NOVA by Cefla in Imola
Power Generation for Cefla
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
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.
Download
Gallery
Tutte le foto (2)
Case Study

Acea Tor di Valle
Renovation of the Tor di Valle district heating plant to improve energy efficiency and...

Nupi Industrie Italiane
Cefla's innovative trigeneration solution for Nupi Industrie Italiane in Busto Arsizio, optimizes...

A2A
Learn how CEFLA built an advanced reserve power plant in Cassano d'Adda, ensuring reliable and...

Nuova Riwal Ceramiche
High-efficiency cogeneration plant installed by Cefla for Nuova Riwal Ceramiche, improving...

Olivieri Carni
Olivieri Carni chose Cefla for a trigeneration plant, improving energy efficiency and reducing CO₂...

Effeffe Pet Food
Cefla's high-efficiency cogeneration plant for Effeffe Pet Food: reducing energy costs and...

Florim
Learn how Cefla improved energy efficiency at Florim's Mordano plant with a new 8,300 kWe...

Hera Central District Heating Plant
Hera cogeneration power plant in Bologna: improved energy efficiency and reduced CO₂ emissions...

Kaleseramic
Innovative upgrade of Kaleseramik's cogeneration plant, improving energy efficiency and...

SACA
Cefla optimizes SACA's energy efficiency and environmental sustainability with a natural gas...
news

Cefla participates in Agribiogas 2025
04 July 2025
AgriBiogas 2025 offers an agenda aimed at delving into the future of the biogas and biomethane system, between critical issues to be overcome and opportunities to be seized, untangling the PNRR and the Ecological Practices Decree.

Data Center Nation 2025
04 July 2025
On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, we will participate in Data Center Nation at the Allianz MiCo - Milano Convention Centre - one of the main reference events in Italy for the #Datacenter industry.

Key Energy 2025 Rimini
04 July 2025
We will be at KEY 2025, the benchmark event for energy transition. Discover our solutions for cogeneration, fuel cells and energy efficiency.
Find the perfect solution for your business
