Report on Terna’s Strategic Investment in Puglia’s Power Grid and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Investment Overview and Strategic Objectives

Italian Transmission System Operator (TSO) Terna has allocated a strategic investment of €3.2 billion ($3.7 billion) for the Puglia region as part of its 2025-2034 Electricity Grid Development Plan. This investment positions Puglia as the second most invested region under the plan. The primary objectives are to enhance the regional electricity grid’s capacity and security, directly supporting the transition to a more sustainable energy system.

• Increase electricity transport capacity to accommodate growing demand and energy flows.
• Maximise the integration of renewable energy sources, a key component of climate action.
• Strengthen system security and reliability across the southern Italian grid.
• Facilitate efficient energy procurement through improved market coupling and cross-border exchange.

Key Infrastructure Projects

The development plan outlines several major infrastructure projects designed to modernize and expand the grid, which currently includes over 4,000km of power lines and 61 electrical substations managed by Terna in Puglia.

1. The Adriatic Backbone

   This project will establish a new High-Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) power line connecting Foggia in Puglia with Forlì. Its purpose is to significantly strengthen the Adriatic energy transport corridor and increase the exchange capacity, which is critical for integrating the large volume of renewable energy capacity anticipated in the coming years.

2. Gr.Ita2 Interconnection

   A new 1,000MW interconnection with Greece, building upon the existing Gr.Ita link. Public consultation for this project commenced in October 2023. The project includes:

   • Two submarine cables spanning approximately 240km between Melendugno (Puglia) and Thesprotia (Greece).
   • Two 50km overland direct current power lines connecting the Galatina electrical substation to the landing point in Melendugno.

   This interconnection will enhance energy security for both nations and maintain stable energy exchange, even during maintenance periods.

Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Terna’s investment plan for Puglia demonstrates a significant commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in the areas of energy, infrastructure, and climate action.

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The plan directly supports Target 7.2 (increase substantially the share of renewable energy) and Target 7.b (expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services). By strengthening the grid, Terna is creating the necessary conditions to integrate vast amounts of renewable energy, facilitating the transition to a cleaner energy mix.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  This initiative is a prime example of developing quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure (Target 9.1). The use of advanced HVDC technology in the Adriatic Backbone represents an upgrade of infrastructure with a focus on efficiency and sustainability.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  A modernized and robust electricity grid is fundamental to the functioning of sustainable communities (Target 11.b). The increased reliability and capacity of the power supply will support the region’s development and ensure access to safe and affordable energy for its inhabitants.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  By enabling a massive scale-up of renewable energy integration, the grid enhancement is a critical measure for climate change mitigation (Target 13.2). It strengthens national capacity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The Gr.Ita2 interconnection project is a clear demonstration of a cross-border partnership (Target 17.6 and 17.7) between Italy and Greece. This collaboration enhances regional energy security and promotes the sharing of clean energy resources, contributing to shared sustainability objectives.

Analysis of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The article’s primary focus is on strengthening the electricity grid to support the integration of renewable energy and ensure a secure energy supply. This directly aligns with ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The investment in developing and upgrading the electricity grid, including new power lines and interconnections, is a clear example of building resilient, sustainable, and reliable infrastructure.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  By developing infrastructure that enables a “better integration of the renewable capacity,” the project directly contributes to climate change mitigation efforts by facilitating a shift away from fossil fuels.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The project involves a significant cross-border partnership, specifically the “240km-long interconnection” between Italy and Greece, highlighting international cooperation to achieve sustainable development.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.

   • The article explicitly states that the new infrastructure, such as the Adriatic Backbone, will “allow better integration of the renewable capacity expected in the coming years.” Terna’s plan includes strategic projects aimed at “the integration of renewable sources.”

2. Target 7.a: By 2030, enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology… and promote investment in energy infrastructure and clean energy technology.

   • The project features a major interconnection between Italy and Greece (Gr.Ita2), which is a direct form of international cooperation to enhance energy infrastructure. The article mentions Terna and Greece’s IPTO signing on the new interconnector.

3. Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure… to support economic development and human well-being.

   • The entire €3.2 billion investment is for Terna’s “Electricity Grid Development Plan,” which aims to “increase electricity transport capacity,” “increase system security,” and ensure the “safe management of the entire south of the nation.” This describes the development of reliable and resilient infrastructure.

4. Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation.

   • The collaboration on the Gr.Ita2 interconnector between Italy and Greece is a direct example of regional international cooperation on technology and infrastructure to “maximise the exchange of energy” between the two countries.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Financial Investment

   • The article specifies a “€3.2 billion ($3.7 billion) investment allocation for the coming decade.” This is a direct financial indicator of the commitment to developing the energy infrastructure.

2. Infrastructure Development Metrics

   • Specific physical metrics are provided, such as the “240km-long interconnection” with Greece, “two 50km long direct current overland power lines,” and the management of “over 4,000km of high-voltage and extra-high-voltage power lines and 61 electrical substations in Puglia.” These serve as direct indicators of infrastructure scale and development.

3. Energy Capacity and Output

   • The new interconnection is designed to have a “power output of up to 1,000MW.” This is a key performance indicator for measuring the increased capacity for energy exchange and integration of renewables.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: smart-energy.com