Zero Emission Life

The control of CO₂ emissions has an important role in setting environmental strategies and is central for Enel’s research

The increasing use of fossil fuels in fact only alters the composition of the atmosphere, causing severe climate change. For this reason the main objective sought by the international community is focused in reducing greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide emissions.

We are at the forefront in research and innovation for climate emissions combat, not only striving to abate emissions, but also to develop highly ambitious projects.

Thanks to a significant commitment of resources, Enel has achieved in Italy a reduction of CO₂ specific emissions of the net electricity production from 618 g/kWh in 1990 to 462 g/kWh in 2008. In the world CO₂ specific emissions of the net electricity production have been reduced to 433 g/kWh.

This program will culminate in the creation - in 2020 - of the first zero carbon dioxide emission plants.

Enel has developed partnerships with major universities and research institutes in Italy and abroad, such as: ENEA, CNR, INGV, MIT in Boston, IFRF.
In addition, Enel is actively working with the Ministry of Economic Development and of Environment and Research, also participating in the drafting of the European program "Zero Emission Platform".

This vision rightfully includes the program of research and experiments on hydrogen, the last development stage of a "chimneyless" power plant.

From this process it will be possible to obtain a totally clean production, because the combustion of hydrogen only introduces water vapour in the atmosphere.