Sulcis Power Station: 350 MW Coal Power Plant in Sardinia, Italy

Sulcis power station is a coal-fired power plant located in the Sulcis region of Sardinia, Italy, with a capacity of 350 MW. It is owned and operated by Enel SpA, one of Italy's largest energy companies. The plant is operational and contributes to the regional power supply. The facility operates under the European Union's Industrial Emissions Directive (2010/75/EU), which sets strict emission limits for large combustion plants. As a coal-fired plant, it is subject to Best Available Techniques (BAT) conclusions for large combustion plants, requiring measures to reduce SOx, NOx, and particulate emissions. The plant's capacity of 350 MW places it in the medium-scale range for coal power in Europe. The Sulcis power station is significant for the local energy mix in Sardinia, where coal has historically been a key fuel source. The plant's operation is balanced with environmental regulations aimed at minimizing its impact on the surrounding area. Its continued operation reflects the region's transition challenges toward cleaner energy sources.

The Sulcis power station is located in a region with moderate population density. As a coal-fired plant, it emits CO2, SOx, NOx, and particulates, contributing to local and regional air quality concerns. The plant's age and technology (likely subcritical) result in lower efficiency and higher emissions per MWh compared to modern plants. Proximity to populated areas necessitates compliance with EU air quality standards.