On September 30, Terna held the first MACSE auction (Electric Storage Capacity Procurement Mechanism), allocating 10 GWh of energy storage capacity across southern Italy and the islands, covering 100% of the requested demand. Total offers exceeded four times the demand, and the weighted average price came in at €12,959/MWh-year, well below the reserve price of €37,000/MWh-year. The prices by area were €14,566/MWh-year for Central-South, €12,146/MWh-year for South and Calabria, €15,846/MWh-year for Sicily, and €15,029/MWh-year for Sardinia.

The contracted facilities, lithium-ion batteries, are expected to enter service in 2028. The auction was organized across four separate areas—Central-South, South and Calabria, Sicily, and Sardinia—each with minimum and maximum quantities defined by Terna.

According to Giuseppina Di Foggia, CEO and General Manager of Terna, “The auction results show strong market competition and interest. The associated investment volume is estimated at around €1 billion, which will support better integration of renewable energy sources. Future auctions will follow the evolution of renewable generation and grid development. Since 2023, over 17 GW of new renewable plants have already entered service. Terna is committed to ensuring a resilient, smart, and sustainable electricity network.”

The MACSE framework, defined by Terna under Legislative Decree 210/2021 and ARERA Resolution 247/23, was approved by the Minister of Environment and Energy Security in October 2024, following European Commission approval in December 2023.

The storage capacity procured through MACSE will play a key role in operating the electricity system in the coming years, as the share of non-programmable renewable energy increases. It will enable full integration of renewables and provide dispatching services necessary to maintain system adequacy and security.