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For the sixteenth consecutive year, we have been been certified as a Top Employer for our labour policies. This is a remarkable achievement, since this certification is among the most significant recognitions internationally given to companies that meet high standards in human resource management by the Top Employers Institute, a global certifier of corporate excellence in HR (Human Resource), based in the Netherlands. Top Employers Certification is awarded to companies that meet the high standards required by the HR Best Practices Survey. The analysis, which is highly attentive and increasingly selective from year to year, covers 6 macro-areas related to human resource management and examines in depth 20 different topics and the respective best practices, including: recognition of people and their professionalism, work environment, career opportunities, training and development, valuing diversity, fairness and inclusion, and well-being. This year the Top Employers programme recognised and certified 2,429 Top Employers in 125 countries worldwide, including the Hera Group. The main strengths that enabled us to achieve this important result are: safety, procurement, sustainability, inclusion, wellbeing and people development. In these areas, investments coming to 60 million euro have been planned for the 2024-2027 four-year period in staff training, a third of which will be dedicated to safety. 2,600 new hires are also foreseen along with many initiatives for the development of new skills, to support parents, frail people, caregivers and to valorise different abilities. The Group’s investment in and commitment to the growth and wellbeing of its people includes combating gender-based violence and promoting inclusion. The good quality of life of the Group’s over 10,000 employees is also supported by its extensive welfare plan, offering them a wide range of services, in which the company invests 18 million euro every year. The most significant initiatives include free psychological support sessions, personalised diet plans and sessions with physiotherapists and posturologists, health promotion and prevention programmes with free check-ups and screenings, initiatives to support parenting and childhood education, and sustainable mobility. For further information Press release Primo_Piano_Top_Employer_Italy_2025 (3).png We have been confirmed as one of the best companies in Italy and worldwide in human resource management, thanks to its commitment to combining corporate growth, collective wellbeing and sustainable development primo_Piano_Top_110x150 (2).png

The Hera Group has started the year with a new milestone in sustainable finance. The first Italian company to issue a green bond in 2014, today Hera successfully launched its fourth green bond, covered by its "Euro Medium Term Note Programme" (EMTN) bond issue plan, recently updated and increased in its maximum amount. This bond respects the Group’s Green Financing Framework (GFF), prepared on the basis of ICMA principles, aligned with the criteria of the European Taxonomy and certified by an independent firm. The issue attracted significant interest from international investors, receiving orders for approximately 2.75 billion euro, almost 5.5 times the amount offered. With this issue, Hera has once again given the market an opportunity to finance the Group’s strategic projects aimed at the green transition and aligned with the Taxonomy, once again confirming itself internationally as a reference company for sustainable finance. The characteristics of the Group’s fourth green bond and the areas financed The fourth green bond of Hera Group amounts to a total of 500 million euro, repayable in 6.5 years with a 3.250 % coupon and a 3.396% yield. The settlement date of the new issue has been scheduled for 15 January 2025. This green bond consists of senior, non-convertible, unsecured notes, intended for circulation among qualified investors. The new green bond is also expected to be assigned a rating in line with Hera’s. The transaction saw significant participation coming from international investors (in particular, Great Britain, France and Germany), mainly green and sustainable, confirming the interest towards the Group coming from abroad. The bond is expected to be listed, as of the issue date, on the regulated market of Euronext Dublin and, at the same time or at a later date, on the regulated market of the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and on the ExtraMOT PRO multilateral trading system managed by Borsa Italiana. The funds raised will be used to finance or refinance numerous projects, already ongoing or included in the Group’s Business Plan, selected on the basis of the Green Financing Framework (GFF), which work towards one or more of the goals on the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (SDGs), subdivided into 3 areas: 1. integrated water cycle (aligned to SDGs 6, 13 and 14): construction and extension of infrastructures for water collection, treatment and supply, with projects for wastewater collection and treatment; 2. circular economy, pollution prevention and control (meeting SDGs 11, 12 and 13): advanced projects in plastics regeneration, anaerobic digestion of organic waste for the production of compost and biomethane, and waste collection and transport systems; 3. energy efficiency and infrastructures (consistent with SDGs 7, 11 and 13): production of renewable electricity through photovoltaics and geothermal energy, development of district heating networks, installation, maintenance and repair of energy efficiency equipment and renewable energy technologies, including electricity transmission and distribution grids. For further information Press release   sede_bo_870 margini arrotondati.png Maturing in 6.5 years, it will fund the Group’s strategic capex plan focused on sustainable and resilient management of the integrated water cycle, in the circular economy for regenerating resources and in the energy transition for developing renewables and energy efficiency sede_bo_110 (2).jpg

The Hera Group, acting through its subsidiary Hera Comm, and Ascopiave signed the deed by which the latter transfers 25% of the share capital of EstEnergy, a commercial joint venture established in 2019 which is the largest energy operator in the Northeastern Italy. The Hera Group’s holding in EstEnergy thus rises to 100%, while Ascopiave concludes its withdrawal from the company, after selling an initial 8% in 2022 and a further 15% in 2023. The possibility of dilating the withdrawal over time was a value for both companies, since it allowed Ascopiave’s local roots to be enhanced alongside Hera’s industrial approach to managing sales activities. The customer base’s economic fundamentals thus significantly improved, expressing synergies and opportunities for the supply of value-added services and laying solid foundations for further growth in margins. In five years, by rationalising the number of companies and renewing IT systems, it has been possible to improve the quality of customer relations by combining the local nature of this relationship with a commercial approach in line with the best standards. This has led to increased and reinforced contact channels and types of energy solutions for customers, with the aim of supporting them along the road to decarbonisation. The transaction formalised today, whose value came to approximately 232 million euro, results from Ascopiave exercising the put option for its shareholding in the company, as defined in the agreements signed between the parties when the partnership was established. This amount will be paid within July 2025, at the same time as the transfer of the shares. This transaction, in fact, follows up in full on the agreements made in 2019, which were therefore already fully reflected in the Hera Group’s net financial position. The early exercise of the put option, with respect to its natural maturity, entails a potential prospective benefit in the income statement, deriving from the Hera Group’s lower financing costs compared to the notional accounting rate applied to the value of the put option. The Hera Group thus further strengthens its position as Italy's third operator in the energy sector, reaching 4.7 million electricity and gas customers. This transaction will enable the Ascopiave Group, whose partnership with the Hera Group continues through its shareholdings in Hera Comm and Acantho, to improve the sustainability of its capital structure, in line with the goals set out in its strategic plan and contributing to the financial coverage of investments in core and diversification activities. For further information Press release   Cristian-Fabbri---Isabella-Malagoli---Nicola-Cecconato_870 1.png Following Ascopiave’s decision to exercise its option to sell its 25% stake in EstEnergy, Hera Comm becomes the sole shareholder of the largest energy operator in the Northeastern Italy Cristian Fabbri - Isabella Malagoli - Nicola Cecconato verticale_110.jpg

