According to Enel Green Power: “The molten salts system will allow the plant to generate electricity in the absence of sunlight. Locally produced biomass will also be transformed into biogas to integrate the supply from the solar power plant, and into biofuel to power urban public transport.”

Today, Roma Capitale , Enel Green Power (EGP) and ENEA signed a memorandum of understanding at the Campidoglio for the testing and  development of new technologies for generating zero-CO2-emissions electricity from renewable sources.

Trebios is a small-scale, modular, polygeneration concentrated solar power plant that will ensure the continuous production of electricity (1-5 MWe) and process steam, as well as integrate and, thus, enhance the renewable resources of sunlight and biomass that are widely available in the municipal area. This biomass will initially be treated with the process steam generated by the plant itself, to separate its components, firstly lignin, which can also be used in gaseous form in the auxiliary molten salts heater to support electricity generation in the absence of sunlight  (for example on overcast days), providing about 40% of the total, then the cellulosic components, which are subjected to a fermentation process that produces ethanol, a fuel that can be used in internal combustion engines, contributing to sustainable public transport.

The plant will therefore be capable of generating electricity 24 hours a day , at night and on overcast days, with zero-CO2-emissions, from renewable sources only, including the prunings from the city’s trees, which will be transformed into both electricity and biofuel for use in public transport vehicles.

Related posts: