Terna’s €1.3bn Adriatic Link Project in Italy receives green light

The Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security has officially authorized the construction of the Adriatic Link, a submarine power line project by Terna. This ambitious project aims to connect the regions of Marche and Abruzzo, marking a pivotal development in Italy’s efforts to bolster energy exchange in central Italy and align with the National Integrated Plan for Energy and Climate (PNIEC) objectives. Recognized as a strategic initiative by the regulatory authority, the Adriatic Link is set to enhance the security, flexibility, and renewable energy integration within the national electrical system.

Spanning approximately 210 kilometers with two submarine cables laid at depths up to 100 meters, complemented by 40 kilometers of underground cables, this advanced technological and environmentally conscious connection will link Cepagatti (Pescara), Abruzzo, and Fano (Pesaro-Urbino), Marche. The project includes the construction of conversion stations near existing electrical substations, facilitating an increase in exchange capacity by about 1,000 MW between Italy’s Centre-South and Centre-North zones. This infrastructure enhancement will enable the effective integration and transfer of energy produced by southern wind and photovoltaic plants to northern consumption centers.

The Adriatic Link not only promises an improvement in the reliability and security of Italy’s transmission service along the Adriatic backbone but also supports the better utilization of national generation facilities and the increased integration of renewable energy sources. Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin highlighted the project’s significance in achieving European decarbonization targets and the Italian energy system’s alignment with the PNIEC.

Terna’s CEO and General Manager, Giuseppina Di Foggia, expressed satisfaction with the ministry’s approval, emphasizing the project’s role in enhancing the national power grid’s security and resilience. With an investment of approximately €1.3 billion, the Adriatic Link is a cornerstone of Terna’s Ten-Year Development Plan, underscoring Italy’s commitment to becoming a European and Mediterranean energy hub.

The project’s authorization follows extensive dialogue and consultation with local communities, involving over 120 meetings with regional and municipal administrations, associations, and citizens since December 2020. This collaborative approach underscores the importance of community engagement in the development of significant national infrastructure projects.