We have been confirmed for the fifth consecutive time in the Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Following up on the previous editions, we were included in both the European and global indexes. The DJSI, an authoritative international stock market index, includes the highest performing listed companies in the Environmental, Social and Governance & Economics dimensions. More specifically, we have reconfirmed ourselves among the world leaders in its sector for the fourth time in the last five years. A recognition that confirms both the results achieved and the complete and transparent sustainability reporting, along with its strategic approach in pursuing the creation of shared value for all stakeholders. This strategy has also brought further elements perfectly consistent with this approach during 2024: the Good Work Deal to define strategies and commitments on safety, inclusion, training and environmental sustainability the Climate Transition Plan to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 Hera_Pro for the sustainable development of the entire supply chain We have also been present for some years in a row in the top ten of Refinitiv’s international Diversity & Inclusion Index ranking, for our commitment to promoting diversity, inclusion and people development. We are the first Italian company in the ESG Identity Corporate Index 2024 (third time in the last four years), for the full and conscious integration of sustainability policies in our business strategies. For further information Press release sede_bo_870 1.png This comes as further recognition of the company’s approach to creating shared value for all stakeholders sede_bo_110.jpg

The Hera Group has been awarded 9.4 million euro to finance two pioneering projects in the development of advanced agrivoltaic systems. This funding falls within the measures of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), as Investment 1.1 “Agrivoltaic Development”, under Mission 2 “Green Revolution and Ecological Transition”, Component 2, “Renewable Energy, Hydrogen, Grid and Sustainable Mobility”. The plants will make an important contribution to the energy transition in Emilia-Romagna thanks to their total peak power coming to over 19 MW, equivalent to the consumption of approximately 11,000 Italian households, with savings amounting to 7,700 tonnes of CO³ per year, equal to the absorption capacity of 830 hectares of forest, corresponding to about 1,200 football pitches. More specifically, 6.6 million euro have been allocated to the Hera Group’s project for developing an Energy Park in Faenza, while 2.8 million euros will go to the Cesena project of Horowatt, a newco established by Hera and Orogel, an agricultural cooperative company. These NRRP grants will reinforce the Hera Group’s investments in the renewable energy sector and the installation of agrivoltaic plants, and give further recognition to Hera’s commitment in the field of energy transition and decarbonisation in favour of the areas served. Agrivoltaic development projects are part of the strategy outlined in the Group’s Business Plan, which includes numerous initiatives and investments to achieve carbon neutrality, reduce emissions and increase the production of green energy. These initiatives also fall under the Group’s Climate Transition Plan, which aims to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050. Horowatt: Orogel’s green agriculture 4.0 revolution Horowatt will construct an innovative agrivoltaic plant at the Cesena facility of the Orogel Group, capable of producing roughly 8 GWh each year, more than 80% of which will be self-consumed energy used by the agricultural cooperative’s own plants. The agrivoltaic plant will be built and managed by Horowatt and will integrate with the existing cogeneration plant built and managed by Hera Servizi Energia, the Hera Group’s ESCo. This is a highly important work, both for reducing Orogel’s energy costs and for its environmental benefits. In fact, it is estimated that the plant will lead to an annual saving of about 2,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emitted. Faenza Energy Park: an urban forest with renewable energy production The Faenza Energy Park will be built on a vast area, covering about 70 hectares to the west of the city. This new plant will consist of over 22,000 double-sided panels with a total power of about 14 MW and is estimated to produce 21.5 GWh of electricity per year, equivalent to the consumption of about 7,500 families, with an annual carbon dioxide saving of over 5,700 tonnes. The electricity produced will be directly fed into the grid, significantly reducing Faenza’s carbon footprint and increasing the city’s energy self-sufficiency. For further information Press release EnergyPark_Faenza_870 1.png This funding will make it possible to accelerate the Group’s strategic investments for developing innovative initiatives aimed at producing renewable energy without further land consumption, thus promoting the energy transition and decarbonisation in Emilia-Romagna EnergyPark_Faenza_110.jpg

