Rome, July 29th, 2011 The 20.5 MW from Unit 1 of the Enel Green Power Bardonecchia hydro plant, in the Province of Torino, have been connected to the grid.
The recent months saw the completion of the first parallel system for unit 2. With an installed capacity of over 3 MW, the unit generates power as well as ensuring the water flow, provided for by the agreement signed by Enel with the Piedmont Regional Water Authority SMAT (Società Metropolitana Acque Torino) and Turins no 3 Environmental Authority, for use as drinking water in the Rochemolles Reservoir.
The new hydro plant, with a total capacity of 23.5 MW, completely replaces the old 22 MW plant, thus increasing the power output by 1.5 MW. In fully operational mode, the plant will generate 42 million kWh, meeting the consumption needs of over 15,000 households and avoiding the emission of some 30,000 tonnes of CO2 into the atmosphere.
The entry into service of the Bardonecchia plant underlines Enel Green Powers efforts to boost the growth of mini-hydro in Italy commented Enel Green Power CEO Francesco Starace, and it shows how this energy source can still significantly contribute to the growth of renewables in Italy, also through the upgrading work we are executing on existing facilities, in order to maintain their full efficiency.
Enel Green Power currently operates about 2,539 MW of hydroelectric power installed in Italy and abroad, generating over 11 billion kWh.