The construction of a new urban solid waste processing unit in Corfu is entering its final phase, with the relevant contract scheduled for signing on Tuesday, December 23, 2025. This project is expected to significantly contribute to waste management on the island, offering a sustainable solution to a continuously growing problem.
Contract Awarded to TERNA Energy and Mesogeios Joint Venture
The joint venture of TERNA Energy and Mesogeios has been awarded the contract for Corfu’s waste unit. The tender process, conducted in the spring of 2023, initially involved three schemes competing for the construction of the waste unit in Corfu: TERNA Energy – Mesogeios, HELECTOR – WATT, and Intrakat – TT.
Project Budget and Capacity
The total budget for the project could reach up to 64.6 million euros (80 million euros including VAT), as there is an option right amounting to 30 million euros (excluding VAT) from the Contracting Authority. The new unit will have a total capacity of 35,000 tons of urban mixed waste (MSW) annually and will include infrastructure for the processing of pre-sorted organic waste, with a capacity of 12,500 tons.
Project Scope and European Targets
The project covers:
- Construction and trial operation of the Waste Treatment Unit (WTU) for six months.
- Normal operation of the unit for six years.
- Supply of equipment and construction of infrastructure, with an option right for future upgrades.
The unit will promote the reduction of waste to landfill, enhance recycling, and process distinct waste streams, as stipulated by European targets.
Regional Governor’s Perspective
The Regional Governor of the Ionian Islands, Giannis Trepekles, spoke to ERT and ERT3’s show “Perimetros,” emphasizing that “this is a great moment for local government, as the planning for this plant began in 2012 – I was mayor and we tendered the plant, but because it was a PPP, the next municipal authority decided it should be publicly funded. This led to huge delays and many mistakes – and unfortunately, today we have reached the point where municipal funds are so heavily burdened.”
According to Trepekles, “the project is in the order of 35 million euros, funded by European and sectoral programs, with the Region participating with 1 million euros.” He added that “it is a state-of-the-art factory, the first to be built with the new generation of technology, and the total amount – for construction and management for the first six years – will reach 60 million euros.” He clarified that the timeline is related to what is provided in the tender and the flow of funding, but “we estimate that it can be completed in two years.”
Mr. Trepekles stressed that this new, highly anticipated unit “will be very important for both the environmental footprint and the image of our island, while its operation will also help recycling, which reduces waste management costs and adds to municipal coffers.”
The project represents a significant step forward for Corfu in addressing its long-standing waste management issues, promising a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future for the island.
