- Business
- ACEA S.p.A. is an Italian multi-utility company primarily engaged in the production, sale, and distribution of energy, integrated water services, environmental services, and infrastructure management. Founded in 1909 and headquartered in Rome, ACEA operates in electricity distribution, managing approximately 9 TWh of power mainly in Rome through its subsidiary Areti; water services involving aqueduct systems, sewer systems, and water treatment for over 9 million customers in central Italy; and environmental services including waste treatment, disposal, and circular economy solutions processing more than 1.7 million tonnes of waste annually. The company also designs, builds, and operates cogeneration plants powered by natural gas and biogas, as well as photovoltaic and hydroelectric plants, with a growing renewable energy portfolio including large-scale solar facilities such as the 28 MW plant in Sicily.
In recent developments, ACEA signed a binding agreement for the sale of its energy retail arm, ACEA Energia, and a 50% stake in Umbria Energy to Plenitude, Eni's renewable energy subsidiary, in a transaction expected to finalize by mid-2026. This strategic move allows ACEA to concentrate on infrastructure and regulated activities aligned with its 2024-2028 Business Plan, which emphasizes investment in water infrastructure modernization, grid resilience in electricity networks, and environmental sector circular economy initiatives. Additionally, ACEA has expanded its innovation and technology collaborations, notably signing a memorandum of understanding with Amazon Web Services to advance AI, IoT, and sustainability initiatives. It also continues to develop renewable energy through ACEA Solar, with recent project launches contributing to increased solar capacity. Moreover, ACEA secured a €500 million financing package from the European Investment Bank and CDP to modernize electricity infrastructure managed by Areti.
ACEA's business segments include electricity production and distribution, water management, environmental services, and engineering and infrastructure projects, targeting public utilities, residential, commercial, and industrial clients primarily in Italy. The group maintains substantial partnerships, including minority ownership by the SUEZ Group, and engages in smart metering technology development for water services through a joint venture with SUEZ. The company's leadership under CEO Fabrizio Palermo focuses on innovation, sustainability, and reinforcing ACEA's role as a key infrastructure operator in the evolving utility sector. ACEA employs over 8,700 people and continues to play a pivotal role in Italy's transition to sustainable energy and environmental management.