Visa Cash App Racing Bulls has joined forces with Cefla, with the goal of generating most of the Faenza plant's electrical and thermal needs in-house, all with zero emissions. This program is a further step in the team's journey to achieve its carbon-neutral goals, in line with the commitment made by Red Bull GmbH and Formula One.
The joint project points to the installation at the Faenza plant of NOVA by Cefla, a solid oxide fuel cell system, powered by sustainable fuel, which uses a chemical process that is free of pollutant and noise emissions and does not require the use of water. The fuel cell generates electricity and at the same time recovers thermal energy that can be used to heat the plant.
The electrical efficiency resulting from fuel cell technology is 20 percent higher than what can be achieved by conventional methods, with zero CO₂ emissions due to the use of certified sustainable fuel.
In addition to the important environmental benefits of reduced greenhouse gases, this technology, combined with the photovoltaic system already installed at the plant, will make the VCARB facility self-sufficient and sustainable in terms of electrical and thermal needs.
"Our Faenza plant, which went into operation in 2015, is relatively new and therefore complies with all the best practices of sustainable building. Energy conservation was already a priority when the building was constructed, so high-performance insulation as well as energy-efficient lighting, heating and cooling were included.
Since then, the issue of sustainability has become even more prominent, and we have gone further by installing photovoltaic systems, introducing some best practices such as a ban on single-use plastics, and encouraging the use of bicycles and public transportation by our employees. This joint project with Cefla for self-generation of electricity is a big step toward carbon neutrality because it will cover nearly 80 percent of our current energy needs locally and sustainably."
Enrico Fastelli
Facility Management & HSE Director of Visa Cash App Racing Bulls
"We worked on this project with VCARB with the goal of producing sustainable electricity in the most efficient way possible.
To achieve this goal, we are usingNOVA by Cefla technology, a goal the Group has set to offer maximum efficiency to its customers. It is an honor to be able to collaborate with a company like Visa Cash App Racing Bulls with whom we share not only the geographical area but also a similar, future-oriented approach and vision, as exemplified by this project."
Mario Gargano
Sales Director of Cefla's Energy Business Line