Rome-based utility expands Latin American footprint with Lima wastewater contract
Acea Perú has secured a contract to manage and maintain eight wastewater treatment plants in southern Lima, the company announced on 24 September 2024. The deal with Sedapal, the Peruvian capital's water utility, marks the fourth contract won by the Italian group in the country over the past two years, bringing the total value of its Peruvian operations to €145 million.
What the contract covers
The Rome-based Acea Group, through its subsidiary Acea International, will oversee maintenance and conservation at treatment facilities across eight districts: San Bartolo, San Juan, Huáscar, José Gálvez, Julio C. Tello, San Pedro de Lurín, Pucusana and Santa María. The agreement also includes the pre-treatment system and pumping station at Nuevo Lurín.
These facilities form a critical part of the wastewater treatment network serving southern Lima. Proper maintenance is expected to ensure treatment continuity, reduce pollution and limit environmental impact on neighboring communities.
The stakes for Lima's water security
Lima sits in a coastal desert region with minimal annual rainfall, making water reuse essential. The city has expanded its wastewater treatment capacity from 16% to 75% since 2013, serving approximately 4.5 million residents. Treated water is already used to irrigate public parks, including the Parque Huascar.
Acea's new contract aims to improve efficiency and promote water reuse in a metropolitan area where every liter recovered helps preserve freshwater reserves. The company stated that the agreement "lays the foundation for further growth in the country."
Acea's growing presence in Latin America
The Italian utility, listed on the Milan stock exchange and serving millions through its water and electricity operations in central Italy, has built substantial operations across Latin America. The company now provides water services to approximately 10 million people in the region, with more than 1,400 employees concentrated primarily in Peru, Honduras and the Dominican Republic.
In Peru specifically, Acea already manages water and sewerage services in northern Lima through contracts with Sedapal covering the Comas and Callao districts, benefiting around 4 million residents. The company also holds a majority stake in the Agua Azul consortium, responsible for water collection and potabilisation in the capital.
The latest contract strengthens Acea's presence in southern Lima, complementing its existing operations in the north and centre of the city.
