115 years by your side
Acea celebrates 115 years of history with a special event held in the presence of the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, and representatives from the government, institutions, businesses, and journalism.
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The foundation of AEM
Acea was created in 1909, when it was founded as Rome’s Municipal Electricity Company (Azienda Elettrica Municipale - AEM) to supply electricity for the city’s public and private lighting. In 1912 AEM inaugurated the power plant in via Ostiense, which was named after councillor Giovanni Montemartini and became a vital part of the city’s energy infrastructure.
Construction of the power plants
In 1926, AEM expanded its operations and became the Electricity Company for the Governorate of Rome (Azienda Elettrica del Governatorato - AEG). Rome’s street lights increased to almost 18,000 lamps and the Castel Madama power plant was upgraded. A year later, the Galileo Ferraris power plant also began operating in Mandela.
Acquisition of the water service
In view of the increasing demand for electricity, due to the growth in Rome’s population, AEG further enhanced the Montemartini power station. In 1937, Rome’s Governorate assigned to AEG the management of the municipal aqueducts and the construction and management of the Peschiera aqueduct. During the years in question the company changed its name to AGEA (Azienda Governatoriale Elettricità e Acqua - Gubernatorial Electricity and Water Company).
The war and the struggle to recover
During the Second World War, AGEA’s engineers worked fast and consistently to repair the damage caused to the electricity generation plants. At the end of 1945 the company, now called ACEA (the initials stood for Azienda Comunale Elettricità e Acqua – Municipal Electricity and Water Company), was able to guarantee the regular supply of electricity. The Peschiera Aqueduct, essential for the supply of water, came into operation in 1949.
Corporate plans for the city
During the post-war years, Acea focused on making Rome electrically self-sufficient and improving its water systems. The key projects included the building of new electrical substations and completion of the Peschiera aqueduct. In preparation for the 1960 Rome Olympics, Acea refurbished the city’s public lighting network.
Strengthening our position in the drinking water sector
The company officially moved its headquarters to Piazzale Ostiense and, during the same decade, in addition to being assigned the management of the Marcio aqueduct, upgraded the public lighting service. Moreover, the Water Court confirmed Acea as manager of the Capital’s drinking water service.
The creation of a large aqueduct system
During the 70’s, Acea optimised its electricity distribution system and carried out significant investments in water services, particularly as regards the recovery and modernisation of peripheral areas. In 1979, the company completed the Peschiera-Capore aqueduct system, one of the largest in Europe.
Waste treatment and cogeneration
Acea expanded and diversified its activities: it was entrusted with managing the capital’s waste water treatment, took over the management of public lighting and put into operation the Tor di Valle power plant, for the production of thermal energy for residential district heating in the Torrino Sud neighbourhood. The company was renamed Azienda Comunale Energia e Ambiente (Municipal Energy and Environment Company), reflecting its wider focus on water, energy and environmental services.
Listing on the Stock Exchange
On 19 July 1999, Acea was admitted to listing on the Italian Stock Exchange and launched an intense process of corporatisation. In 1993, the Eur water centre came into operation. Following implementation of the Galli law, Acea was identified as the integrated water service provider for Ato 2 Lazio. In 1996, the new Tor di Valle power plant came on stream.
The new trademark and entry into the overseas market
With the arrival of the new millennium, Acea entered the overseas market with the construction and concession of a water plant in Lima. It took over the Enel electricity distribution network in Rome and was awarded management of the integrated water service in Campania, Tuscany and Southern Lazio – Frosinone. In 2006 Acea entered the waste treatment and recovery sector.
Towards an increasingly digital, innovative and sustainable company
Acea took a decisive step towards digital transformation, with the launching of platforms such as MyAcea for the management of water, electricity and gas utilities. The company also focused on sustainability, introducing strategic plans to support investments in infrastructure. In 2019, Acea expanded its gas distribution activities, resumed its growth in the renewable energy market and entered the plastic treatment segment.
A new growth path: innovation, technology and sustainability
The Acea Group obtained funding from the NRRP for the implementation of strategic interventions in the water sector, continued to expand in the area of waste treatment and management via acquisitions and entered the business of electric mobility recharging services. With the new Business Plan, Acea is today a leading infrastructure operator in the water, energy and environment regulated sectors.
In celebration of our 115-year legacy, we are proud to be leaders in the water sector and one of the top operators in electricity distribution, energy, and environmental services.
As an integral part of the community, we dedicate our expertise, innovation, and passion to serving citizens, ensuring they enjoy reliable, high-quality essential services every day.
Our mission and commitment to innovation drive us forward as we continue to shape a greener, more resilient future for all.
September, 17th 2024
Acea celebrates its 115 year anniversary, the future of water services for Italy
Italian President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella attends the event
Acea Acea is helping drive Italy's sustainable transformation through the PNRR (National Recovery and Resilience Plan). We’ve received €227 million in funding for 2021-2026. This money will be used for key water sector projects.
Our focus is on creating more sustainable and efficient infrastructure. This includes modernising the Peschiera aqueduct and improving water supply for Rome and its metro area.
We’re also working to cut water losses with digital tools and better network monitoring. Plus, we’re upgrading our wastewater collection and treatment systems.
These efforts aim to make our infrastructure more resilient and to support the country's growth.
Read more about NRRP projects
