Energy consumption

GROUP ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Total energy consumption, both direct and indirect, is approxi- mately 12,850 TJ, down by 1.8% on 2020, due primarily to reduced energy usage of SRF154 and lower electricity consumption for the distribution of drinking water (see Tables 60 and 61).

Whilst some areas have seen an increase in consumption, such as the treatment segment, primarily due to the management of new plants by GORI, in general indirect consumption has decreased, due in particular to lower consumption for the segment involved in the distribution of drinking water, due to greater rainfall and therefore reduced energy use for pumping systems.

Electricity consumption of the main Companies, particularly con- nected to the distribution of drinking and non-drinking water, treat- ment, waste-management plants and internal consumption sites, originates from renewable sources with a Guarantee of Origin, for a total of approximately 420 GWh, which in 2021 was equal to 57% of specific consumption (731.8 GWh) (Table no. 60).

The trends of energy consumption intensity indexes show improve- ment and certain increases in efficiency are specified in Table no. 62. Approximately 0.9 GWh are produced by on-site PV plants for self-consumption at Group plants.

Table no. 60 – Direct energy consumption of the main Companies in the Group (2019-2021) (*)

(*) The figures for the two-year period 2019-2020 have been restated to include Bio Ecologia, Demap and Berg, making them comparable with 2021.

NOTE: The energy produced by the Group plants and fed into the network is illustrated in the Environmental Accounts (Products – Energy Segment).

Table no. 61 – Indirect energy consumption of the main Group Companies (2019-2021) (*)

(*) The figures for the two-year period 2019-2020 have been restated to include Bio Ecologia, Demap and Berg, making them comparable with 2021. (**) Energy with GO certification (Guarantee of Origin).
(***) Energy with GO certification (Guarantee of Origin) for 57%.

Table no. 62 – Energy intensity indices (2019-2021)

(*) The increased consumption of electricity is primarily due to increases in consumption by GORI, which in recent years acquired and launched management of plants previously controlled by the Campania regional authority.

(**) there has been a slight decrease, and therefore an increase in eciency, in the ratio of energy consumed to water treated.

ENERGY CONSUMPTION OUTSIDE OF THE GROUP

Acea works to increase awareness and monitor its supply chain in relation to energy issues. Since 2015, it has monitored energy con- sumption outside the Group, requesting a representative panel of its suppliers to fill out a specific questionnaire. In December 2021 the questionnaire was sent to 100 suppliers, the principal parties in terms of value of orders for the year. Thanks to the results from 40 of those contacted (equal to 42% of the total Acea expenditure for the procurement of goods/services and works), the total ener- gy consumption for all suppliers was estimated at 390,506 GJ155. Since 2021, the questionnaire has included a specific section on water consumption (see the section Attention to water consumption, further on in the document).

¹⁵⁴Due to lower running levels in the first two months of 2021.