The Valle d’Aosta region has taken a significant step forward in its renewable energy journey with the installation of a new wind turbine at the Saint-Denis wind farm. Managed by CVA, a group controlled by the Autonomous Region of Valle d’Aosta, this addition is set to boost the production of green energy and support an innovative green hydrogen project.
The new turbine, with a capacity of 1 MWstands tall at 59 meters and features three 27-meter bladesgiving it a rotor diameter of 54 meters. This advanced technology is designed to operate efficiently across a wide range of wind speeds, making it a valuable asset to the existing three turbines at the site.
The New Turbine’s Impact on Energy Production
The Saint-Denis wind farm is strategically located in an area with an average annual wind speed of 6-6.5 m/s. This favorable condition allows the new turbine to generate approximately 1,700 MWh of electricity annually. This substantial contribution represents over a third of the total energy produced by the entire wind farm, elevating its annual output to around 6,000 MWh.
What sets this turbine apart is its ability to harness energy even in varying wind conditions, from 3 to 25 m/s. This flexibility ensures a steady supply of renewable energywhich is crucial for the region’s sustainable development goals.
Powering the Future with Green Hydrogen
The energy generated by the new turbine will not only be fed into the electrical grid but will also play a pivotal role in the H2WAY2ZERO project. This initiative, supported by funds from the PNRR and the European NextGenerationEU program, aims to establish a 1 MW electrolyzer powered exclusively by renewable sources.
The electrolyzer will produce up to 144 tonnes of green hydrogen annually. This clean energy carrier is essential for decarbonizing industries and transportation sectors that are challenging to electrify directly. The project is a cornerstone in the region’s strategy to achieve carbon neutrality and foster a local green hydrogen supply chain.
A Vision for Sustainable Energy
Enrico De Girolamo, the Director General of CVAhighlighted the significance of this project: “The new aerogenerator in Saint-Denis is more than just a technological upgrade; it’s an investment that strengthens CVA’s ability to produce renewable energy and support innovative projects like H2WAY2ZERO.”
He further emphasized the importance of this energy source in decarbonizing sectors where direct electrification is not feasible. This integrated vision combines renewable energy productionindustrial innovationand sustainable territorial development.
The Saint-Denis wind farm, operational since has been a pioneer in the region’s renewable energy landscape. With the addition of the new turbine, the farm is poised to play a crucial role in the development of the ex Tecdis area in Châtillon, which is set to become a hub for renewable energy and green hydrogen research.
