From the Paris agreements to today, the issues of decarbonisation and the reduction of emissions are increasingly discussed and debated. Now that the European and Italian electricity systems are preparing to enter the energy transition phase, the role of thermoelectric plants is gradually assuming increasing importance
The transition process is currently characterized by a high degree of uncertainty about what the future scenarios will be in the medium to long term, and for this very reason the thermoelectric plants will guarantee stability and security to the entire electricity system at least for the next 30 years.
This is the main idea that emerged from the seminar "Fossil power plants: how to maximize value in the energy transition" held in Milan on 29 September, which was attended by the top management of numerous companies in the sector. The works were introduced by Andrea Gilardoni, president and founder of Agici.
In recent years, the electricity system has been characterized by instability: the challenges of climate change highlight the scarcity of water resources, particularly hot summers are increasing peak demand. The important thing will be not to rush and make hasty decisions, while understanding the importance and central role of renewables, without, however, abandoning thermoelectric power too abruptly.
Hence also the need not to squander the value of the investments made in plants fueled by fossil fuels, especially in some cases, such as the Italian one, where the gas-fired plants are among the most modern and efficient in Europe.
Fossil fuels will guarantee a safe and reliable transition in terms of cost, supplies and stability of the system as a whole. Thermoelectric power – and gas in particular due to its high flexibility – have the perfect characteristics to be able to support the energy transition.
"For us, renewables have been and must be a priority, but an even more priority is the safe and stable development of the country's electricity system which, like it or not, will also be based on fossil fuels at least for the next 30 and perhaps 50 years" he commented Prof. Andrea Gilardoni.
The development of digital technologies and adequate communication will be the two fundamental points for the fate of the conventional generation.
As far as digital is concerned, the applications showing the greatest growth margins are the Internet of Things, big data and virtual reality, which will make it possible to improve plant efficiency and margins. Furthermore, it will be essential to highlight not only the negative aspects of thermoelectric power, but also the current and above all future centrality that this has for society.
