The Interregional Operational Program (POI), approved in 2007 by the European Commission and to be completed by 2013, aims to increase energy consumption produced by renewable sources and to promote local development opportunities by enhancing energy efficiency.
Focal points of POI are the so-called Italian “convergence regions”, namely Campania, Calabria, Puglia, and Sicily, which are working with Enel on the network’s reinforcement and innovation. Each region has a pilot program to increase the availability of medium voltage network, with direct benefits for both distributor and consumers, whether private or company. POI projects will improve voltage regulation, preventing unwanted effects of momentary interruptions, and will help to better connect renewable plants.
In order to improve the development and implementation of distributed generation, the POI will develop a broadband communication network between the medium voltage network and substation, generators and loads. The Programme also helps to improve remote control systems, the Remote Terminal Unit used across the grid-controlled area and control systems for the so-called “prosumers”, meaning those consumers who own renewable plants and communicate with the network as central distributed generation players .
- Project duration: 2007-2013
- Funds: 77 million Euro (part of which dedicated to Smart Grids technologies)
- Project partners: Enel, the Regional Government of Campania, Calabria, Puglia and Sicily
