EIB provides $466 million loan to upgrade Enel network in Rome

The investment by Enel Distribuzione will strengthen and extend the network and the power load capacity of the existing lines, ultimately benefiting the entire domestic grid. The aim of the project is to connect 240,000 new users, many of whom are represented by small and medium-sized generators via renewable sources of electricity. More than a third of the new connections (37%) will be in southern Italy.

Enel Distribuzione's project is to make-up of the components to be used to establish smart grids and improve the existing traditional grids (tension sensors; actuators to interrupt and re-establish electrical current both under normal operating conditions and when there is a breakdown; innovative microprocessor protection systems, static storage systems and grid regulation systems; WiFi communications infrastructure, WiMax and fibre optics to support operating systems, emergency management and opportunity management).

These are mostly known technologies like BAT (best available technologies) and sometimes NAT (not available technologies) in keeping with the technical definitions used in the sector in Europe.