System integration

In the challenging context of energy transition, we offer our experience as a global pioneer in the testing of smart solutions and innovative electrochemical storage technologies on a “utility scale” level (a larger scale compared to consumer electronics), with a large range of new solutions for the energy market.

Our services are aimed at commercial and industrial clients and, more generally, system operators, with a range of “on-grid” solutions, several of which fall within the storage categories, but also with systems to increase electricity efficiency or consultation on issues such as energy transition, efficiency, storage, TLC.

Terna Plus is the best choice for clients in need of support in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) activities or as independent power producers (IPP), offering highly flexible business models, storage solutions, smart grids and micro-grids.

Terna’s experience

In 2012, Terna initiated a series of pilot storage projects with the aim to maximise generation from renewable sources and at the same time increase the safety margins of the Italian transmission grid. We therefore offer our clients the guarantee of distinctive experience in this sector.

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Large Scale Project

In Italy, the Large Scale project envisages the management of "energy intensive" batteries, i.e. batteries with a high stored-energy to installed-power ratio, such as NaS 35MW/232MWh, on three different platforms (Flumeri, Ginestra e Scampitella). These platforms are the first to be adapted to fulfil grid managers’ requirements, which are controlled remotely and managed by Terna’s control centres. Their aim is to ensure maximal use of wind plants, reducing grid congestion linked to excessive wind production with regards to the power lines’ transport capacity.

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Storage Lab Project

A second, more experimental project was realized in Sicily and Sardinia: it’s called Storage Lab and is a laboratory project that allows the testing and performance assessment of the main technologies and chemistries available on the market (supercapacitors, lithium-based batteries, ZEBRA batteries, vanadium redox batteries) as well as the innovative nature of the advanced control systems for the management of multi-technological battery plants as a single plant (Virtual Power Plant). Here, we have experimented mostly "power intensive" batteries (a total of 13.45 MW/17.23MWh), which deliver a high power output for short periods of time (mainly “ancillary services”), focusing on their performance, durability and technical characteristics in different operating conditions (normal and extreme).

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Smart Island

The Smart Island project aims to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions on various Italian minor islands that have no connection with the national grid. Here, power plants mainly powered by RES and BESS (Battery Energy Storage Systems) will be used. We already have a demonstration project (Giannutri Island) and 3 other projects (Giglio, Pantelleria and Certosa Islands) under way which integrate the internal combustion motors with BESS and RES.

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Codrongianos Storage Lab worksite. Size planned (MW): ≈ 8.56 MW - In testing: ≈ 7.9 MW - Number of Storage Systems planned: 9 - Number of Storage Systems in testing: 8
Solutions using lithium, ZEBRA and flow technologies are installed. The systems will be completed with further installation of supercapacitors.
In pursuit of testing goals, the Storage Lab installations are composed of a Storage System area divided into plots (one for each technology) and a further area for connection of power, control and monitoring equipment.
Storage System Area: - Group of plots, one for each technology, for installation of the different storage systems - Each plot is connected with the MV Set-Up Area for power, control and auxiliary services.
All ZEBRA solutions installed are in containers and require an installation area of around 20x25 m. Unlike lithium technology, the modules are directly connected to the DC bus (they are not therefore connected in series in racks).
The battery unit is composed of multiple electrochemical cells, appropriately connected in series or parallel.
The MV Set-Up Area hosts: - Central control system - MV system control panel (double busbar) - Auxiliary systems.
A 12 MW NCSS system occupies a surface area of around 7000–8000 m2 and is divided into two 6 MW symmetrical sub-systems, connected to the National transmission grid (NTG) via a 20/150 kV connection substation.
1.2 MW battery container. NaS technology. Charging capacity around 8 hours. 2.4 MW inverter for battery control. The battery module is composed of 224 cells, connected electrically in series or parallel for nominal voltage of 32 V and 100% SOC (State of Charge). The nominal power of the module is 30 kW.
The Storage Unit (SU) is a minimal subsystem that can be activated separately, locally or remotely. An SU is composed of a PCS and one or two battery groups activated simultaneously.
Each 12 MW NCSS plant is characterised by a nominal net discharge energy of around 80 MWh: the energy capacity of batteries allows for a total charge phase at nominal power of approximately 10 hours and a total discharge phase of roughly 7.5 hours.
Terna has designed the NCSS systems attempting to increase their reliability, redundancy and modularity. Conventional design criteria have been adopted for the creation of MV and LV sections of system auxiliary services, as for the 20/150 kV Connection Stations. The design solutions adopted all offer removability.