The Global Commitment Annual Progress Report 2024, which provides a detailed overview of the progress made by the more than 500 signatories of the Global Commitment in the fight against plastic waste pollution, was presented today. Launched in 2018 by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Global Commitment brings together companies, governments, and NGOs in a concrete effort to promote the transition to a circular economy and innovation in materials and business models, while addressing plastic waste pollution. The signatories to the initiative, including the Hera Group, the only Italian utility company to sign up to it, commit to setting ambitious targets to report on and to publicly report progress annually. The 2024 Annual Report highlights, among others, the following progress: The signatories' efforts have prevented the use of 9.6 million tonnes of virgin plastic since 2018, equivalent to 1 trillion single-use plastic bags. For the sixth consecutive year, signatories continued to increase the use of post-consumer recycled plastic (PCR) containers. By increasing the use of recycled plastic, the signatories are avoiding the extraction of one barrel of oil every two seconds, eliminating the equivalent of the carbon emissions of a city of almost 750,000 people. In particular, the Hera Group has committed to increase the following by 2025 (compared to 2017): plastic collected in the municipalities served by 30%; plastic sorted and sent for recycling in its plants by 50%; plastic recycled by Aliplast by 70%.   The Hera Group’s figures at the end of 2023 indicate that the path taken is the right one. With regard to the plastics collected in the municipalities served, the multi-utility reached its 2025 target three years ahead of schedule, also thanks to the contribution of citizens who, in recent years, have improved sorting with a view to recycling. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is an international charity whose mission is to accelerate the transition to a circular economy to address some of the greatest challenges of our time, such as climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution from plastic sources. Founded in 2010, the Foundation works with a network of public and private sector actors, as well as academia, to design and build circular economy initiatives and solutions. Since 2017, the Hera Group has taken part in the Foundation's programme.   For further information Consult the Global Commitment Annual Report 2024 img_primo_piano_commitment.png The annual report highlights the progress achieved by signatories in combating plastic pollution. Hera is the only Italian company in the sector to sign up to the initiative. It plans to increase the amount of plastic collected and sent for recycling by 2025 Global Commitment 2024_110.png

Financial highlights Revenues at 8,187.4 million euro (-25.3%) Ebitda at 1,037.6 million euro (+3.1%) Net profit for Shareholders at 282.9 million euro (+20.1%) Gross operating capex at 561.1 million euro (+9.2%) Net financial debt at 4.175,0 million euro and Net debt/Ebitda ratio at 2.74x Business highlights Growth in operating results sustained by increased volumes in energy sales and volumes treated in the waste management area, which confirmed its resilience within a less expansive macroeconomic context Positive contribution to operating growth also coming from all regulated activities, following the Authority’s revisions of tariff systems and ongoing cost-efficiency projects Continuous growth in the customer base: over 7.5 million citizens with at least one service provided by the Group Innovative initiatives maintained to accompany the ecological transition in the local areas served and strengthen the resilience of assets, in line with the strategy to achieve Net Zero by 2050 Today, the Hera Group’s Board of Directors, chaired by Executive Chairman Cristian Fabbri, unanimously approved the consolidated quarterly report at 30 September 2024. The first nine months of 2024 showed a decrease in turnover, caused by lower energy prices, and a confirmation of growth in operating results and capex, even compared to the significant growth achieved in 2023, sustained by non-recurring components as well. More specifically, the 9.2% increase in operating capex demonstrates the Group’s ongoing focus on developing, enhancing and strengthening the resilience of the assets under management, whose reliability was confirmed once again during the extreme weather and climate phenomena recently recorded in Emilia-Romagna region. Moreover, Hera’s commitment to projects capable of accelerating the path towards the green transition of the communities served remained constant, fully in line with its five-year Business Plan to 2027. Excellent results were achieved in business operations, with growth in both free market and regulated activities, which sustained the increase in Ebitda and operating income and ensured solid value creation for all stakeholders.   Cristian Fabbri, Executive Chairman of Hera Group: “Fully in line with the first half of 2024, the results for the nine months of the year point towards significant growth in all main indicators of our income statement and steady progress in the value created for all stakeholders. In particular, the rise in net profit attributable to Shareholders, which increased by more than 20%, and the increase in return on invested capital, now at 9.5%, confirm that we are fully implementing our Business Plan. The positive financial results were accompanied by an ongoing focus on sustainable growth in the areas in which we operate, and this commitment was confirmed by shared-value Ebitda, which came to roughly 54% of overall Ebitda. These results leverage the Group’s ability to grow in both its free market and regulated activities, continuing along the path of ‘structural’ sustainable development in favour of the communities served. With the beginning of the Gradual Protection Service “STG” provided to customers, and our continuous commercial development, we now supply at least one service to over 7.5 million citizens.”   Orazio Iacono, CEO of the Hera Group: "The report as at 30 September shows an increase coming to over 20% in net profit attributable to Shareholders, which rose to approximately 283 million euro. The Group achieved particularly solid growth, with an important contribution coming from regulated businesses, which benefited from changes in the regulatory framework, and from the waste management business, which showed a continuously increasing Ebitda, especially in the free market, consolidating its leadership in this sector despite a complex macroeconomic context. The operational performance, already positive, was accompanied by a significant contribution from financial management, which are progressively benefitting in 2024 from the liability management and debt rationalisation initiated in the second half of 2023. Moreover, partially thanks to the contribution coming from the EIB financing line, the Group continued to accelerate along its path of green transition, decarbonisation, circular economy and protection of water resources in the territories served. Gross operating investments were up by approximately 10%, and have been rising for many years precisely to work towards a major infrastructure development, with the aim of improving the quality of services and the resilience of all assets. The net debt to Ebitda ratio, which remained steadily at around 2.74x, provides the Group with significant financial solidity and flexibility, allowing it to successfully grasp opportunities for external growth, in line with the targets of the Business Plan".   Revenues at over 8 billion euro At 30 September 2024, revenues amounted to 8,187.4 million euro, down from 10,955.0 million euro in the same period of 2023 (-25.3%), mainly due to the drop in energy commodity prices and a reduction in incentivised activities on energy-saving services. The decrease in turnover due to lower volumes of gas was more than offset by the higher volumes of electricity sold, thanks to significant commercial development, and by higher tariff revenues in network services for regulated businesses, based on the Authority’s new return benchmarks. Ebitda rises to 1,037.6 million euro Ebitda for the first nine months of 2024 increased to 1,037.6 million euro (+3.1%), as against 1,006.8 million euro at 30 September 2023. This growth was entirely organic and structural, driven by the water cycle and the good performances of the waste management and electricity areas, which allowed the Group to fully offset the loss of margins linked to the super-ecobonus, included in the gas area, and confirming once again the solidity of its multi-business portfolio. Ebit increases to 522.5 million euro Ebit for the first nine months of 2024 rose to 522.5 million euro, up 3.5% from 504.6 million euro in the same period of 2023. This increase was supported by a normalisation of provisions, due to a standardisation in the prices of commodities in energy markets; this partly offset the increase in amortisation related to the trend in investments over the last few years, mainly linked to the development of plants in the waste management sector and in water and energy distribution networks. Financial operations: excellent results in the first 9 months Financial operations for the first nine months of 2024 amounted to 89 million euro, improving by 50.7 million compared to the same period of the previous year, mainly due to the rationalisation of the financial structure. Net profit pertaining to Shareholders up by over 20% At 30 September 2024, net profit amounted to 312.1 million euro (+16.8%), compared to 267.1 million in the same period of 2023, with a tax rate coming to 28%, up slightly mainly due to lower tax benefits. Net profit attributable to Shareholders rose to 282.9 million euro, up 20.1% compared to the 235.5 million euro seen at 30 September 2023. Strong growth in operating investments and the Group’s financial solidity confirmed In the first nine months of 2024, operating investments, including capital grants, amounted to 561.1 million euro, up 47.1 million euro compared to the previous year (+9.2%) and mainly related to development work on plants, networks and infrastructures, as well as regulatory upgrading, particularly in energy and water networks. The Group’s financial solidity was fully confirmed, with a net debt/Ebitda ratio of 2.74x. This figure remained constant throughout the year, leaving ample financial flexibility for potential new opportunities in the future. The total amount of net financial debt in the first nine months of 2024 came to 4,175 million euro, in line with the 4,148.9 million euro seen at 30 September 2023. Financial returns improved both on invested capital, which stood at almost 8 billion euro, and on equity: ROI rose to 9.5% (from 9% at 30 September 2023) and ROE to 11.7% (from 10.6% in the first nine months of the previous year).   For further information Press release Visit Investors web area   primo_piano_risultati9M_eng.png The first nine months of the year closed with growth in the main financial indicators and in capital expenditures, in line with the first two quarters and the Business Plan targets img_9M2024_110x150.jpg

