The Italian distribution grid: discovering energy’s long journey

Renewable resources, the energy transition and the electrification of consumption are impossible goals without a reliable, resilientand digital electricity distribution grid that can guarantee the availability and continuity of the electrical supply even when faced with extreme climate events.

In this sense, the distribution grid is the true circulatory system of our country, extending into even the most remote areas to connect 37.2 million users including households, commercial activities, offices and manufacturers. The infrastructure covers about 1.29 million kilometers (2.7 times the length of the water pipeline system and 3 times the distance from the Earth to the Moon), most of which is composed of low-voltage grids (69%) and is continuing to expand at an exponential rate.

Just considering 2023 alone, the length of the electricity distribution network in Italy has increased by 5,600 kilometers, with about 2,600 kilometers of new low-voltage lines, 2,900 kilometers of medium-voltage lines, and 18 kilometers of high and very high-voltage lines. These numbers highlight the capillarity of a service that ranks first in Europe in terms of affordability of charges, penetration rate and smart meter functionality.

In fact, before reaching the end consumer, electricity goes on a journey in which it is transformed by passing through different voltage levels to meet very different consumption modes and needs, ranging from small appliances in private homes to large machinery in industrial sites.

This achievement is made possible by an extensive infrastructure grid including primary transformer plants, medium-voltage lines, secondary transformer substations, low-voltage lines and energy metering equipment. The operation and maintenance of this infrastructure is all entrusted to DSOs (Distribution System Operators) who operate under concession in their assigned territory, providing service regardless of the supplier selected by the customer.

Primary substations are at the heart of this complex landscape, in one of the major areas of investment that has been committed to in the present Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). Specifically this regards the ability to ensure continuity of service and to meet increased electricity needs while accommodating the growth of distributed generation on which much of the success of the energy transition depends.

The secondary transformer substations, present throughout the entire Italian territory, also play an equally crucial role. Not only do they bring energy into homes and buildings by converting medium voltage into low voltage, they also have integrated control systems and encrypted data collectors in smart meters that allow the entire map of withdrawal sites to be monitored efficiently and promptly.

In fact, meters have undergone a radical evolution process, contributing to the expansion of an increasingly bidirectional distribution grid, namely one that is capable of integrating the energy contribution of an increasing number of prosumers. Prosumers are players in the energy system who have moved from the status of passive consumers to true protagonists of sustainabledevelopment.

As a Group, we are well aware of the importance that the distribution grid plays in any sustainable development plan. Which is why we decided to invest 12.2 billion euros for the expansion and management of our grids during the three-year period from 2024-2026. This will enable the grids to become even more efficient, digital and resilient and support our desire to continue to supply local communities and the entire territory with safe and affordable electricity while contributing to an increasingly sustainable future.