Terna to Enhance Power Grid in Syracuse and Catania with €20M Underground Cable Project

Terna to Enhance Power Grid in Syracuse and Catania with €20M Underground Cable Project

(IN BRIEF) Terna has initiated public consultation on a €20 million project to install a 150 kV underground cable between Augusta and Augusta 2 in Sicily, aiming to improve grid reliability and efficiency. The new infrastructure will replace 52 km of overhead lines and 143 pylons, freeing up over 150 hectares of land across several municipalities in Syracuse and Catania. The project is part of the broader Paternò-Pantano-Priolo power line effort and is expected to deliver major environmental and community benefits. Citizens may review planning documents and submit comments within 30 days.

(PRESS RELEASE) ROME, 15-Apr-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Terna has taken a key step forward in its plans to strengthen the electricity infrastructure in Sicily, publishing a notice detailing land plots potentially affected by its upcoming project in the provinces of Syracuse and Catania. This follows the Region of Sicily’s official start of the approval process for reorganising the local grid network.

The initiative, led by Terna CEO Giuseppina Di Foggia, involves the installation of a 150 kV underground cable stretching approximately six kilometres. The new line will link Terna’s Augusta substation to the “Augusta 2” Primary Cabin operated by the local energy distributor. Backed by an investment of roughly €20 million, the project forms part of broader operations tied to the construction of the Paternò-Pantano-Priolo power line.

By improving transmission resilience and boosting grid efficiency, the new cable will enhance the overall quality and reliability of electricity service in the region. Once operational, the connection will pave the way for the dismantling of around 52 kilometres of aging overhead lines and the removal of 143 pylons. This effort will benefit multiple municipalities in the Free Municipal Consortium of Syracuse — including Melilli, Augusta, Lentini, Carlentini, and Priolo Gargallo — as well as the municipality of Catania.

The elimination of outdated infrastructure will return more than 150 hectares of land to local communities, creating notable environmental gains and opening up new opportunities for land use.

Residents, especially those whose properties may be impacted by the project, can review the detailed planning documents at the offices of the Region of Sicily and the municipalities of Augusta and Melilli. Comments or concerns may be submitted in writing to the Region and to Terna within 30 days of the notice’s publication.

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SOURCE: TERNA S.p.A.