From 5 to 8 November 2024, the Fiera di Rimini will host Ecomondo, the leading European fair on ecological transition, technological and industrial innovation in environmental services and the green economy, focusing on waste and resources, the circular bio-economy and water. We are at Pavilion C1, Stand 500, with a two-story exhibition space covering 550 square metres, where Hera Group is present along with Herambiente and its subsidiaries (Aliplast, Recycla, Herambiente Servizi Industriali, TRS Ecology, Vallortigara, A.c.r. Reggiani). The stand is decorated with works of art made from recycled materials by SCART, the Hera Group project devoted to the artistic regeneration of industrial waste, in full compliance with the circular economy. This year, SCART presents a new version of the "Gli Animali" project, proposed at Ecomondo in 2015. It is one of the projects that have achieved great success in many traveling exhibitions in recent years, and in 2024 it’s be proposed again with more new works. In addition to the students of the Academies of Fine Arts of Florence and Ravenna, the artists of the SCART community Alberto Salvetti and Fabrizio Giorgi worked on this new exhibition. In the external area of the main entrance dedicated to Hera Group, the “Capodoglio Giovanni” returns, created by Edoardo Malagigi by reusing over 3000 food containers. The Capodoglio is 13 meters long and is a faithful reproduction of a sperm whale that lives between Sardinia, the Island of Elba and Toulon, it’s called Giovanni and was registered in 1993.   For further information Visit Ecomondo website   null null null null null null null null null null null null gallery ecomondo 01.jpg gallery ecomondo 02.jpg gallery ecomondo 03.jpg gallery ecomondo 04.jpg gallery ecomondo 05.jpg gallery ecomondo 06.jpg gallery ecomondo 07.jpg gallery ecomondo 08.jpeg gallery ecomondo 09.jpeg gallery-ecomondo-10.jpg gallery-ecomondo-11.jpg gallery-ecomondo-12.jpg null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null null eco-870x320 eco-110x150

At ENLIT Europe 2024, one of the most important fairs for energy transition focusing on innovations in smart grid technologies for decarbonization, Hera Group and Panasonic Industry Europe strengthen their collaboration by extending the commercial agreement for the distribution of the innovative NexMeter gas meter to the European gas distribution market, with potential future partnerships with global operators. The collaboration between Gruppo Hera and Panasonic dates back to 2019, when the multi-utility launched its 4.0 smart gas meter, equipped with advanced safety and leakage reduction functions, which later evolved in terms of hardware and software. Conceived by an industrial group with a strong focus on sustainability, NexMeter is mainly built with recyclable components. Since 2021, Hera has also introduced recycled plastic components and obtained the “compatibility” label for green gas mixtures such as hydrogen and biomethane. NexMeter is now a consolidated device. The Hera Group’s development plan has led to the installation of about 300,000 meters mainly in Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Emilia-Romagna, areas classified as of high seismic risk. Thanks to its advanced features and shut off valve, the meter can detect gas leaks in the users’ homes, stop the supply in case of dangerous leaks, and alert emergency centers autonomously. To date, 70 alert cases have been recorded, 18 of which avoided serious incidents. Additionally, NexMeter’s extreme sensitivity allows the detection of even small, often hidden leaks, effectively contributing to the reduction of methane emissions into the atmosphere in homes and companies. For the Hera Group, the NexMeter is a strategic lever for reducing Scope 3 emissions as outlined in its Climate Transition Plan with a net zero target by 2050. This document, in line with the scientific community guidelines, quantifies the Group’s current and future emission impacts and illustrates both the contribution of external scenario evolution and the internal decarbonization levers the company will implement with an active stakeholder involvement. One of the most innovative aspects of Hera Group’s net zero plan is the aim to reduce emissions not only within its activities but also along the entire value chain, investing in solutions that promote energy efficiency and electrification at consumption centers. For further information Press release nexmeter_870_new.png Thanks to its advanced features in measurement and safety in case of dangerous leaks, proven performances in emission reduction and energy efficiency, the device plays an essential role in the decarbonization of consumption centers nexmeter_110.jpg

