Enel gives world’s oldest geothermal energy plant a new lease of life
23/02/2022 ABB Ltd - Electrification Business
- Geothermal complex gets upgraded with latest medium voltage (MV) circuit breaker technology from ABB
- VD4G circuit breakers will provide full protection for continuous 24/7 sustainable renewable energy for the residents of Tuscany
To ensure continuous power supply and reduce outages, Enel Green Power has upgraded its 60 MW geothermal plant in Farinello, Tuscany with ABB's VD4G MV state-of-the-art generator circuit breakers. The site, which has been active since 1995, is part of the oldest geothermal complex in the world. The facility’s 34 geothermal power plants supply more than 30 percent of the energy needed for the people of Tuscany.
“Being a legacy site, the geothermal plant in Farinello required state-of-the-art upgrades, using technologies that will protect the most critical equipment. ABB’s VD4G circuit breaker was specified for its ability to handle any type of fault and to ensure continuous power supply for this critical resource. We are pleased to support Enel in its ongoing drive to decarbonize its business by giving this geothermal plant a new lease of life,” said Paolo Perani, Sustainability Manager for ABB Electrification’s Distribution Solutions Division.
By converting steam produced in the depths of the earth into renewable power, geothermal is a sustainable alternative to coal power plants. By 2050 it is estimated that geothermal technologies will have the potential to meet 3-5 percent of global demand for renewable power1, and by 2100, it will be possible to meet 10 percent of demand.2
Luigi Parisi, Head of O&M Geothermal Global for Enel Green Power said: “Keeping the power on for our customers is our main priority. Not only will ABB’s VD4G breakers satisfy this need, but the solution will also reinforce our commitment to renewable and sustainable solutions. Our precious geothermal resources are now safeguarded by the highest protection that a breaker like VD4G can provide. Collaborating with ABB in this way allows Enel Green Power to evolve sustainably and supports our broader business strategy.”
For more information on the VD4G medium voltage circuit breaker, visit the ABB website.
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