Remediation technologies

We design solutions in agreement with all stakeholders while respecting the environment.

What is sustainable remediation and why we promote it

Integrating sustainability into remediation interventions includes identifying the best solutions in terms of environmental, social and territorial impact. Our aim is to enable the full involvement of stakeholders in the decision-making process, while ensuring compliance with the following fundamental principles:

• protection of human health and of the environment

• removal of contaminants from groundwater and soils with particular attention to their recovery and reuse

• adoption of innovative and sustainable technologies in terms of environmental, social and economic impact

• valorisation of the remediated areas from the design phase in line with territorial planning

• carbon footprint reduction in remediation activities.

Types of remediation interventions

Remediation processes can be classified according to where they are implemented

In situ processes

Recovery and/or treatment interventions take place in the natural location of the contaminated matrix without the need for excavation or handling operations.

Ex situ/on site processes

Less invasive, as they require the contaminated environmental matrix to be treated within the site

Ex situ/off site processes

The treatment of contaminated environmental matrices takes place in a location different to the one of origin. We do not favour this type of treatment given the significant impact on the environment.

Recovery techniques

For each remediation project we manage all aspects and different phases, from preliminary characterisation of the various environmental matrices, to the design, up to the execution of the interventions and the post operam monitoring, in full compliance with the current environmental legislation and with a perspective of technological evolution and long-term sustainability. Our choices are based on a careful assessment of the type of contamination, the potential environmental and human receptors, and the specific characteristics of the contaminants, favouring the application of those in situ that do not require excavation and disposal operations.

The handbook of remediation technologies

Creating innovation in the complex world of environmental remediation is a commitment that requires expertise and experience. In our Handbook of remediation technologies, we pool both what we have learned and consolidated over the years of experience with the implementation of projects in over 150 sites throughout the country, and a selection of Eni's innovative technologies and methodologies. A complete overview that takes into account both the specific type of contaminants and the environmental context, with schemes, diagrams, infographics and photographs, aimed not only at professionals but also at those who, even without a specific background, want to better understand what remediation interventions consist of.

Our Handbook

An overview of the best remediation technologies for a contaminated site (Italian Only).

Download the document

Research in service of innovation

Developing increasingly innovative and eco-friendly technological solutions is a strategic priority for Eni Rewind. Addressing the critical issues related to methodologies of interventions and promoting integrated management requires advanced technical and scientific skills able to support the testing of new technologies and the implementation of the most promising ones. In this perspective, research and development play a central role, with the aim of constantly improving environmental sustainability, operational effectiveness, energy efficiency and safety of interventions. Research at Eni is mainly conducted through two world-class structures: the Renewable, New Energies and Material Science Research Center Novara and the Natural Resources research Center in San Donato Milanese. These structures are flanked by a solid network of collaborations with universities and research centres, both Italian and international, a pivotal knowledge and innovation asset. Academic partners include the Polytechnic University of Milan, the Polytechnic University of Turin, the Sapienza University of Rome, the Ca' Foscari University of Venice, the Alma Mater Studiorum of Bologna, the National Research Council (CNR) and prestigious international institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). These synergies aim to foster responsible technological development, accelerating the passage of the most advanced solutions from laboratory to field application. The goal is to reduce the gap between research and concrete application, translating scientific innovation into real environmental remediation and waste management projects.

Technologies and innovative Eni methodologies

State-of-the-art solutions for the sustainable remediation of contaminated matrices, that guarantee efficiency and respect for the environment.

E-hyrec® and e-lorec® devices

In the sites where we operate, the implementation of the e-hyrec® and e-lorec® automatic devices for the selective removal of hydrocarbons from contaminated groundwater continues. The heart of the e-hyrec® technology consists of a hydrophobic filter (patented by Eni) capable of separating and extracting from the aquifer only the amount of contaminant (LNAPL – Light Non Aqueous Phase Liquid), reducing to virtually zero the quantities of water and waste sent for disposal while significantly decreasing the time needed to remove the supernatant from the water table. Compared to traditional systems, e-hyrec® technology guarantees faster, more effective and efficient groundwater remediation, making an important contribution to the protection and preservation of water resources. Over the course of the past years, more than 60 units were installed at national level, both at Eni and third-party customer sites, allowing to recover about 1,400,000 litres of oil as of December 31, 2024 and avoiding the disposal of about 5,500 tons of water.

The e-lorec® (eni lower-placed hydrocarbon recovery) technology involves the removal of DNAPL (Dense Non-Aqueous Phase Liquid) subnatant from groundwater. Between 2021 and 2024, we installed five e-lorec® prototypes in industrial sites contaminated by DNAPL with excellent results in terms of remediation efficiency. Field tests have shown the absence of water within the collected liquid, while with traditional methods water is the main component. All this translates into an increase in speed of subnatant recovery and constant control of DNAPL depth at the installation point. In 2024 we completed the industrial development of the first batch of e-lorec® and the installation and start-up of the devices in DNAPL-contaminated sites is currently underway. Today we offer on the market an integrated rental and management service for e-hyrec® and e-lorec® devices that include environmental engineering, environmental laboratories and project management services. Both devices can be powered by photovoltaic panels.

e-hyrec® technology

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