Co-generation

This energy source, originating from combined heat and electricity production, has a high potential regarding GHG emission reduction.

In fact, co-generation technology uses the residual thermal energy that is produced and that would normally be dispersed as waste heat. This way, a significantly higher amount of energy is produced, with a 35-40% fuel consumption saving and the consequent reduction of GHG and polluting emissions.

In Italy, co-generation involves about 25% of all thermal power plants, exceeding by far the European average.

Co-generation includes the following technologies::

• Micro co-generation based on the technology that uses 28 to 60 kW Capstone micro turbines;
• Micro co-generation based on the technology that uses internal combustion engines fuelled by natural gas;
• Co-generation based on the technology that uses Nuovo Pignone and Rolls-Royce gas turbines.