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Circular economy in the water and wastewater sector: Tariff impact and financial performance of SMARTechs

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  • Piubello Orsini, Luca
  • Leardini, Chiara
  • Danesi, Letizia
  • Guerrini, Andrea
  • Frison, Nicola

Abstract

This paper proposes a financial evaluation of the investment in SMARTechs in wastewater companies. SMARTechs are innovative technologies that enable companies to work toward the circular economy approach, thanks to allowing the development of by-products from wastewater. A simulation of the financial impact of the SMARTech introduction was conducted based on the Italian tariff system. It is performed assuming two different scenarios. These relate to a market's presence (or absence) for the by-products resulting from the application of SMARTechs. The results show that investing in these technologies provides both financial and environmental benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • Piubello Orsini, Luca & Leardini, Chiara & Danesi, Letizia & Guerrini, Andrea & Frison, Nicola, 2023. "Circular economy in the water and wastewater sector: Tariff impact and financial performance of SMARTechs," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 83(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:juipol:v:83:y:2023:i:c:s0957178723001054
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2023.101593
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