Location: Ciminna Palermo
Cables: Tratos Deadalus
Tratos & Renewable Energy
Tratos has supplied Tratos Daedalus for the Surbo photovoltaic field, built in Ciminna, in the province of Palermo, which was at the time the biggest photovoltaic field in Europe. The structure, which became operational at the end of 2008, required an investment of 40 million euros. The plant will have an output of 7.7 MW, approximately 10 million kWh per year, equivalent to the electricity needs of about 4,000 families.
Once in operation, the field saved 2,000 tons of oil and reduce the environmental impact of pollutants, preventing the emission into the atmosphere of 6,000 tons per year of carbon dioxide and 13,000 kilograms per year of nitrous oxides, corresponding to the environmental benefits generated by about 6 million square meters of forest.
Tratos spent years developing Renewable Energy Cables without halogens to provide greater protection for people and a more environmentally friendly option. Tratos also developed cables with increased pulling tension to allow easier electrification of diesel RTG cranes.
Solar energy and Italy
According to NS Energy, although possessing less than half of the installed solar capacity of Germany(which ranks first), Italy ranked the second in Europe with a solar power capacity of 20.1GW in 2018.
Italy, which is ranked sixth-largest solar producer in the world, added 420MW of new capacity in 2018. The country’s solar capacity saw sharp growth in recent years from an installed capacity that was less than 100MW pre-2008. Italy added a record 9GW of new solar capacity in 2011, alone.
The 84.2MW Montalto di Castro Photovoltaic Power Station in Viterbo province is the largest solar facility in the country. It has been operating since late 2009.
Other notable solar power projects include the Rovigo Photovoltaic Power Plant, with a capacity of 70MW. Located in San Bellino, the facility has been operating since late 2010.
Earlier this year, the Italian government set a target of achieving 50GW of installed solar capacity by 2030.
Did you know?
There are two types of solar technology used to take advantage of the energy coming from the sun (radiant energy) and convert it into electricity:
- Photovoltaic
- Concentrated solar power.
The first takes advantage of the physical properties of certain elements to generate a flow of electrons when exposed to sunlight (photovoltaic effect).
The second uses the thermal component (heat) of sunlight, concentrating it so as to reach temperatures that are sufficiently high for use in a thermodynamic cycle based on turbines and alternators.
Tratos is a dedicated supporter of UN Global Goal 9: Build resilient infrastructure, promote sustainable industrialization and foster innovation, GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being, GOAL 4: Quality Education, GOAL 5: Gender Equality, GOAL 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, GOAL 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, GOAL 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.
Tratos manufactures a wide variety of cables for renewable applications, such as:
- TRATOSWIND – Cable developed for use in wind turbines
- TRATOSDEDALUS – Solar cable designed and developed for use in photovoltaic installations according to BS EN 50618
- Tratos Tidal Power Cable – Designed for use with tidal stream turbines
