Italy, Rome: Italy’s TSO Terna has announced a €3.2 billion ($3.7 billion) investment allocation for the next decade in the Puglia region. Terna’s 2025-2034 Electricity Grid Development Plan aims to develop infrastructure to increase electricity transport capacity and maximise the exchange of energy.
The grid in Puglia has a primary transmission system consisting of two 380 kV backbones between the electrical substations of Foggia and Galatina, with other 380 kV power lines connecting the Puglia grid to those of its neighbouring regions, as well as to the Greek grid via the connection known as Gr.Ita.
Among the main projects planned for the region is the Adriatic Backbone, which will connect Foggia and Forlì, strengthening the Adriatic corridor for energy transport and enabling a substantial increase in exchange capacity. The line will use HVDC technology and will allow better integration of the renewable capacity expected in the coming years.
Terna also began the public consultation on Gr.Ita2 in October 2023, the results of which were presented to stakeholders in January 2024. The connection will consist of two submarine cables about 240 km long with a power output of up to 1 GW between the landing point in Puglia (Melendugno) and the landing point in Greece (Thesprotia), and two 50 km long direct current overland power lines connecting the Galatina station to the Melendugno landing point.
With the Development Plan, the grid in Puglia becomes the second most invested, according to the TSO which manages over 4000 km of high-voltage and extra-high-voltage lines and 61 substations in the region. The plan also includes strategic projects aimed at increasing system security, transport capacity, and the integration of renewable sources.
Source: Smart Energy International
