News
10th June, 2025
CEWEP, the Confederation of European Waste-to-Energy Plants, is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 CEWEP Awards, which were chosen by popular vote during the 11th CEWEP Congress in Gdańsk, Poland. These Awards celebrate outstanding contributions to communication, innovation, and system integration within the Waste-to-Energy (WtE) sector.
This year, Ipalle was honoured with CEWEP Technological Innovation Award. Ipalle, a Belgian intermunicipal association, partnered with Octave to launch a pilot project using second-life automotive batteries for energy storage at the Thumaide Waste-to-Energy plant. The 1.3 MW system, consisting of over 500 second-life battery modules from Mercedes and Porsche, helps stabilise the grid by storing excess energy and supplying it when needed. This initiative supports the circular economy, reduces carbon emissions, and aligns with EU battery reuse regulations. (more information on the project: Ipalle, Belgium – Towards a Sustainable Battery Lifecycle).
Meanwhile, Italy’s A2A was recognised with CEWEP Integration Award for its ambitious Flue Gas Condensation project at the Brescia WtE plant. By upgrading the facility with state-of-the-art heat pumps and a “wet” flue gas cleaning section, A2A achieved an energy efficiency boost from 84% to nearly 100% in full cogeneration mode. This upgrade now provides 60 MW of additional thermal power to the district heating network, covering nearly 80% of Brescia’s thermal demand. In parallel, the project has significantly cut emissions – reducing NOx by 20% and HCl by 96% – and eliminated wastewater discharge through comprehensive water recovery systems (more information on the project: A2A, Italy – Flue Gas Condensation Project).
HVC from the Netherlands captivated the Congress audiences with its “Expedition Clean World” project and took home CEWEP Communication Award. Based in Alkmaar, this educational and immersive experience walks visitors through the complex themes of climate change, sustainability, and resource recovery. Using vibrant murals created by seven Dutch artists, the WtE plant becomes the storyteller, highlighting its role in reducing waste and greenhouse gas emissions. The interactive tour encourages self-reflection and action, engaging over 4,500 visitors in 2024 alone and making a strong case for the power of communication in shaping environmental awareness (more information on the project: HVC, The Netherlands – Expedition Clean World).
These three projects exemplify the diversity of approaches and creative excellence in the WtE field. From inspiring communities to embracing battery circularity and pushing the limits of system efficiency, the 2025 CEWEP Award winners are leading the way toward a cleaner, smarter, and more circular WtE sector.
About CEWEP Awards
