The captivating Italian island of
Sardinia is at the forefront of a formidable green movement that aims to boost
the region’s economy. With the goal of drastically reducing its carbon dioxide
(CO2) levels, a new project features the construction of a new coal-power plant
that will generate between 350 and 450 megawatts of electric energy by storing
its excess CO2 underground.
‘Sardinia is
working to store CO2 underground,’ said Ugo Cappellacci, president of the
Sardinia Region, during a press conference with Industry Commissioner Oscar
Cherchi, where the two presented details on the pilot facility, to be
constructed in the city of Sulcis.
The new
thermoelectric power plant, which applies gasification technology, is also
called a ‘supercritical combustion plant.’
The pilot
project also includes the implementation of a system to reduce CO2 emissions
from the plant. The idea is part of a broader ‘zero CO2′ project, as the region
seeks to reduce its CO2 emissions to meet European Union benchmarks.
While another
goal of the pilot is further developing the mining sector in Sulcis, the
project also plays a central role in the research and innovation process
related to CO2 capture and storage, a priority at the regional, state, and
European Union levels.
