Presenzano thermoelectric power plant : Edison to invest €370m in 760MW Italian power plant

Edison will invest €370 million to develop the Presenzano thermoelectric power plant, a 760MW natural gas-powered thermoelectric power plant in the Italian province of Caserta.

The Italian energy company has given a contract to Ansaldo Energia for the construction of the Presenzano power project in Presenzano.

The new thermoelectric power plant will feature an Ansaldo Energia-developed GT36 gas turbine with a generation capacity of 505MW alongside one recovery steam generator and one steam turbine having a capacity of about 255MW.

The technology from Ansaldo Energia is expected to give the new Italian power plant an energy efficiency of nearly 63%.

Edison awards construction contract to Ansaldo Energia for the Presenzano thermoelectric power plant. Photo courtesy of Ansaldo Energia.

The Edison Presenzano power plant will employ advanced technologies to provide improved environmental performances and also to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by more than 60% compared to other combined cycle plants of the same size. The thermoelectric power plant is also expected to involve limited use of the water resource.

Marco Stangalino – executive vice president at Edison Power Asset, commenting on the Presenzano thermoelectric power plant, said: “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 thermoelectric power plant, with its hi-tech features in terms of innovation and sustainability, will be the most efficient in Europe on a par with the twin project of Marghera Levante.”

Construction on the Presenzano thermoelectric power project is scheduled to begin in early 2020 and is expected to be completed in 30 months. According to Edison, about 500 people are likely to be involved in building the new Italian power plant.

The Presenzano power plant is expected to help in stabilizing the Italian national electricity system. It is also likely to produce 40% less specific CO2 emissions compared to the average of other Italian thermoelectric power plants.

Nicola Monti – CEO of Edison, commenting on the Presenzano thermoelectric power plant, said: “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.

“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, which recognise this source of energy as a resource capable of playing a key role in this phase of energy transition to a system which aims to go carbon-free.”