This paper was conceived to investigate some central issues related to the upheaval of current energy scenarios in Sicily. New power connection lines that are about to be built in the Mediterranean area, planned with a view to a constantly increasing renewable generation, encourage the carrying out of analyses on how the Sicilian electric power system will be able to make itself ready to support large power injections, especially due to new renewables plants that will be established in the region soon. This study, carried out in close collaboration with the Italian TSO Terna S.p.A and the University of Palermo, defines what the impacts of new renewable power plants will be on the Sicilian power transmission grid under intact and non-intact grid conditions. This study consists of steady-state simulations carried out using WinCreso^® software version 7.62.1-3 in two energy scenarios estimated for the years 2024 and 2027, based on real connection requests by producers to Terna, and allows one to go beyond the studies conducted so far on a 2030 basis through the precise identification of network nodes or lines in difficulty. Finally, as well as presenting an interesting case study due to Sicily’s strategic position in the Mediterranean Sea, this article proposes a methodological approach that can easily be adopted in other contexts and by other TSOs to analyze similar situations.

Sicily, an Italian region in the south of Italy, is a candidate for becoming an energy “hub” in the Mediterranean in the coming years. Its geographical location, between the African continent and Europe, makes it a key hub for the distribution of electricity flows. The region has great potential for the development of renewable energy sources. Inspired by the Australian “Renewable Energy Zones” model, the identification of existing Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) and the proper design of future REZs on the territory will simplify and improve the operation of the network. A very effective tool in managing REZs is Dynamic Thermal Rating (DTR) technology. This technology allows for dynamic rating of the high voltage transmission system, ensuring that the maximum allowable current is transported while preventing the annealing of the electrical conductor and complying with all necessary safety parameters. The objective of the work carried out in collaboration with Terna S.p.A. (Italian Transmission System Operator) was to evaluate the application of this technology on the Sicilian electricity network in order to reduce potential network congestion and system inefficiencies. The results obtained demonstrate the significant potential of Dynamic Thermal Rating in Sicily. These devices would allow a significant increase in the current flow of electrical lines without violating safety limits.

This paper investigates the impact of renewable energy source (RES) integration on the Sicilian transmission network, considering the commissioning of new Mediterranean interconnections, namely the TUN-ITA and the Tyrrhenian Link. The expansion of transmission infrastructures and the increasing penetration of RES require an assessment of the Sicilian power system’s capability to accommodate high levels of power injection. This study was carried out in collaboration with the Italian transmission system operator Terna S.p.A. and the University of Palermo. It aims to evaluate the evolution of transmission line loading under future RES integration scenarios consistent with grid connection requests submitted to Terna and with national energy policy targets. The proposed methodology integrates micro-zonal assessments of wind and solar potential, estimation of capacity factors, development of RES capacity expansion scenarios, and steady-state power flow simulations. The simulations were performed using WinCreso^® software version 7.69 for three time horizons: 2028, 2029, and 2035. The results show the most congested transmission lines and the network areas most exposed to congestion. The analysis provides operational insights for prioritizing grid reinforcement measures and proposes a replicable methodological framework for other transmission system operators facing similar RES integration challenges.

Sicily, an Italian region in the south of Italy, is candidate to become an energy "hub" in the Mediterranean in the coming years. Its geographical location, between the African continent and Europe, makes it a crucial hub for the distribution of electricity flows. The region has a high potential for exploiting renewable energy sources. Inspired by the Australian “Renewable Energy Zones” model, identifying existing Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) and properly designing future REZs on the territory will simplify and enhance the operation of the grid.A very effective tool in managing REZs is Dynamic Thermal Rating (DTR) technology. This technology allows dynamic rating on the high voltage transmission system, ensuring the maximum allowable current is transported while preventing the annealing of the electrical conductor and adhering to all necessary safety parameters.In the work carried out in collaboration with Terna S.p.A (Italian Transmission System Operator), the goal was to assess the application of this technology on the Sicilian electricity grid, to reduce potential network congestion and system inefficiencies.The results obtained demonstrate the significant potential of Dynamic Thermal Rating in Sicily. These devices would allow a substantial increase in the current flow on electrical lines without violating safety limits.

A replicable methodology for testing the size and placement of Battery Energy Storage Systems connected to high-voltage transmission networks is presented in this study. The proposed approach involves the power flow analysis inside a Renewable Energy Zone, namely a high-renewable area prone to grid congestion during peak generation periods, based on time-series hourly analysis over a critical month. The model includes detailed operational descriptions such as lines ampacity, battery state of charge limits, round-trip efficiency, self-discharge behavior, and ramp rate restrictions. The methodology distinguishes itself by its simplicity, flexibility, and use of open-source tools, making it a valuable asset for supporting future transmission planning in high-renewable-energy scenarios. The model was developed in Python (version 3.12) using the open-source Pandapower library, introducing an innovative constraint management criterion, and validated against real data provided by the national Transmission System Operator. The approach was then applied to a portion of the Sicilian grid with massive wind and solar penetration. Results show that strategic allocation of batteries leads to a significant reduction in line overloads (up to 13 GWh mitigated in one month), improves the dispatch of renewable energy generated within the Renewable Energy Zone and allows a more sustainable exercise of the power system.