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NOVA by Cefla in Imola

Power Generation for Cefla

Power Generation

Customer Cefla

Where Imola (BO)

Solution Fuel Cell

Sector Office building

        
          Imola is home to the first European installation of a NOVA fuel cell cogeneration plant by Cefla, for the production of high-efficiency electricity and heat, without emissions of pollutants into the atmosphere.

Strengths

Pioneering technology

NOVA is the first European fuel cell cogeneration plant, marking a significant step towards industrial decarbonisation.

Strategic partnership

Collaboration with Bloom Energy for the integration of the Energy Server™ module, ensuring reliability and high performance.

Reduction in operating costs

Production of electricity and heat without direct combustion, significantly reducing emissions.

Key Numbers

330 kW

Electrical power

+25%

efficiency of an endothermic source

+54%

degree of electrical efficiency

Background

Il progetto NOVA è stato realizzato presso la sede centrale di Cefla a Imola, rappresentando un esempio concreto di transizione energetica e innovazione tecnologica nel settore industriale.

        
          The ecological transition is a challenge that unites us all. The public and private sectors are called upon to work together to overcome it, because protecting our planet is a priority commitment we have towards future generations.

Challenges

Technological integration
Adapt fuel cell technology to the European industrial scenario, ensuring compatibility and performance.
Innovation management
Implement a pioneering solution, addressing the challenges associated with technological innovation and the lack of European precedents.
Achieving the 2030 Agenda goals
Decarbonisation, starting with the energy system, is key to achieving the 2030 climate goals and the EU's long-term strategy of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

Project Tasks

Cefla oversaw the design, construction and commissioning of the NOVA plant, integrating Bloom Energy's Energy Server™ fuel cell module and ensuring the efficiency and sustainability of the entire system.
The NOVA plant was inaugurated on 19 October 2023, marking an important milestone for Cefla and for the European industry in the field of sustainable cogeneration.

Implementation

The unique feature of NOVA by Cefla is the application of solid oxide technology in a CHP version, which also guarantees the production of thermal energy in addition to electrical energy. Furthermore, when an absorber is present, NOVA by Cefla is also capable of producing “cold”, i.e. cooling energy. Fuel cell technology exceeds the efficiency of an endothermic source (engines or turbines) by 25% for the same power output. It also guarantees 54% electrical efficiency throughout its life cycle and therefore greater control over energy costs. From a climate change perspective, NOVA by Cefla can therefore play a leading role, considering that it can be adapted to different power sources.
The partnership between Cefla and Bloom Energy expands the range of clean energy available to Italian companies, supporting them on their path towards energy transition.
This technology makes it possible to convert various sources such as hydrogen, natural gas and green fuels such as biogas and biomethane into electricity without combustion, thus reducing or eliminating CO2 emissions depending on the fuel used, but above all eliminating the presence of harmful particles such as NOx, SOx and CO.