CapturEste - Carbon Capture to Decarbonize Herambiente Ferrara Waste-to-Energy Plant

ongoing

The project is the first carbon capture and storage (CCS) application on a Waste-to-Energy (WTE) plant in Italy. It aims to capture approximately 100% of the fossil CO2 at the Ferrara WTE plant in Northeast Italy. By integrating geothermal energy with Saipem Bluenzymeᵀᴹ technology, the project contributes to electricity and heat production with nearly net-zero emissions. The project is expected to significantly reduce emissions, avoiding approximately 640 000 tonnes of CO2, which represents a reduction close to 100% compared to the reference scenario. CapturEste sets a new benchmark for CCS in the WTE sector. The project’s innovative approach integrates low-temperature enzymatic carbon capture with renewable geothermal energy. Enzymatic solvents eliminate the production of toxic byproducts, offering an environmentally friendly solution compared to conventional amine-based carbon capture technologies. Over its first ten years of operation, CapturEste is expected to capture approximately 640 000 tonnes of CO2, equivalent to the annual emissions of roughly 370 000 petrol cars travelling 10 000 km per year. CapturEste aligns with European energy and climate goals, supporting the REPowerEU Plan by reducing reliance on fossil fuels and strengthening energy system resilience. The project’s technology ensures compliance with the expected future regulatory developments for including WTE plants in the EU Emissions Trading System. In addition, by decarbonising WTE operations, CapturEste contributes to the transition to a circular economy, turning waste into a low-carbon energy source for millions of households and enhancing local energy security and sustainability. Further, the project aligns with Europe’s 2050 net-zero target and supports the “Fit for 55” objective of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. Due to its strategic location in Ferrara and leveraging the planned connection to the Ravenna CO2 storage site, CapturEste plays a pivotal role in expanding the CO2 transportation infrastructure across the Italian Po Valley. Additionally, the project’s scalability enables future replication at other WTE plants, fostering the development of a CO2 value chain in Italy and Europe, supporting job creation and driving economic growth in Italy and beyond.