approximately 70% of the share capital of Novito Acque, a company active in the operational management of purification plants and sewerage networks in seven municipalities in the Locride area. With this transaction, the group consolidates its presence in a region it defines as 'strategic', where it is already active in the energy generation and circular economy sectors with waste management.

"Since the launch of our first business plan in 2021, we have invested 330 million euro and already forecast over 400 million euro to 2035 to support Calabria's industrial development in key sectors for the ecological transition. With A2A's entry into the management of Novito Acque, we are extending our commitment in the region to the integrated water service as well, providing technical expertise, operational capacity and a long-term vision," commented Renato Mazzoncini, A2A's CEO, who added: "By streamlining existing infrastructure and enabling innovative solutions, we are strengthening the path shared with our stakeholders to contribute to increasingly sustainable water management.

The agreement, reads a note from the Lombardy multiutility, 'was created with the aim of enhancing the facilities and increasingly optimising the management of the service'. Which currently reaches more than 50,000 inhabitants: 35,000 permanent ones plus a seasonal presence in the summer period of about 15,000 more. The infrastructures have already undergone technological revamping and will be further enhanced with investments aimed at plant efficiency and the adoption of innovative solutions for the recovery of resources. Photovoltaic panels had already been installed in the Pellegrina and San Leo (Reggio Calabria) purification plants to contribute to their energy needs.

"In line with A2A's circular approach, there are also plans to improve the sludge treatment and valorisation processes through technologies with a low environmental impact," the note states. In particular, advanced filtering technology will be installed for purification to limit odorous emissions, and a solar greenhouse sludge drying system will be adopted, capable of significantly reducing its volume. The waste sludge, thus treated, will be partly reused to produce heat needed in some production processes.

The acquisition is part of a broader growth strategy in the region by the group, "which confirms its willingness to further extend its commitment to the efficiency and development of the water sector in this area".