Augusta C.LE ranks as the 142nd largest power generation facility in Italy, with a capacity of 210 MW. As the 8th largest oil-based power plant in the country, it plays a unique role in a landscape where gas is the dominant fuel, contributing a modest 0.16% to Italy's total capacity of 131,053 MW. Commissioned in 1959 and operated by ENEL, Augusta C.LE utilizes oil to generate electricity, a technology that, while increasingly overshadowed by renewables, still serves as an essential backup for energy security. The facility is strategically located near several significant gas plants, including the PRIOLO C.LE (750 MW) and the Archimede combined cycle power plant (700 MW). This proximity to high-capacity gas plants illustrates the interconnected nature of Italy's energy generation landscape, where oil and gas facilities coexist to ensure a stable power supply. In the context of the national energy profile, the predominance of gas highlights the transitional phase Italy is navigating as it seeks to increase reliance on renewable sources while managing existing oil infrastructure. As Augusta C.LE continues to operate, its significance lies in providing necessary energy during peak demand periods, especially as the country transitions towards a greener energy future. The facility's operations not only support economic stability but also reflect the ongoing challenges and opportunities within Italy's energy sector as it embraces sustainability.
67 years old
Italy, Europe
- Primary Fuel Type
- Oil
- Energy Source
- Non-Renewable
- Country
Italy- Continent
- Europe
- Data Source
- Global Power Plant Database
Oil power generation involves the combustion of oil to produce electricity. The process typically begins with the extraction and refining of crude oil, which is then burned in a power plant to create steam. This steam drives turbines connected to generators, converting thermal energy into electrical energy. Oil power plants can vary in design, including steam turbine plants, gas turbine plants, and combined cycle plants, which utilize both gas and steam turbines to enhance efficiency. As of now, there are 2,416 oil power plants worldwide, distributed across 108 countries, with a total installed capacity of 286.9 gigawatts (GW).
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