Italian mobile solar container explosion

What happened at the Eni plant in Calenzano?

Explosion this morning at the Eni plant in Calenzano , in the province of Florence . The column of smoke is also visible from neighboring municipalities , while firefighters, law enforcement and regional health emergency personnel rushed to the scene. The terrible explosion was felt even in centers very distant from the place where it occurred.

What happened at Eni's warehouse in Calenzano?

Smoke rises following an explosion at Eni’s warehouse facility in Calenzano, near Florence, Italy, on Monday © Claudio Giovanni/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Amy Kazmin and Giuliana Ricozzi in Rome Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, selects her favourite stories in this weekly newsletter.

What happened at Calenzano?

Firefighters battled for about two-and-a-half hours to extinguish the blaze after the late-morning explosion at the Calenzano storage and distribution facility, 20km from the city of Florence. A further nine people were injured in the blast, some of them seriously.

What causes a battery to explode?

This phenomenon occurs when a battery’s internal temperature escalates uncontrollably, potentially triggering a chain reaction that can lead to fire or explosion. Lead-acid batteries, though less energy-dense, heavier, and shorter-lived than lithium-ion batteries, are known for their proven reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Could a Calenzano depot accident cause a serious accident?

Local authorities have been increasingly concerned about the potential for a serious accident at the Calenzano depot. In a report two years ago, the local municipality warned of the risks of a “major accident” that could lead to the release of “dangerous substances” into the environment.