Growing interest in solar thermodynamic
The agreements for the construction of new facilities and European
contributions to research are increasing. And the Archimede project, at the
Enel plant in Priolo Gargallo (SR), is the "most advanced and complex
solution", says the scientific director of the Kyoto Club, Gianni
Silvestrini
"In the light of the new incentive scheme, even some Regions are showing
an interest on solar thermodynamic”. Said Gianni Silvestrini, scientific
director of the Kyoto Club, during the "Solar-thermodynamic Desertec, an
opportunity for the Italian industry" symposium, held Thursday, July
16th in Rome.
Silvestrini brought the example of the recent Memorandum of Understanding
between Enea, Confindustria Lazio and Lazio Region for a 25-30 MW power plant
in the province of Latina, and another agreement in the province of Nuoro for a
20 MW thermodynamic
solar plant.
Not forgetting the 5 Megawatts of Archimede, which are being set up by Enel
in Priolo Gargallo, in the province of Siracusa. The technology used was
developed by Enea, driven by Carlo Rubbia, “a more advanced and complex
solution than others existing - explained Silvestrini - which involves the use
of molten salts to achieve higher temperatures”.
The scientific director of the Kyoto Club (non-profit organization made up
of enterprises, institutions, associations and local governments committed to
achieving the targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions) showed how this
research has "allowed domestic industry to develop innovative
components”.
So the growing interest in solar thermodynamic “actually also results in an
increase in research funding”. Compared to a past history of modest support
measures from the EU”, said Silvestrini, "the fifth and sixth Framework
Programs have provided funds for projects totaling 25 million Euros, which led
to the activation of private resources with a multiplication effect equivalent
to a factor of 10”.
