In Spilamberto, in the province of Modena
The innovative plant for the production of biomethane created by NewCo Biorg, born from the partnership between the Hera Group, one of the largest Italian multi-utilities and the first national operator in the environmental sector, and the company Inalca (Cremonini Group), leader in Italy in the production of meat and distribution of food products.
Thanks to an overall investment of approximately 28 million euros and starting from the separate collection of organic waste and agri-food waste, the plant, whose activity started at the beginning of 2023, produces 3.7 million cubic meters every year when fully operational. of biomethane, a 100% renewable fuel for transport, and around 18 thousand tonnes of compost. “These projects are the basis of our industrial plan – explained Orazio Iacono, CEO of Hera – will contribute to the decarbonisation of the communities in which we operate. This means a concrete commitment to creating shared value and economic value for the company and at the same time also for the territories served”.
The 100% renewable natural gas is produced in the Biorg plant from the anaerobic digestion of organic waste coming from the separate collection carried out in the territories served by the Hera Group, from the waste resulting from the manufacturing process of the local agri-food industry and from the Inalca meat production process . Once refined it becomes biomethane and can be introduced into the gas network. Organic waste thus returns to the service of the community in the form of renewable fuel which, when injected into the network, powers public and private city transport, thus helping a sector increasingly exposed to the issue of carbon dioxide emissions. The plant represents a great example of circular economy because it allows, in addition to energy recovery, also that of material: the waste coming out of the anaerobic digestion process, instead of being disposed of, is, in fact, further recovered thanks to the transfer to the Biorg plant of composting in Nonantola (MO), to produce compost that can be used as a biofertilizer in agriculture.
“The green transition requires alliances – continued Iacono – so we believe that we need to work together with local businesses and companies, with citizens, with public administrations, so that everyone can then provide their own resources and skills. We must face these global challenges which are energy security on the one hand and climate change to make our territories increasingly competitive”.
An effective example of industrial synergy, all in the Modena area where there are many Hera energy transition projects. “One of many is that of the Hydrogen Valley – concluded Iacono – which is one of the three axes that will lead us towards carbon neutrality and therefore to be able to decarbonise local public transport companies, but also those energy-intensive steel and paper companies that can difficult to electrify their consumption. This plant which will be built between 2024 and 25 will produce hundreds of tons of hydrogen. And it will be born precisely in the air of this Modena area”.
Source-www.adnkronos.com