The FRI-EL Group is engaged in the generation of electrical energy from both liquid and solid biomass.

Electrical energy from biomass is generated by the combustion of biomass and the use of the energy which is released during this process. Biomass can be either liquid or solid. It is an eco-sustainable technology, because it is neutral in terms of emission balance. In fact, the CO₂ resulting from combustion is balanced by the O₂ given off by the energy crops through photosynthesis.

So far, the FRI-EL Group has implemented one liquid biomass power plant and has been operating it since 2008 in Acerra (Naples). The power plant is fueled by crude palm oil, which is certified (ISCC EU International Sustainability and Carbon Certification) and obtained from the industry partner GAR. With a total installed capacity of approximately 75 MW, it is the second largest thermoelectric power plant in Europe which is powered by vegetable oil.

The production of electrical energy is divided into two phases: In a first phase, liquid biomass is combusted in ad hoc diesel engines which in turn activate electric generators. The first cycle makes up about 91 % of the total production.

In order to optimize the efficiency of the plant, the heat generated by the diesel engine in the first cycle gets a boiler to boil, which in turn produces steam. A turbine transforms the steam into electrical energy. This second cycle corresponds to about 9 % of the total production.

• The foreign energy dependence is reduced.

• The energy production from biomass has a minimum environmental impact, thanks to the emissions balance.

• This form of energy production enables the agricultural use of land that would otherwise be unused.

• The use of biomass from short-chain supply promotes local economies and generates employment.