E-Distribuzione: The Role of the Largest Italian Distribution System Operator in the Energy Transition

Abstract

With a network of over one million kilometres, customers in excess of 30 million, and a workforce above 15,000 people, E-Distribuzione is the largest Italian electricity distribution system operator. After briefly tracing the company origins from the unbundling of formerly vertically-integrated Enel group, the paper offers a detailed overview of the projects the Company has made in the recent past in order to turn its network into a smart grid. This multifaceted upgrade and improvement programme has enabled E-Distribuzione to achieve a more flexible management of the grid, stronger control over the infrastructure—both low- and medium-voltage—, and improved resiliency. Even more importantly, it has been key to the evolution of the network towards an open, decentralised model of power generation and distribution based on ever-increasing reliance on RES. Along this path to Energy Transition, E-Distribuzione has pioneered new technological solutions, conducted intensive R&D activities, both in-house and in cooperation with a variety of university, government, and industrial partners, and launched a number of experimental projects.