Capstone to supply microturbines to waste-to-energy projects in Italy

Wastewater treatment plants have proven optimal candidates for microturbine-based combined heat and power (CHP) applications, according to Capstone Green Energy Corp., a global provider of carbon reduction and on-site resilient green energy solutions. The company goes on to note that most common renewables projects make use of digester methane to generate electric power or combined heat and power, enabling fast payback from utility power and natural gas savings through use of waste methane. In addition, any excess renewable electricity could be offered for sale to the electric utility.

Soon, two Italian wastewater treatment facilities will be taking advantage of CHP in their operations. IBT Connecting Energies GmbH, the exclusive distributor for Italy for Capstone Green Energy, has secured orders to supply three Capstone C65 microturbines for two waste-to-energy projects in the Sardinia region of Italy, the first of their kind in the region. The microturbines will be deployed at facilities operated by Acciona Agua SA in Alghero and Cagliari, Italy, and are expected to be commissioned in December 2022.

“We are pleased to see continued order flow out of the European region given the unprecedented macroeconomic conditions in their energy markets,” said Darren Jamison, chief executive officer, Capstone Green Energy. “This is a perfect example of how customers are reducing their dependence on fossil fuel sources for power generation through sustainable biogas to energy projects.”

According to the company’s specs, the C65 microturbines are rated at 65 kW, have a voltage of 400 to 480 VAC, frequency of 50/60 Hz and can be paralleled up to 30 MW of power. Once commissioned, they will operate on biogas produced on site from municipal solid waste.

In addition, the new cogeneration plants will incorporate a customized heat recovery module (HRM), advanced gas treatment, compressors and SCADA control panels, stated Capstone Green Energy in announcing the order. The CHP application will generate electricity and hot water for wastewater treatment.

“These two important projects are proof that the market is heading in the right direction of renewable energy. This confirms once again that Capstone technology is the No. 1 for this type of application, which uses the biogas produced by wastewater treatment plants,” said Ilario Vigani, president and CEO of IBT Connecting Energies GmbH.