Archaeological Finds Threaten Rome Waste-to-Energy Plant Construction

The construction of a waste-to-energy plant in Santa Palomba, Rome, initiated in mid-May 2026, faces new opposition after archaeological discoveries. The Unione dei Comitati contro l'inceneritore reported findings of a basalt road, an oval basin, and an extensive archaeological deposit spanning approximately 2,500 square meters. The site, near the ancient Ardeatina road, is known for the archaic Santuario Ibm-Semea. The committees argue that the land purchase by Ama in late 2022 and Mayor Roberto Gualtieri's December 2022 ordinance lacked adequate archaeological assessment, citing the Geco report warning of numerous archaeological constraints. On July 3, 2026, they submitted a request to Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli, also sent to the President of the Lazio Region, the President of the Republic, and the Prime Minister, seeking cultural interest declaration for the area and halting construction. The Campidoglio acknowledged the discovery of a limited basalt road section and temporarily suspended work in that specific area, but maintains the project will proceed. The plant, with a capacity of 600,000 tons per year, is slated to begin operations in 2029, aiming to reduce Rome's reliance on the Malagrotta landfill.