Home Sustainability Environmental commitment Biodiversity and ecosystems

Biodiversity and ecosystems

honeycomb beehive bees beekeeper

We recognize as fundamental the conservation of ecosystems, understood as dynamic complexes of plants, animals and microorganisms and their non-living environment that interact as a functional unit, and biodiversity understood as the variability of life in terms of species and ecosystems, as well as ecosystem services supporting life, regulation, provisioning and cultural services linked to them.

The positive impact of our work
Our commitment to the energy transition and attention to the communities and territories where our plants are located are reflected in the positive impacts our assets generate on biodiversity and ecosystems in general. An example is the contribution of our reservoir-based hydroelectric plants, which we use as support during drought periods, or the use of locally available materials derived from forest cleaning activities, used as fuel for our heat generation plants for our industrial customers or in our district heating plants. Additionally, we pay great attention to the role of agrivoltaics, which can create synergy between energy, new technologies, agriculture and the reduction of environmental impact, also protecting local communities and their activities.
 
We periodically update the analysis of ecological vulnerability and biodiversity risk, taking into account new plants that enter the scope of activities. During 2024, we developed and made available to all business lines a guideline for the application of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS) for environmental improvement measures, consisting of:
 
  • A catalog of mitigation and environmental improvement measures by plant type, resulting from benchmarking company practices against national and international best practices;
     
  • Organization of environmental improvement actions according to the mitigation hierarchy (avoidance, mitigation, restoration, offset) and along the plant's life cycle (planning, design, development, maintenance, and decommissioning);
     
  • Development of a system for the economic quantification of the types of environmental improvement measures.

Reforestation and landscape enhancement
Through Edison Energia, we have joined 'Mosaico Verde', the national campaign for the reforestation of green areas, ecosystem recovery and environmental regeneration promoted by AzzeroCO₂ and Legambiente. This initiative spans Sicily, Lazio, Apulia, and Tuscany, regions where we are strengthening our commercial presence while simultaneously bringing value to communities through concrete sustainable development practices. Starting from autumn 2024, we have planted 4,000 trees, contributing to enriching Italy's natural heritage.
 
  • In 2024, we inaugurated the Aidone (EN) photovoltaic plant, where we planted 10,600 olive trees across 17 hectares. This initiative not only harnesses solar energy but also enriches the landscape with thriving olive groves.
     
  • At the Presenzano (Caserta area) thermoelectric plant, we transformed over 3 hectares near the facility by planting 140 trees and 1,000 shrubs, creating green barriers that seamlessly blend with the surrounding scenery. 
 
Additionally, in 2024, we launched the "Terrazze con vista della Valle Antrona" project, promoted by the Terraviva Land Association. This project aims to aggregate and recover abandoned terraced surfaces. Our participation in this initiative stems from our commitment to the Join Nature call to action by italian Fondazione Cariplo, which co-finances naturalistic redevelopment interventions.
olive grove background wind turbines mazara vallo

An oasis of biodiversity

We have created the BeeNEXT Biodiversity Oasis at the biogas production plant from FORSU in Zinasco (PV), the first of Edison Next's partnership projects with a leading climate tech company dedicated to biodiversity protection. Our goal is to initiate a biodiversity regeneration journey through the protection of bees and pollinators using cutting-edge solutions. At the plant site, spanning over 3 hectares in an ecosystem classified by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) as "intensive land-use systems," biodiversity monitoring is conducted remotely via satellite technology and on-site using various types of IoT sensors. The oasis is equipped with shelter houses for wild pollinators, an arboretum with native nectariferous plants to support the development of the local ecosystem and an educational pathway. Designed with the intention of opening the doors of the Zinasco plant to schools and local communities, the oasis aims to foster a connection with the territories by spreading the culture of biodiversity. This initiative reflects our commitment to creating a sustainable future where technology and nature work hand in hand to protect and enhance the environment.

 Beehives and swarms of bees
bird of prey with wings spread wide on a tree trunk

The protection of birds of prey

Following vulnerability analyses of our power generation sites, in 2024, we established a feeding station for birds of prey at the Melissa (Crotone area) wind farm. This project aims to protect populations of large predators, particularly scavengers, that arrive in Italy after crossing the Mediterranean on their migratory route north. The feeding station, which uses certified meat from specialized companies and/or local operators in compliance with health regulations, will be monitored by ornithologists to collect data for scientific purposes. This initiative underscores our commitment to safeguarding these majestic birds, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive during their long journeys. By providing a reliable food source, we support their survival and contribute to the broader effort of preserving biodiversity.