TERNA: EURO 300 MILLION TO CONNECT ONE END OF TO THE OTHER

The new authorisation process has begun for the -Ciminna 380 kv power line

One of the most significant investments planned in , directed at improving the reliability and quality of the electricity service in Sicily, promoting generation from renewable sources

The first extra high voltage connection extending over 172 km in the western part of the island

A total of 20 km of old lines will be demolished in areas with value, resulting in a total of 60 hectares of freed up land

Rome, 23 October 2020 – Terna will be investing around Euro 300 million to connect one end of Sicily to the other, and significantly improve the quality of the island’s grid, promoting generation from renewable sources: the Ministry of Economic Development has announced the resumption of the authorisation process confirming the Chiaramonte Gulfi - Ciminna connection.

One of the most significant investments planned in Italy, which will include a new 380 kV double circuit power line extending over 172 km, connecting the existing electrical power stations in Chiaramonte Gulfi in the province of Ragusa to Ciminna in the , traversing 6 provinces (, Caltanissetta, , Enna, Palermo and Ragusa) and 24 municipalities.

It will be the first extra high voltage connection in the west of the island, currently provided with a 150 kV grid. An essential project to overcome the critical section between the eastern and western areas in Sicily, thus creating better conditions for the electricity market. More specifically, the power line will guarantee energy exchanges between the eastern and western areas of Sicily; improve electricity grid security, consequently raising quality and continuity in supplies and make it much safer to utilise the energy produced from renewable sources.

Once the infrastructure has been set up, Terna will be demolishing around 20 km of electricity lines in densely populated areas and areas of environment and cultural value, for a total of approximately 60 hectares of land freed up from the older infrastructure.

60 companies and about 450 workers will be involved in the project construction.