2012 Sustainability Report
60
| prysmian group | 2012 Sustainability Report
LCA is an objective methodology for measuring the
energetic and environmental impact of a process or
activity. Implementation involves identifying the
environmental impact of consuming energy and using
materials, as well as of the emissions, discharges and
waste released into the environment over the life of the
product concerned.
The Prysmian Group has participated as a partner in
the European EPHESTUS project for the development
and installation of a thermionic and thermoelectric
solar unit for the combined production of heat and
electricity, working at temperatures far in excess of
currently installed systems (800-1,000°C). In particular,
the conversion module is based on direct transformers of
thermionic energy and thermoelectric energy, combined
thermally in series to increase their efficiency. The
thermal recovery system has been designed to recover
all heat losses for re-use in district heating, the heating
of individual buildings, production processes etc. This
recovery of heat is the key to significant savings with
respect to fossil fuels with, therefore, considerable
economic advantages.
Prysmian has supplied a hybrid cable for the combined
transportation of electricity and fluids, capable of working
at high temperatures. Use of a single, hybrid cable has
resulted in a more compact, lighter and more efficient
system.
INTELLIGENT CABLES AND SMART GRIDS
The Group has, for many years, shown keen interest in and
commitment to the development of Intelligent Networks.
These go beyond the traditional concept of cables, and
their installation and functioning, by seeking to meet
the needs of new networks in terms of renewable energy,
efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
These developments have resulted in the following
initiatives:
1. the project to “Reduce voltage drop in cables” has
established new rules for the dimensions of three-
core AC submarine cables, reducing the voltage drop
by around 25% with respect to current best standards.
This means that a cable with a nominal section
of 1,200 mm
2
can reduce CO2 emissions into the
atmosphere by about 3,000 t/km over 20 years;
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PRODUCT RESPONSIBILITY
