Vicenza, a prosperous area with around 300,000 residents, is set to benefit from a major wastewater treatment project, marking Italy’s largest initiative of its kind in the past decade. The project involves constructing a new, state-of-the-art treatment plant in Casale, near Vicenza, designed to manage the region’s wastewater more efficiently. This development will alleviate pressure on smaller, existing plants, leading to their eventual closure.
Partially funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) due to its innovative and sustainable approach, the project is led by a consortium headed by Fisia Italimpianti, a Webuild group company specializing in water management infrastructure. The initial phase of the project aims to complete by 2026, in line with the European Union’s deadline for Next Generation funds. Subsequent phases will continue until at least 2029, creating a comprehensive wastewater treatment network that will eliminate unpleasant odors in residential areas.
The Casale plant, a major component of this initiative, will expand and modernize an existing facility. It will incorporate advanced technologies, including an innovative hydrolysis process for sludge management. This process will enhance biogas production, which will be used for the plant’s energy needs. An environmental control unit will also be constructed to manage odors, and additional measures include energy recovery systems such as photovoltaic panels and a turbine powered by discharged water from the Bacchiglione River.
To protect the plant from potential flooding, new embankments will be built around the perimeter. The project will consolidate wastewater treatment by closing smaller, less efficient plants near residential areas, such as the Sant’Agostino plant. This centralization aims to optimize water management, decommission outdated facilities, and improve service across the region.
The project also encompasses decontamination, sewer system reorganization, and comprehensive water purification efforts. With the Webuild Group’s extensive experience and substantial revenue from clean water and energy sectors, this initiative promises to significantly advance water management in Vicenza.