Capturing carbon dioxide emitted from the waste-to-energy plant’s chimneys and storing it in depleted natural gas fields, thereby significantly reducing plant emissions while contributing to the decarbonization of local areas. This is the goal of the pioneering project for the Ferrara plant - proposed by Hera Group, as the lead partner, in collaboration with Saipem - that has been selected to receive funding under the fourth call for mid-scale projects from the EU Innovation Fund. Once the allocation is finalized, the funding for the CO₂ emission capture project will amount to nearly €24 million. This industrial CO₂ capture project is the first of its kind in Italy designed for waste-to-energy plants and among the first in Europe. It involves the application of Bluenzyme™️, Saipem's proprietary and modular solution based on “CO₂ Solutions”, an innovative enzymatic technology for capturing carbon dioxide in industrial processes of small and medium emitters. The initiative was selected by European authorities for its high level of innovation, and its potential replicability in other waste-to-energy plants and other hard-to-abate industrial sectors in Italy, and more generally across Europe. The European Funds will cover a significant portion of the €53 million planned for the construction of the CO₂ capture plant. Depending on opportunities arising from changes in the regulatory framework, the plant is expected to be operational by 2028. The project will fully abate CO₂ emissions from the Ferrara waste-to-energy plant CO₂ capture is a crucial decarbonization tool for waste-to-energy plants, and for now, the Herambiente plant in Ferrara has been identified as the most suitable. The project will enable, in fact, the capture of approximately 90% of the emissions from one of the plant's two lines, amounting to 64 thousand tons of CO₂ per year (equivalent to the annual emissions of around 37 thousand cars), which represent the entirety of the CO₂ emitted, making the entire energy production from the waste-to-energy process sustainable. The remaining share of the CO₂ emitted by the plant is biogenic in nature and therefore environmentally neutral. The captured CO₂ will be transported via pipeline and stored in the depleted gas fields of the Northern Adriatic. The new CO₂ capture plant will ensure high standards of safety and innovation, while maximizing energy efficiency. It will be entirely green, as it will exploit renewable energy, both generated from the waste-to-energy plant itself and from geothermal heat delivered through the multiutility’s district heating network. The enzymatic capture process, with a low environmental impact, can be powered by low-temperature heat, such as geothermal heat. Further CO₂ emissions will therefore be avoided. For further information Press release sede_hera_870_rev 1 (1).png It will be the first industrial-scale example of CCS applied to a plant of this type in Italy. The project is one of the main decarbonization levers in the multi-utility's Climate Transition Plan to reduce internal emissions sede_hera_110 (2).jpg

For the 9th consecutive year, we have been confirmed as one of the world’s Top 100 companies most attentive to diversity and inclusion, according to the recognition given by the FTSE Diversity and Inclusion Index, the international index designed by FTSE Russell (formerly Refinitiv). We ranked top multi-utility overall, 3rd among Italian companies and 19th globally in the ranking compiled on the basis of data collected by FTSE Russell at 30 June 2024. This international benchmarking company analysed more than 15,500 listed companies worldwide, which were assessed according to 24 parameters divided into four pillars: gender diversity, inclusion, people development and controversies. Fairness and inclusion are also among the main pillars of the Good Work Deal signed in July with the trade unions. This broad, innovative and programmatic document represents a historic deal with the trade unions and provides an unprecedented instrument to companies in the sector. The new elements contained in the Agreement include a commitment to support parenting, frail persons, and caregivers, the valorisation of diverse abilities, investment in the growth and wellbeing of the people who work in the Group, the fight against gender-based violence and the promotion of inclusion. These results are achieved through concrete actions and by building a culture of fairness and inclusion. For further information Our commitment in D&I   D&I_870 1.png The Hera Group ranked 3rd in Italy and 19th globally among the 100 most inclusive and diversity-conscious companies D&I_110.jpg

