The IGCC plant is one of the cleanest systems of energy production among those currently available; most certainly, it is the cleanest in absolute terms among those which use fossil fuels with high sulfur levels, such as coal or refinery residues. This is one of the reasons that api ENERGIA has chosen this technology. In fact, even while the production of electric energy of the Falconara Marittima plant rose from 16 MW to 280 MW after the startup of the IGCC plant, overall emissions from the refinery were reduced.

As required by law, the environmental frame reference was developed according to descriptive, analytical and revision criteria, with the technical regulations indicated in DPCM n° 277 of 10 August 1988 being adapted to this specific case.

In conclusion, from the environmental standpoint, the IGCC project, which in itself has low environmental impact, when inserted into the production complex of the Falconara refinery, contributes significantly to improving air quality both in the area surrounding the site and over a wider area, compared to the preceding situation.

Annual emissions into the atmosphere are substantially reduced compared to authorized allowances.

In particular, SO2 emissions are 20%, NOx emissions are 60%, CO 68% and PTS as low as 5% of allowance.

The new production system, obtained with the new gasification and cogeneration plant, in fact, brings about a significant reduction in the amount of polluting substances released into the atmosphere and a consequent reduction in their concentrations in the environment.

It can therefore be affirmed that the IGCC project not only does not bring with it detectible negative impact on the wider surrounding area (the area of insertion), but actually leads to an improvement in the quality of the environmental component most affected – that is, the atmosphere.