Limit the losses of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)

Thanks to its physical and chemical properties, hexafluoride gas (SF6) is used as a means of insulation in some types of electrical equipment, allowing their implementation in compact operation. The SF6-insulated equipment guarantees:

 

• less area occupied;
• greater security.

This explains why the use of Sf6 is continuously increasing in Terna’s plants. SF6 is classified among greenhouse gases: since some of the gas present in the infrastructures tends to disperse, especially because of leaks in the seals, Terna is committed to limit these losses.

According to the programs for new equipment installation, started in 2009 but that are conditioned by suppliers availability, the expected reduction in SF6 losses should be equal to 0.1% over five years from the start of the campaign.

In 2010, Terna has launched a study to identify equipment with abnormal losses and assess the feasibility of an ad hoc maintenance program. The results of the study will help more precisely define a target value for the incidence of SF6 losses.

 

Energy saving in the stations

Terna uses electricity in the stations to guarantee the operation and remote control of the equipment. The principal sources of consumption are represented by:

 

• cooling of power transformers;
• external lighting;
• air conditioning  for technical rooms with electrical equipment
• ancillary control circuits;
• control and protection of all equipment and machinery.

The energy consumed is strictly necessary to guarantee the operation of the power stations. Nonetheless Terna is committed to finding opportunities for saving. From this point of view, the most significant measures regard:

• natural circulation systems and/or automation: the goal is to optimize the operation of the transformer’s cooling pumps and fans;
• energy efficient lighting solutions: aims at using LED lights and automatic on and off systems, sensitive  to light conditions and able to display any irregularities;
• photovoltaic panels on station buildings: their installation is aimed at covering at least  the energy needed for the computers handling the plants.

The extent of the effects of these initiatives will be possible only in the medium term, when the projects will have reached a more advanced phase.

 

Reduce emissions related to mobility

Terna’s car fleet – used principally to inspect the power lines and for repair works - covers a vast territory: therefore causing pollution and CO2 emissions. To reduce the environmental impact of transportation, the principal measure consists in the modernization of the car fleet and in its careful maintenance.

Other actions undertaken by Terna in the past few years to minimize the effects of employee mobility were:

 

• plans to improve the mobility of the employees: the three different main offices present in Rome have been reunited  in a single building. Similar action was taken in Milan;
• monitoring of employee travel: a survey investigated the employee’s home/office trips;
• use of videoconference equipment: in Rome and Milan respectively in 13 and eight meeting rooms, equipment was placed to connect other equipment placed at suppliers, partners and other Terna’s offices;
• incentives to use public transportation: benefits were granted to employees for the purpose of purchasing annual commuting tickets. Furthermore, transfer services to public transport hubs have been created for two of the Rome offices and for the Milan office.
• Establishment of a Mobility Manager;
• eco driving /safe driving courses.

 

New initiatives

To contrast climate change, in 2009 Terna has launched two new initiatives:

 

• neutralization of CO2 emissions related to corporate publications (Terna News, Annual Financial Report and Sustainability Report). On the whole, approximately 18,000 sq. m. of land will be reforested, partly in Madagascar and partly in Rome, in the Parco dell’Aniene.