Terna commits to more sustainable electricity infrastructure

Italian transmission system operator Terna has signed a memorandum of understanding with environmental associations including WWF and Greenpeace.

Under the MoU Terna commits to the development and construction of increasingly sustainable electricity infrastructure, integrated into the local areas and respectful of the environment and biodiversity.

Specifically the collaboration, which extends an existing agreement for a further three years, is aimed at an increasingly ambitious improvement of the environmental sustainability of the development plan of the Italian transmission grid and of Terna’s business plan, with a view to system decarbonisation through dialogue and discussion on subjects and measures of mutual interest.

Under the agreement, Terna is set to start a conversation on future energy scenarios and on the technological innovations of the electricity grids to support renewable energy sources, on the basis of national and European objectives and directives.

Have you read?
Enel launches ‘circularity index’ in sustainability push
From linear to circular: the business transition to sustainability

Furthermore, attention will be focussed on the integration in local planning of the other resources necessary for the energy transition, including storage systems and offshore wind farms.

The agreement also has the objective of increasing and monitoring the level of integration of environmental criteria in the grid planning process, including the possible definition of new performance indicators on environmental sustainability.

Lastly, the parties undertake to act on the regulatory aspects that allow for the acceleration of authorisations of infrastructure works.

“Terna, as director of the energy transition, has always been committed to the environmentally sustainable development of grid infrastructures, through an innovative approach based on continuous discussion and sharing with all stakeholders which benefits local communities and territories,” says Valentina Bosetti, chairwoman.

“The renewed collaboration will allow us to continue along the path we have been on for years to make the planning and construction choices of works in the area in an increasingly sustainable way, and to protect the environmental and biodiversity heritage in our country.”

The organisations are Greenpeace Italia, Legambiente and WWF Italia.