Ansaldo To Build Combined-Cycle Plant

Edison and Ansaldo Energia will cooperate in the construction of a natural gas-powered combined-cycle power plant in the Campania region, in Southern Italy.

With €370-million investment, the power plant will have a total capacity of about 760 MW, generated by one GT36 H-class gas turbine with a capacity of approximately 505 MW, one recovery steam generator and one steam turbine with a capacity of roughly 255 MW. All equipment is in Ansaldo Energia’s scope of supply.

The power plant, located in Presenzano, will ensure new, efficient and flexible capacity for the benefit of the national electricity system, in accordance with the Italian national energy policy (Piano Integrato Energia Clima).

The companies said, the power plant will reach an energy efficiency of approximately 63%, which will make it possible to obtain 40% less specific CO2 emissions compared to the average of Italian thermoelectric power plants. A reduction of more than 60% in NOX  emissions is also expected, compared to current combined cycle plants of the same size.  The use of local water resources will be limited as well.

Construction is expected to commence at the start of 2020 and last 30 months. An average of 500 people will be involved in building the plant.

“The electricity system is faced with a challenge at present. We need to promote an increase in electricity generation from renewable sources which are by nature intermittent and, at the same time, guarantee safety and flexibility to the national electricity system and competitiveness to companies in our country,” said Nicola Monti, Edison’s CEO. “It is possible, by combining the generation from natural gas with the development of renewable sources, as set out in the Piano Energia Clima and the Paris accords of 2015. Edison continues to play a leading role in the Italian energy transition, thanks to an investment plan focused on renewable energies and sustainable gas”.

In 1992, Edison was the first in Italy to introduce the combined cycle supplied with natural gas. “This is the most efficient thermoelectric technology and most respectful of the environment because it offers the dual benefit of a high efficiency and a low environmental impact. The Presenzano project will make a significant contribution to the stability and balancing of the national electricity system,” said Marco Stangalino, executive vice president Edison Power Asset. “With its hi-tech features in terms of innovation and sustainability, this power plant will be the most efficient in Europe on a par with the twin project of Marghera Levante, Italy.”