Financial highlights Revenues at 5,536.8 million euro (-33.3%) Ebitda at 732.7 million euro (+2%*) Net profit for shareholders at 218.4 million euro (+16.4%*) Gross operating investments at 344.4 million euro (+8.2%) Net financial debt at 4,063.5 million euro (-2%), with Net debt/Ebitda ratio at 2.69x (-10%) Business highlights Contribution to structural growth coming from all business areas Significant increase in the energy customer base, further consolidating the Group’s position as Italy’s third largest operator in this sector Ongoing innovative initiatives to support sustainable growth benefitting all stakeholders, with a clear improvement in shared-value Ebitda, at 53% (+1%), and further projects favouring employees, suppliers and the reduction of climate-changing emissions Today, the Board of Directors of the Hera Group, chaired by Executive Chairman Cristian Fabbri, unanimously approved the consolidated results for the first half of 2024. The half-year ended with increased operating results and investments compared to the same period of the previous year, within a more stable market scenario due to the reduced volatility of energy commodity prices. The Group’s good operating and financial performance is the result of its consolidated multi-business model, balanced between regulated and free-market activities. The consolidated half-year report at 30 June demonstrates, once again, Hera’s considerable financial solidity and confirms its focus on the resilient and sustainable growth of the company and the local areas served, creating value for all stakeholders.   Cristian Fabbri, Executive Chairman of Hera Group: “The results for the first half of 2024, with main economic and financial indicators increasing, also testify to the constant generation of value for all our stakeholders. Ebitda rises to 732.7 million euro, thanks to the contribution of core business areas, and a strong improvement in ROI is recorded, which stands at 9.6% - 10% higher than in the same period last year - fully confirming a profitability strongly underpinned by the growth of ‘structural’ activities. This further progress, following up on the extraordinary results of 2023, shows our Group’s ability to achieve the goals included in our Business Plan, creating the conditions for further development, supported by an 8% increase in investments. The creation of value for shareholders, to whom dividends were distributed with a 12% increase, in the first half of the year, was accompanied by significant results in ESG factors, including an increase in shared-value Ebitda, now reaching 53% of total Ebitda, the definition of a strategy to reach the Net Zero target by 2050, the signing of the Good Work Deal and the supplier development programme, which further confirm the centrality of the environment, workers and suppliers as protagonists and beneficiaries of the path for sustainable development defined in our Business Plan, in favour of the communities in which we operate. Moreover, in July we further expanded our Electricity business adding one million customers, following the recent award of the tender for the Gradual Protection Service for non-vulnerable household customers”.   Orazio Iacono, CEO of the Hera Group: "Our half-year report shows a significant increase of over 16% in net profit attributable to shareholders, which rose to over 218 million euro. Industrial growth was reinforced by a relevant contribution coming from the financial structure. Financial solidity was guaranteed by the net debt/Ebitda ratio, which stands at 2.69x, confirming a full financial flexibility. Growth in operating margins was due, in particular, to the excellent performance of networks, which in total contributed almost 270 million euro to the Group's EBITDA, equal to 11%, thanks in particular to energy distribution services and the water cycle, and to the acceleration of growth in the waste area, which rose to 172 million euro (+5.3%). An infrastructure platform and an integrated multi-business strategy that makes the most of industrial synergies among the Group’s subsidiaries confirm our role as enabler of the green transition and the resilience of the activities carried out in the served areas. The achievement of the Net Zero target to 2050 will also be supported by technological innovation, such as, for example, the installation of carbon capture and storage technologies on several of the Group's waste-to-energy plants”.   Revenues at over 5.5 billion euro Revenues amounted to 5,536.8 million euro, as against 8,297.5 million at June 30, 2023 (-33.3%), mainly due to lower energy prices and lower values in trading activities. More generally, the greater stability seen in commodity prices positively influenced the performance of the entire operating and financial management during the period.   Ebitda rises to 732.7 million euro Ebitda for the first half of 2024 rose to 732.7 million euro (+2%*), compared to 718.3 million euro at June 30, 2023. This growth was driven by all core activities in the portfolio, from the integrated water cycle to both regulated and free-market activities in waste management and traditional energy sales and distribution activities, allowing the Group to compensate for the loss of margins related to the super-bonus.   EBIT and pre-tax result increase Ebit at June 30, 2024 grew to 385.1 million euro, up 2.8%* from 374.7 million euro seen in the first half of 2023. This positive performance was linked to lower provisions for bad debts, mainly involving energy customers due to lower commodity prices. This decrease almost completely offset the rise in amortisation related to development investments, in line with the Business Plan. Significant improvement was also seen in financial operations, thanks to the gradual easing of the financial absorption caused by the energy crisis and the ensuing financial rationalisation, which led to savings in expenses related to debt, and income from tax credits for incentivised work in 2023. The positive results of operational and financial management led the pre-tax result to stand at 329.6 million euro (+16%*), as against 284.2 million at June 30, 2023.   Net profit for shareholders increases significantly, reaching 218.4 million euro The net income rose to 237.3 million euro (+14.1%*), compared to 208 million in the first half of 2023, after a tax rate at 28%, as against 26.8% at June 30, 2023, the latter underpinned by non-recurrent tax benefits. A significant increase also occurred in net profit for Group Shareholders, coming to 218.4 million euro (+16.4%*), as against 187.7 million at June 30, 2023. These results confirm the creation of value for all stakeholders, perfectly in line with the expectations of the Plan.   Operating investments rise and Group solidity further strengthened The amount of investments made confirms Hera’s strategic plans and involved significant work on plants, networks and infrastructures. Operating investments in the first half of the year, including capital grants, amounted to 344.4 million euro, up 8.2% from 318.4 million euro at June 30, 2023. The total amount of net financial debt came to 4,063.5 million euro, compared to 3,827.7 million at 31 December 2023 and improving by 2% compared to the first half of 2023. The net debt/Ebitda ratio stood at 2.69x, well below the Group’s historically conservative policy, confirming the Group’s financial solidity. Maintaining low financial leverage gives Hera flexibility to further expand operations. In addition, to secure any additional extraordinary liquidity needs, the Group still has a 450 million euro sustainable revolving line, maturing in 2028, and a 460 million euro EIB financing line, usable within September 2026 with a sixteen-year term.   For further information Press release Visit Investors web area   img_1H2024_banner_en.png The consolidated half-year report at 30 June indicates growth in the Group’s main operating-financial indicators and shows its considerable financial solidity, fully in line with the targets set out in the Business Plan. img_1H2024_110x150_en.jpg

Today, the Board of Directors of the Hera Group, one of Italy’s largest multi-utility companies operating in the waste management, energy and water sectors, approved the Climate Transition Plan, a document that presents the Group’s strategy and commitment to achieve Net Zero by 2050. This goal will be pursued as regards both direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions, reducing them by 90% overall within 2050 (compared to 2019) and removing all residual emissions at the end of the path to decarbonisation. The Climate Transition Plan sets out the key aspects of the Group’s strategy over the short, medium and long term, consistently with the indications and trajectories outlined by the scientific community, starting with the 2015 Paris Agreement, to limit global warming to within 1.5°C at the end of the century, compared to pre-industrial figures. This document therefore presents the Hera Group’s vision and commitments for a sustainable future, quantifying its current and future impact in terms of emissions and illustrating both the internal decarbonisation levers that the company will activate to achieve Net Zero with the full involvement of all stakeholders, and the contribution coming from the evolution of the external scenario. Well integrated within the Group’s more general strategy, the definition of a long-term Net Zero objective contributes to the concrete form taken by its corporate purpose – which explicitly mentions the achievement of carbon neutrality – and is consistent with the decarbonisation commitments already undertaken by the Group with an outlook to 2030. For further information Press release bannerino_netzero_rev (2).png The Hera Group’s climate change mitigation strategy is now enriched with the definition of the Climate Transition Plan and the goal of reaching Net Zero by 2050 as regards direct and indirect emissions Immagine_110_150 (1).jpg

