The partnership between Enel X and Nuova Solmine has taken the first step in capturing excess thermal energy and converting it into electricity without emitting CO2.
The goal of the project is to design and build the world’s first Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) plant in a sulphuric acid production facility. Cogenio, an Enel X partner company, will help pay for the project.
“The collaboration with Nuova Solmine is an example of Enel X’s ongoing commitment to raising the level of sustainability of its partners,” said Augusto Raggi, Head of Enel X Italia. “The energy transition requires the creation of new industrial business models that are more ethical and environmentally-friendly, and today, with the construction of the ORC plant, a virtuous path is being followed that places cutting-edge technology at the service of safer, circular production processes that are attentive to the needs of Italy.”
“The synergy between Enel X and Nuova Solmine will lead to the implementation of further projects in compliance with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles, with the aim of accelerating the sustainability process of the Tuscan company, making it a point of reference for the territory,” stated Luigi Mansi, President of Nuova Solmine. “In the research phase we have projects for the development of electric mobility and for the production of green hydrogen.”
Over the course of 20 years, the new ORC system will save up to 75,000 tons of CO2 emissions. This is because the new system is eco-friendly, which means that it will be safe for the entire design process and for the environment.
