The Villa Regina Nursing Home, located on the picturesque northern slope of Lake Garda in Arco in Trentino, has been a reference point for the care and well-being of patients for over a century. Founded in 1932, this hospital has experienced four generations of changes and advances, becoming a true beacon of excellence in the field of health. Its high-quality healthcare services range from long-term care to extensive and intensive lymphological rehabilitation, with particular attention to environmental, structural and comfort conditions that are scrupulously cared for and constantly updated according to the latest trends and technologies. Its privileged location, surrounded by the natural beauty of Trentino, makes it not only a health resort but also an oasis of tranquility and serenity, ideal for promoting healing and well-being. The history of Villa Regina is intertwined with that of the same family that has been running it for some time, and the goal of offering an impeccable and attentive health service has always been the beating heart of the structure. The management of Villa Regina, aware of the environmental challenges of our time and sensitive to energy saving policies, has embarked on an ambitious path to ensure a sustainable future. In this spirit, the nursing home has implemented a series of state-of-the-art solutions, including the installation of photovoltaic panels for the production of electricity, a solar thermal system for the generation of domestic hot water and an effective cogenerator to further optimize energy efficiency.

Why Cogeneration in Nursing Homes

The introduction of cogeneration in nursing homes represents a significant step forward in the world of healthcare. These facilities are known for their continuous demand for thermal energy to ensure patient comfort through heating and hot water production. In addition, the need for constant electrical power is vital to power medical equipment and ensure a quick response to any emergency. Cogeneration proves to be perfectly suited to these needs. This technology makes it possible to simultaneously generate electrical and thermal power from a single energy source, such as natural gas. This means that while some of the energy produced is used to power lighting, medical appliances, and other electrical devices, the waste heat is recovered to heat the water and ensure a comfortable environment. In an era where cost control and energy efficiency are priorities, cogeneration offers a tailor-made solution for nursing homes. In addition, cogeneration helps to reduce the environmental footprint of these facilities. By reducing reliance on traditional power grids and improving efficiency in the use of energy resources, nursing homes can make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Not only does this help the environment, but it also demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability, which is increasingly important in today's healthcare landscape. In short, cogeneration is a smart investment for nursing homes, improving energy efficiency, reducing operating costs, and promoting greater sustainability. Villa Regina has successfully embarked on this path, demonstrating how patient care and attention to the environment can converge, ensuring a better future for all.

Alperia: The Energy Partner of the Future

The key to success in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability for Villa Regina was a strategic partnership with Alperia Group, South Tyrol's largest energy service provider. It is one of the most innovative companies committed to creating a sustainable energy future. Its mission is to transform South Tyrol into a true "smart region", combining technology and sustainability to ensure a state-of-the-art energy development model. Among its many activities, Alperia designs and builds hydroelectric power plants, generates energy from renewable sources, operates electricity grids and offers district heating systems. In addition, it provides cogeneration plants, an incredibly efficient technology that makes it possible to reduce energy costs and improve business competitiveness. In particular, Alperia also offers cogenerators in E.P.C. (Energy Performance Contract) mode, an option through which the financial and technological commitment of the project is assumed, relieving the customer of certain costs and the operational management of the plant. In return, Alperia is remunerated on the basis of the energy savings actually achieved by the customer during the term of the contract. This model is based on trust and shared goals: both parties have a direct interest in maximizing energy efficiency and reducing costs.

The Needs of Villa Regina: Cogeneration for Savings and Sustainability

Villa Regina's needs were clear from the outset: it was necessary to reduce energy costs, especially electricity bills, without compromising the comfort and quality of services offered to patients. In addition, it was essential to ensure a steady flow of hot water without stressing the existing boilers, considering the continued expansion of the facility and the increased demand for services.

2G's Cogeneration Solution

To meet these complex needs, Villa Regina has chosen a highly reliable partner: 2G Italia, a company with a consolidated presence in the cogeneration sector. The solution adopted was the internal combustion engine from 2G, model g-box 50 plus. This CHP offers a power of 50 kWel and a thermal production of 104 kWth. However, what makes this system even more remarkable is its total efficiency, which reaches an astonishing 106.3%, thanks to the condensing operating technology. Running on natural gas drawn from the grid, this machine generates both electrical and thermal energy to power both the nursing home's electrical and thermal loads. But its main feature is the ability to dynamically adapt to the electrical load, ensuring a constant flow of thermal energy for heating the water, thus contributing to a more efficient thermal management of the entire structure.

2G Italia's Choice: Consolidated Knowledge and Skills

Alperia's choice to collaborate with 2G Italia was based on trust in the company's internal knowledge and skills. 2G Italia has been active in Italy since 2011 and has managed to consolidate its presence in various sectors, including agriculture, industry and services. The company boasts the installation of more than 250 cogenerators throughout the country, powered by both natural gas and biogas. The company's headquarters, in the province of Verona, houses a well-stocked spare parts warehouse and coordinates a technical assistance service available 24/7, ensuring complete coverage throughout the country. 2G Italia is a subsidiary of 2G Energy AG, based in Germany, recognized as one of the leading global manufacturers of cogeneration systems. For more than a quarter of a century, 2G Energy AG has installed more than 8,000 state-of-the-art plants in 68 countries, offering solutions characterized by high efficiency and advanced technology. The reliability and satisfaction of the customers have been constant testimony to the quality of the products and solutions proposed.

Extraordinary Results for Villa Regina

The introduction of cogeneration in the facility has brought extraordinary results. Villa Regina with the g-box 50 self-produces about 225,000 kWh of electricity and 519,000 kWh of thermal energy per year, all operating for 5,356 hours per year. These results translate into annual savings of around €60,000 on energy bills, a tangible benefit that helps to ensure a high-quality healthcare service without increasing costs for patients.

Payback Time

Payback time, a crucial indicator in any energy efficiency project, stands at 5-6 years when standard machine operation is considered. This means that, in a relatively short period of time, remembering that the appliance brings benefits to both Villa Regina and Alperia, the initial investment will be repaid by the significant energy savings achieved thanks to cogeneration.

The Energy and Environmental Future

Despite gas price uncertainty and evolving energy challenges, cogeneration remains a key element for energy savings and environmental sustainability. The Villa Regina nursing home is a shining example of how the collaboration between a state-of-the-art healthcare facility, a trusted energy partner like Alperia and state-of-the-art cogeneration solutions such as those offered by 2G can lead to exceptional results. Villa Regina looks forward to a greener, more sustainable and affordable future, demonstrating that patient care can go hand in hand with caring for the environment, thus ensuring a better future for all. Its centenary history is ready to write new chapters of excellence, sustainability and well-being for future generations.