Fincantieri and the Hera Group have signed a memorandum of understanding to launch a partnership aimed at optimising waste cycle management and creating value in Fincantieri’s shipyards throughout Italy, in accordance with the principles and objectives of the circular economy. The agreement calls for the establishment of a newco – owned by Fincantieri and the Hera Group, through its subsidiaries Herambiente Servizi Industriali (HASI) and ACR di Reggiani Albertino S.p.A. (ACR), part of the Herambiente Group, charged with implementing an integrated and efficient waste management system at Fincantieri’s shipyards, starting with the Monfalcone site, identified as the first area for intervention in the implementation of the project. The new company will also be responsible for the operational administration of the plant, the management of waste disposal and the valorisation of residues and recoverable waste. With this partnership, Fincantieri aims to reduce its waste production, maximise waste recovery by applying advanced technologies for industrial waste treatment and valorisation, create sorted waste collections for the reuse of materials in production cycles and optimise logistics and waste handling to increase safety on construction sites. The agreement also represents an important opportunity to create value, both economically and in terms of sustainability. The Hera Group’s extensive experience in industrial waste management and in implementing sustainable solutions, shared with its subsidiaries HASI and ACR, who will be responsible for managing operations, will thus enable Fincantieri to accelerate the achievement of ESG goals in its shipyards. This will involve concrete circular economy initiatives in all areas: from reducing waste production to increasing the amount of solid waste sent for recycling, valorising residues, recovering water and reducing CO2 emissions. For further information Press release Fincantieri Monfalcone_870.png A newco will be born aimed at managing almost 100,000 tonnes per year of industrial waste produced in its shipyards, and creating a new integrated waste management system, intended to reduce waste and enhance recovery with a view to the circular economy Fincantieri Monfalcone_110.jpg

Hera’s Ordinary and Extraordinary Shareholders Meeting, chaired by Executive Chairman Cristian Fabbri, was held in Bologna to approve the 2023 financial statements and the payment of a dividend increasing to 14 cents per share, in line with what was previously announced during the presentation of the 2027 Business Plan and based on the significant results achieved. The 2023 Sustainability Report was also presented during the Meeting. 2023 financial statements approved with record results The Shareholders Meeting approved the 2023 financial statements, which showed strong growth in the main operating and financial indicators compared to both the previous year and to pre-crisis levels (FY2021). Among the main results: adjusted Ebitda rose to 1,494.7 million euro (+15.4%) and adjusted net profit attributable to shareholders amounted to 375.2 million euro (+16.5%). Gross operating investments reached 815.8 million euro (+15.0%) and were mainly allocated to innovation and resilience of the assets managed, the circular economy and the energy transition, with concrete projects consistent with the foremost national and international policies. Net debt fell to 3,827.7 million euro, as against 4,249.8 million euro at 31 December 2022. The financial structure thus improved significantly, with the net debt to adjusted Ebitda ratio dropping to 2.56x, compared to 3.28x for the previous year, well below the Group’s prudential parameters. Dividend payment confirmed, rising to 14 cents per share The Shareholders Meeting approved the Board of Directors’ proposal to distribute a dividend coming to 14 cents per share, up 1.5 cents over the last dividend paid (+12%). The ex-dividend date was set at 24 June 2024, with payment as of 26 June 2024. The dividend will be paid to the shares recorded on 25 June 2024. Sustainability Report: shared-value Ebitda and investments rise The 2023 Sustainability Report was also presented during the Shareholders Meeting, showing that improvement in operating and financial indicators goes hand in hand with the Group’s focus on sustainability and creating value in the served areas. In 2023, shared-value Ebitda, which refers to business activities that also respond to the targets on the Global Agenda, rose to 776.0 million euro, up 16% compared to the 670.3 million euro seen in 2022 and corresponding to 52% of overall Ebitda. Two new directors appointed The Shareholders Meeting also resolved to reappoint Director Enrico Di Stasi for the remainder of the term of office of the Board of Directors. Di Stasi had in fact been appointed by co-optation by the Board of Directors on 27 September 2023, following the resignation of Director Lorenzo Minganti. Director Di Stasi confirmed that he did not meet the independence requirements of current regulations. The Shareholders Meeting also appointed Director Tommaso Rotella to replace Gabriele Giacobazzi, who passed away on March 3, 2024. Director Rotella has declared that he meets the independence requirements of current regulations and the next Board of Directors will appoint him as Vice Chairman. For further information Press release Shareholders’ Meeting 2024 Board of Directors Online Report FY2023 Online Sustainability Report 2023 img_assemblea_870.png The Group continues along its path of uninterrupted growth, closing 2023 with record performance in the main operating and financial indicators, thus constantly creating value for its stakeholders ass.azionisti-2024_110.jpg

