Eni and Hera Launch Circular Economy Hub for Industrial Waste in Ravenna
Eni and Hera have inaugurated the Comparto ambientale Ravenna, a 100-million-euro circular economy hub in the Ca’ Ponticelle industrial area. According to regional and local officials, the facility transforms a formerly polluted 26-hectare site into a center for industrial waste management and renewable energy production.
How does the Ravenna environmental hub manage industrial waste?
The hub utilizes two primary treatment facilities to process industrial waste and contaminated materials. A multifunctional platform operated by Hea—a joint venture between Herambiente and Eni Rewind—handles the pre-treatment of solid and liquid special wastes with a capacity of 60,000 tons per year, according to project specifications.
Parallel to this, Eni Rewind operates a biorecovery plant capable of treating 80,000 tons of hydrocarbon-contaminated soil annually. Giuseppe Ricci, Eni’s Director of Industrial Transformation, stated that the facility uses “biopile” technology to purify soil for subsequent reuse.
The site also integrates a 6-megawatt photovoltaic plant consisting of more than 10,000 panels. This infrastructure provides the energy necessary for the industrial activities on-site, Ricci noted.
Why was the Ca’ Ponticelle area considered a “dangerous wound”?
President of the Region Michele de Pascale described the area as the only “highly polluted” zone in the Municipality of Ravenna. He stated the site remained effectively blocked for three decades before a redevelopment commitment began in 2016.
Mayor Alessandro Barattoni said the regeneration of this problematic area now serves the local chemistry and industrial sectors. He noted that the site’s efficiency optimizes logistics and reduces the risks associated with waste management.
The recovery process followed a strict timeline. Eni Rewind began remediation in 2019, followed by permanent security works in 2021. Construction of the current environmental infrastructure began in 2023 following updates to the municipal urban plan.
What could the future hold for similar industrial sites in Italy?
Officials suggest this hub may serve as a blueprint for other regions. Hera CEO Orazio Iacono stated that Italy lacks sufficient infrastructure of this type and expressed hope that the project could be replicated elsewhere.
Paolo Grossi, CEO of Eni Rewind, noted that such a model could potentially reduce the national “infrastructure deficit” and lower the environmental impact of waste management. Andrea Ramona, CEO of Herambiente, added that the system could help reduce the volume of industrial waste currently exported abroad.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total investment for the Comparto ambientale Ravenna?
The total investment is 100 million euros, with Hera contributing 30 million euros to the project.
How much waste can the facility process annually?
The Hea platform can treat up to 60,000 tons of special waste, while the Eni Rewind biorecovery plant can process 80,000 tons of contaminated soil.
When will the new environmental infrastructures be fully operational?
According to the project timeline, the infrastructures are scheduled to be in motion starting in July.
Do you believe the replication of industrial hubs like the one in Ravenna could significantly reduce Italy’s reliance on waste exports?