IT (CURRENT) Home Innovation Technological platforms Renewable Energy Concentrated solar power RENEWABLE ENERGY Concentrated thermodynamic solar power Energy efficiency and low investment costs. Versatile technology for producing electricity and heat Concentrated solar power (CSP) is a technology at once both ancient and innovative. Legend has it that it was devised more than 2,000 years ago by Archimedes, whose “burning glasses” supposedly helped him to defend the city of Syracuse – keeping the Romans at bay and incinerating their ships. Eni is investing in CSP facilities due to the versatility of the underlying technology, which can turn solar energy into both electricity and thermal energy. It also provides a low-cost way of storing heat, allowing the system to continue to function even when the sun isn’t shining. Designed by Eni in collaboration with Milan Polytechnic University and MIT in Boston, a pilot plant will soon be installed in Gela (Sicily), followed by a full solar farm in Assemini (Sardinia). Turning the sun's energy into heat and electricity Lino Carnelli, manager of the Process Technology Unit, takes us on a trip around a CSP plant and reveals its secrets. How do CSP plants work? Solar power plants are covered in reflectors that concentrate the sun's energy on to pipes through which flow a mixture of molten salts. This light energy is then used to produce either heat or electricity. One of the main advantages of concentrated thermodynamic solar power is that energy can be stored for when the sun isn't shining – at night or on very cloudy days, for example. An efficient collector that is easy to assemble anywhere The CSP plant’s parabolic solar collector, developed in partnership with Milan Polytechnic University and MIT, offers highly-efficient energy recovery with low investment costs. This is because: only a few components are needed to build it (easy to source or ship in) it is simple and quick to assemble it can be installed anywhere using local labour. A giant sunflower: the CSP at OMC in Ravenna Eni's commitment to energy transition also includes concentrated solar power. The report from this year’s OMC, the biggest showcase of energy projects in the Mediterranean area, features CSP alongside guayule bushes and bio-oil. FIND OUT MORE Gela, Assemini and the first experiments The pilot CSP plant we are installing in Gela will produce all the steam needed on site. It will be carbon neutral and comply with all safety protocols to ensure it is risk-free and properly managed. In Assemini we are planning to install 32 collectors on approximately 2,200m2 of reclaimed land, with an installed capacity of 1 megawatt of thermal power plus an hour of heat storage. RELATED CONTENT Eni Renewable energy in Sustainability We are an energy company. We are working to build a future where everyone can access energy resources efficiently and sustainably. Our work is based on passion and innovation, on our unique strengths and skills, on the quality of our people and in recognising that diversity across all aspects of our operations and organisation is something to be cherished. We believe in the value of long term partnerships with the countries and communities where we operate. Registered Head Office Piazzale Enrico Mattei, 1 00144 Rome, Italy Company Share Capital € 4.005.358.876,00 paid up Rome Company Register, Tax Identification Number 00484960588 VAT Number 00905811006 Branches Via Emilia, 1 and Piazza Ezio Vanoni, 1 20097 San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy POLICIES Sitemap Accessibility Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy Cookie Policy Info Reserved Area Remit