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Energy
from traditional sources

planning
the energy
to generate
generating
energy
transmitting
energy
distributing
energy
on the grid
using
energy

Energy
from renewable sources

transmitting
energy
generation and management of energy
distributing
energy
reusing
energy
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PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER

How does it work?

Solar panels convert sunlight into direct current electricity. Inverter units immediately step in, transforming direct current into alternating current, which is simpler to manage and transport.

Where do we come in?

We record the data that allow us to monitor the progress of the energy transition in Italy, starting with installations and the number and power of plants. It is actually very important for us to know where the plants are located as well as how much energy they produce. For example, Terna’s analysis — as outlined in the Scenarios Document — shows that photovoltaic generation is at its highest, on average, during spring and summer, peaking during July. Meanwhile, the lowest value occurs in January. Moreover, the producibility of solar plants is greater at lower latitudes.

WIND POWER

How does it work?

The blades of windmills or wind turbines convert the kinetic energy of the wind into electricity.

Where do we come in?

We examine the data on the geographical distribution of wind farms and the weather forecasts that affect their producibility and efficiency. Once again, the quantity of energy produced is a vital piece of information for us: in fact, the trends here are the reverse of those for photovoltaic power, with the highest values being seen during autumn and winter and the lowest in summer. The absolute lowest point comes in July, while the peak is in January. Terna’s analysis — as outlined in the Scenarios Document — shows that photovoltaic and wind resources display completely different generation profiles, making them highly complementary.

HYDROELECTRIC POWER

How does it work?

Hydroelectric power stations harness the movement of water and use turbines and alternators to generate electricity. Ever since Italy’s very first plants were built in the late 1800s, hydroelectric power has been considered the quintessential renewable source, and the oldest in the nation.

Where do we come in?

Again, we monitor the generation data for these plants as well as the data on their associated waterways and reservoirs.

GEOTHERMAL POWER AND BIOENERGY

How does it work?

Geothermal plants are facilities designed to harness the earth’s natural heat present in the subsoil in order to generate electricity. This is another source which has been around for a very long time, and a sector in which Italy has been a world leader ever since 1800.

Bioenergy, meanwhile, includes all forms of energy obtained from biomass (the biodegradable part of products, waste and scraps from organic origins, such as plants and wood), bioliquids (liquid fuels obtained from biomass, which can be of plant or animal origin), and biogas (consisting mainly of methane and carbon dioxide formed from organic material).

Where do we come in?

We gather data on the generation of electricity by existing plants.

ELECTRICITY STORAGE SYSTEMS

How does it work?

A storage system offers a way to store energy and make it available at a later time, based on demand. Currently, the most common and widely used storage systems are hydroelectric pumps, which rely on well-established technology and are suitable for prolonged use thanks to their high storage capacity; and electrochemical storage (or batteries), which are highly responsive and increasingly widespread thanks in part to falling costs and the development of electric mobility. Storage systems may or may not be integrated with a generation plant (if present), whether renewable or non-renewable.

Where do we come in?

Just as we do for renewable plants, we also gather data on the power and capacity of storage systems all over Italy, as well as the number and type of installations.

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TERNA.DATA
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