Sotacarbo Sustainable Energy Research Centre in Carbonia
Representatives of the Association visited the Sotacarbo Sustainable Energy Research Centre in Carbonia (Sardinia) — a research and innovation centre established on the site of the former Serbariu coal mine.
Sotacarbo is a strong example of how former coal industry infrastructure can be successfully repurposed, providing a foundation for the development of innovative solutions in the field of the energy transition.
The centre brings together laboratories, pilot facilities, and demonstration projects focused on low-carbon energy technologies.
Key areas include the development of green hydrogen technologies, the use of biomass and waste for energy generation, and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS). Importantly, these technological solutions are integrated with approaches to the socio-economic transformation of territories that were previously dependent on coal.
The experience of Sotacarbo is particularly valuable for Ukrainian coal communities, as it clearly demonstrates how science, innovation, and partnerships can create new economic opportunities, jobs and enable sustainable development pathways based on former coal mining sites.
