Italy’s grid operator Terna has officially begun construction on the Chiaramonte Gulfi–Ciminna power line, following the project’s groundbreaking ceremony on May 14. The new infrastructure, a strategic asset for Sicily’s power grid, will connect the island’s eastern and western regions, improving service quality and reliability across the territory.

As part of its 2025–2034 Development Plan, Terna is investing €3.5 billion in Sicily over the next decade—more than in any other Italian region. The island’s geographic location positions it as a key player in Italy’s ambition to become a Mediterranean energy hub, through initiatives like Elmed, the first power link between Europe and Africa, and the Tyrrhenian Link, which will connect Sicily to both Campania and Sardinia.

The project, which involves an investment of approximately €440 million, includes the construction of a new 380 kV overhead line stretching about 170 kilometers. It will link the existing substations in Chiaramonte Gulfi (Ragusa) and Ciminna (Palermo), crossing six provinces—Agrigento, Caltanissetta, Catania, Enna, Palermo, and Ragusa—and 24 municipalities.

This is the first ultra-high voltage transmission line built by Terna in western Sicily, a region currently served by 220 kV and 150 kV lines. The new infrastructure will significantly increase energy transmission capacity and enable a more stable, secure management of the local grid. It will also allow for a more efficient use of electricity generated from renewable sources, further supporting Italy’s energy transition.

The project is the result of a broad public consultation process, which culminated in a Memorandum of Understanding signed between Terna, the Sicilian Region, and local provinces and municipalities. The agreement includes a plan to streamline the 150 kV and 70 kV network, allowing for the demolition of around 20 kilometers of existing lines in densely populated urban areas.

The construction—expected to take approximately 48 months—involves numerous specialized firms and highly skilled professionals, including civil and electrical engineering companies, high-tech electrical component suppliers, construction contractors, and local operators. The project is also expected to generate substantial direct and indirect economic and employment benefits across the region, particularly in the services, logistics, and materials supply sectors.