Press Release

Italian President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella attends the event.

This year, Acea celebrates 115 years of history with a special event titled "The Future of Water: Guaranteeing an Essential Service to Italy," held in the presence of the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella.

Founded in 1909 following a public referendum, the company’s history is deeply intertwined with that of Italy and its capital. The celebration, taking place this evening at the Salone delle Fontane in Rome, will be an opportunity to reflect on Acea’s journey from its early days to its current status as one of Italy's leading industrial groups, the largest water operator in Italy, and the second largest in Europe.

The evening will focus on the essential role of water in socio-economic development, particularly in light of climate change, which is impacting water availability. Attention will be drawn to future scenarios of water transition, drought risks, and the need to overcome the fragmentation of water services and outdated infrastructure. These are seen as key strategies to safeguard a precious resource that is becoming increasingly crucial and strategic. The event will include a wide range of participants, including representatives from the government, institutions, businesses, and journalism. Speakers will include the Minister of Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri, Acea’s Chairperson, Barbara Marinali, and Acea’s CEO and General Manager, Fabrizio Palermo.

Following these talks, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Giorgio Parisi and Andrea Rinaldo, winner of the Stockholm Water Prize (often referred to as the “Water Nobel”), will engage in a discussion on climate change and its effects on water resources. The evening will conclude with a speech by Father Paolo Benanti, advisor to Pope Francis on artificial intelligence and technology ethics.

Hosted by Daniela Ferolla, the event will feature a performance by the Choir of the Rome Opera House, conducted by Maestro Ciro Visco, along with the unveiling of Acea’s new anniversary logo and a special video documentary, "Acea: 115 Years by Your Side." The video celebrates the company’s history, telling the story of Italy through the lens of its development. The hashtag #Acea115, launched across Acea’s social media channels, will accompany the event coverage.

“Water, energy, and the environment have been the cornerstones of Acea's history,” said CEO Fabrizio Palermo. “These elements have shaped the growth of an industrial group that, from the early 1900s to today, has continuously faced significant technological challenges with the goal of serving large areas and millions of citizens. Just like 115 years ago, the world is undergoing major changes, with artificial intelligence and robotics playing an increasingly important role in the management of services and infrastructure. We have chosen to focus this evening on water because we are convinced that, in the coming years, particularly in the face of ongoing climate change, water will not only be a social priority across Europe but a central issue tied to infrastructure growth.”

“Today, the Group operates in many Italian regions, serving 10 million residents in Italy and another 10 million in Latin America. It has embarked on an ambitious path of research and investment to continue growing in our core business sectors,” he added.

“The history of Acea is built by the men and women who, through over a century of commitment and dedication, have helped create a company closely connected to its communities,” said Chairperson Barbara Marinali. “From today, Acea embarks on a new chapter with the same spirit of service to its citizens. One hundred and fifteen years after its founding, Acea has grown into a major group dedicated to protecting water resources, promoting a circular economy, and driving technological innovation, with the goal of fostering a corporate culture that serves communities, cities, and a constantly evolving landscape.