Financial highlights Revenues at 14,897.3 million euro Ebitda* at 1,494.7 million euro (+15.4%) Net profit* for shareholders at 375.2 million euro (+16.5%) Gross operating investments at 815.8 million euro (+15.0%) Net financial debt improves to 3,827.7 million euro (-10%), with Net debt / Ebitda* at 2.56x Proposed dividend rises to 14 eurocents per share (+12%) Operating highlights Strong performance from internal growth with contributions coming from acquisitions Significant contributions from the energy area, growth in the waste management sector, and network resilience pending the adjustment of the tariff return effective from 2024 Consolidation of ranking as Italy’s first operator in the waste management sector, second in water and third in energy Shared-value Ebitda rises sharply to 776.0 million euro (+16%) and shared-value investments amount to 558.4 million euro (69% of total investments) The Board of Directors of the Hera Group, chaired by Executive Chairman Cristian Fabbri, unanimously approved the consolidated financial results as at 31 December 2023 and the Report on remuneration policy and compensation paid, as well as the Sustainability report. Record year for the Group, that continues to create value for stakeholders and increase its scope of operations Thanks to effective choices made by management and the numerous development actions implemented, which also made it possible to seize market opportunities, the Hera Group closed the 2023 financial year with main operating results showing strong growth compared to the previous year. In particular, the Group leveraged its financial flexibility to successfully participate in recent last resort market tenders, and to acquire strategic assets in the waste management area. In a year characterised by an international geopolitical situation that remained unstable, with high energy market volatility in the first half of the year and prices that have not yet returned to the levels seen prior to the crisis, as well as a series of extreme weather and climate phenomena that affected the areas served, the Hera Group has continued to ensure service continuity and quality and the creation of value for all stakeholders. This concrete and transparent value was quantified through shared-value Ebitda and investments, with the data in question subjected for the fifth consecutive year to an external auditing company in order to validate these distinctive aspects of the Group’s reporting to all stakeholders. Hera pursued corporate growth and, at the same time, sustainable development, as shown by the increased investments in innovation and resilience of the assets managed, the circular economy and the energy transition, with concrete projects consistent with major national and international policies. In addition to internal growth, in 2023 Hera continued to expand its scope of operations through external development, with the aim of providing its customers with increasingly innovative and competitive solutions. Cristian Fabbri, Executive Chairman of Hera Group: “We closed 2023 with record performance in our main operating and financial indicators, achieved within a macroeconomic environment that was volatile and uncertain. Ebitda reached almost 1.5 billion, net profit attributable to shareholders grew by 16.5% and investments were up by 15%, exceeding 800 million euro. As a result, the economic value distributed to stakeholders in the areas in which we operate reached 2.3 billion euro, up 36%. We achieved these results mainly thanks to the contribution coming from the waste management and energy areas. In the energy area in particular, we achieved significant growth supported by commercial development, last resort markets and energy efficiency services. At the same time, debt fell by 10%, bringing us to a Net debt / Ebitda ratio of 2.56x, allowing the Board of Directors to propose a 12% increase in dividends, equal to 14 eurocents per share. The 2023 results thus confirm the validity of our Group’s strategic vision and constitute the solid building block of our new business plan, approved in January.” Orazio Iacono, CEO of the Hera Group: “In 2023, Ebitda exceed the targets set in the previous Plan to 2026 three years ahead of schedule. The normalisation of energy prices made it possible to reduce net working capital achieving a significant financial structure and a Net debt / Ebitda ratio of 2.56x. The Group thus regained its usual financial flexibility and can continue to seize further growth opportunities in its reference markets, still highly fragmented. Evidence of this lies in the transactions carried out in 2023, which also confirm our focus on generating sustainable growth in the local areas served. This commitment was confirmed by the increase in both shared-value Ebitda, up by 16% to 776.0 million euro, 52% of overall Ebitda, and in CSV investments, which amounted to 558.4 million euro in 2023, approximately 69% of total investments. Finally, we proved our ongoing commitment to sustainable finance, a driving force for our investment plan and confirmation of our desire to create value in the areas served, with particular attention going to objectives including decarbonisation, circular economy, innovation and resilience, consistent with our corporate purpose and the path set out by the Business Plan.”. For further information Press release Investor Relations web area 2023 Sustainability Report Highlights Interactive 2023 annual report 2023 Sustainability report img_primopiano_BE2023_870_V2.png The year closed with main financial indicators rising and the targets included in the strategic Plan to 2026 exceeded three years ahead of schedule img_BE2023_110x150V2.jpg

The Company will take steps to integrate the Board and appoint a new Vice Chairman in accordance with the provisions of current legislation and the Articles of Association, based on the decision to be made by the public shareholders participating in majority list, in accordance with the provisions of the current Public Shareholders agreement to which they adhere. Also note that Mr. Giacobazzi held the positions of Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee, Chairman of the Control and Risks Committee (which also corresponds to the Committee for Transactions with Related Parties) and Chairman of the Remuneration Committee. img_primo_piano_top_employer.png We hereby inform you that on March 3, 2024, the Vice Chaiman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Gabriele Giacobazzi, passed away. giacobazzi_110.jpg

With Panasonic Industry Europe, the operating company of the Japanese multinational world leader in the production of electronic products and components, we renew the long-standing collaboration with the signing of a commercial agreement aimed at expanding the diffusion of the innovative NexMeter meter in the Italian gas distribution market. There are several utilities that have already demonstrated their interest in our device and further future prospects for partnerships with European operators cannot be ruled out. The collaboration with Panasonic dates back to 2019, when we launched our smart gas meter 4.0, equipped with advanced safety and leakage reduction functions, which subsequently evolved over time: since 2021 it has been made with recycled plastic components and has obtained the compatibility "stamp" for green gas mixtures such as hydrogen and biomethane. NexMeter has now been a consolidated reality for several years and has already made it possible to provide an important technical contribution within our activities. Its anti-seismic vocation has now led to over 250 thousand meters already installed mainly in Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Emilia-Romagna, areas classified as high seismic risk, and the additional functions of NexMeter in leak detection have also made it possible to intervene successfully in potentially critical situations, avoiding even serious risks to people and things. Furthermore, we have already activated the first Italian trial of introducing a mixture of methane and hydrogen into the city's gas distribution network two years ago in the province of Modena. Today the collaboration with Panasonic is further consolidated to make this innovative device available to all operators in the sector, which represents an excellent ally for decarbonisation. Starting from our know-how and consolidated experience in the field, Panasonic's technological excellence will, in fact, enrich the NexMeter device with further functions and will make available to all Italian operators a meter that exceeds national standards, with additional performances aimed not only at improving the safety and sustainability of the service, to the benefit of the end consumer, but also at making gas distribution more efficient and reducing costs, for the benefit of the distributors themselves. For further information Find out NexMeter img_primo piano - panasonic.png The Japanese electronics leader collaborates with the multi-utility to distribute the NexMeter 4.0 gas meter, with advanced features in the field of measurement GH-Panasonic_110.jpg