In Corsica, which is inhabited by over 350,000 people, an energy project will take place that promises to redefine island energy and CO2 saving. The French state company EDF is launching a bioenergy plant Recanta facility construction project that will use state-of-the-art technology to convert liquid biomass into electricity, setting a new standard for sustainable energy in off-grid areas.
As an island not connected to the continental power grid, Corsica has limited opportunities to exchange energy with the rest of the home country and Europe. The challenge lies in the fact that the island must locally produce enough energy for its own needs, in addition to the needs of tourists when they visit this famous destination during the season. As electricity in Corsica is also produced from fossil fuels to a large extent, this leads to high carbon dioxide emissions.
Technology and innovation on the project
Bioenergy project Recant will be powered by eight state-of-the-art engines with a total output of 130 megawatts – enough capacity to replace an aging oil-fired power plant Emptymarking the transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources. The chosen fuel, more precisely liquid biomass, is obtained from rapeseed or sunflower oil – resources that are sustainable and locally sourced.
The construction of the Ricanto bioenergy plant is an investment of approximately 800 million euros. EDF’s assumption is that the number of jobs will be between 250 and 500 during the three-year construction phase.
It is also expected that carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced by 65 percent compared to current levels from the oil plant that this new one will replace. Recant the plant will produce about 20 percent of Corsica’s annual electricity needs, significantly contributing to energy independence, as stated on the EDF website.
It is planned that the Ricanto bioenergy plant will gradually start operating from the middle of 2027.
Energy portal
Source: energetskiportal.rs
