Energy distribution

THE DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS

Areti manages the electricity distribution network of Rome and Formello, covering approximately 32,200 km and capable of supplying over 2.8 million residents. In terms of volumes of electricity distributed, about 9,400 GWh in 2022, Acea is the third largest Italian operator in the sector.
Table no. 53 presents the principal plant data of the Company, including the number of primary and secondary substations, the transformers¹⁷³ and the km of overhead and underground distribution lines.
The environmental indicator related to protecting the land, calculated as a percentage share of the underground high-voltage (HV) network in relation to the total of the HV lines in use (overhead and underground), improved thanks to the continuing transformation and modernisation of the high and extra-high-voltage electricity distribution grid, and stood at 49.3% in 2022 (47% in 2021).

Table no. 53 – Number of plants and overhead and underground distribution lines (2020-2022)

The activities defined in the Plan to modernise the high-voltage (150 kV) electricity distribution network¹⁷⁴, which are constantly being developed, reduce the environmental impact thanks to the demolition of power lines and the removal of pylons, and help to deliver energy savings through the reconfiguration and optimisation of the HV network:

• works continued to dismantle decommissioned HV lines, with removal of a total of 49 pylons for 150-kV and 60-kV lines;
• 4 km of 60 kV high-voltage lines in EPR underground cable (Castel Romano HV lines 1 and 2 leaving PS Laurentina towards Via Gadda terminal area) were decommissioned;
• the new 150 kV Selvotta - Castel Romana line (comprising a 8 km overhead section with 24 pylons and a 2 km underground section) was completed and entered into operation;
• works to modernise the existing 150 kV Capannelle - Cinecittà/O HV line began (laying of 6 km of new HV cable and subsequent removal of two sets of three HV cables extending for 2.7 km).

The management of the electricity distribution network of Rome and Formello is characterized by the continuous improvement of the performance, with a particular focus on energy efficiency. Areti implements measures, such as the reclassification of medium voltage levels from 8.4 kV to 20 kV and the installation of MV/LV transformers with very low losses, which help to reduce grid losses. In 2022, grid losses amounted to 6.5% of total issued power, in line with the previous year (6.0%). For further information see the Energy savings section in the chapter The use of materials, energy and water.
Upgrading electricity lines promotes and supports the energy transition. In this context, certain projects launched by Areti, such as PlatOne, G.I.M.M.I. and Be Flexible, are particularly significant. The PlatOne project also involves Acea Energy and aims to effectively manage the expected increase in distribution network loads by actively involving customers. The G.I.M.M.I. project focuses on developing a system that improves grid monitoring and maintenance. The third project, launched in September 2022, tests the use of flexibility services, as well as synergies between the electricity system and other sectors, to promote network stability and security. For more details, see the section "The Commitment to Research and Innovation" in the Institutions and the Company chapter.

173 With regard to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pursuant to Legislative Decree no. 209/99 and Law no. 62/05, Acea disposed of transformers with PCBs above the 500 ppm threshold in 2009. In 2022, 114 transformers with PCBs above 50 ppm but below the threshold of 500 ppm, with 41 reported to ARPA, with a PCB quantity of 6,398 ppm and a weight of approximately 46 tonnes, all of which were recovered.
174 Defined in the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2010 between Areti SpA, Municipality of Rome and Terna SpA.