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Research and the Environment
Edison’s research organization pursues projects that involve many areas of science and are designed to develop innovative energy technologies that can provide competitive opportunities and help protect the environment. R&D programs are coordinated from the Milan headquarters. The main operating unit is the Edison Research Center in Trofarello, which was opened in 1993.
Our efforts are supported by a vast network of competencies and research organizations created through numerous collaborative relationships that we have established with public- and private-sector operators and universities in Italy and abroad.
Edison’s research organization pursues projects that involve many areas of science and are designed to develop innovative energy technologies that can provide competitive opportunities and help protect the environment. R&D programs are coordinated from the Milan headquarters. The main operating unit is the Edison Research Center in Trofarello, which was opened in 1993.
Our efforts are supported by a vast network of competencies and research organizations created through numerous collaborative relationships that we have established with public- and private-sector operators and universities in Italy and abroad.
In 2006, Edison focused its R&D efforts on new methods of generating energy that respect the environment. Specific projects involved fuel cells, innovative photovoltaic technologies, super conductivity and energy storage.
As part of the process of developing synergies that leverage their respective competencies and research organizations, Edison and EDF’s research organization established a collaborative process in this area, which is governed by a special framework agreement.
Two projects have already been activated under this arrangement. These two projects concern fuel cell and energy storage technologies.
As part of the process of developing synergies that leverage their respective competencies and research organizations, Edison and EDF’s research organization established a collaborative process in this area, which is governed by a special framework agreement.
Two projects have already been activated under this arrangement. These two projects concern fuel cell and energy storage technologies.
As part of this collaborative effort, Edison carried out tests for two different European projects: the AUTOBRANE project, which pursues the development of new cells of the PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) type, and the REALSOFC project, which focuses on the development of better cells of the SOFC (Solid Oxide Fuel Cell) type. A project involving a series of tests of metal/air batteries for stationary applications was also carried out.
The Trofarello Research Center also operates a photovoltaic cell laboratory, which is used to characterize cells and other components of photovoltaic systems. The results of these tests are of vital importance in guiding Edison’s efforts to develop high-efficiency photovoltaic systems based on multijunction cells.
In 2006, the Research Center was also involved in monitoring innovative storage technologies that have the potential of providing greater flexibility, both at the power generation and consumption levels. Additional work involved the development of a special, fully-equipped external test platform that will be used in the coming months to install and test a nominal 5kWh co-generating system fueled with natural gas and based on SOFC fuel cells.
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
