Ventotene – an off-the-grid Italian island

A modern power supply for a remote island in the Mediterranean. The Italian energy utility Enel Produzione SPA had a clear goal for the island of Ventotene: a stable power supply system that would operate more sustainably, economically, and reliably. And Siemens had the complete solution: The SIESTORAGE storage system, optimally combined with the Microgrid Controller.

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The challenge The island of Ventotene was not connected to the Italian power grid. The existing supply system consisted of four diesel generators at 600 kWh each and a photovoltaic system. It was important that the power supply system keep pace with the small Mediterranean island’s growing economy.

The design of the entire network had to be made more efficient, ecological, and stable – using intelligent, innovative solutions.

This approach included the integration of renewable energy sources to reduce the supply of diesel and to create greater sustainability. An additional goal was to perfectly coordinate all existing and new power components and, even more important, to respond quickly and reliably to grid fluctuations, ultimately guaranteeing a stable network.

The customer The island of Ventotene is located in the Mediterranean about 100 km from Rome. Around 700 people occupy an area of 153 hectares – until the summer months, when the number of inhabitants grows to more than 3,000. It’s an extreme situation, including for the power supply system.

The Italian energy utility Enel Produzione SPA brought these requirements to Siemens. The challenge was to develop a complete, customized solution for supplying power to Ventotene. The focus was on a consistently reliable and stable system – a system that would also increase the efficiency of the existing diesel generators while making maximum use of renewable energies – and working with a qualified partner that could offer everything from a single source.

We were interested not only in pricing but in competence, reliability, and sustainability. And we were looking for a partner who shared our values.

ENEL, Italy

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The solution The Siemens solution relies on all components working together: converters, batteries, low-voltage and medium-voltage switchgear, and the control unit, all integrated into a modern control system.

A stable network – thanks to SIESTORAGE

To balance out the extreme fluctuations in the grid, a SIESTORAGE storage system was installed with an output of 500 kW and a storage capacity of 600 kWh. The combination of lithium-ion batteries and state-of-the-art power electronics prevents peak loads and offers an alternative energy supply during maintenance or in the event of a failure. The grid remains in balance, with environmentally friendly added value: more solar energy can be integrated and the operation of generators optimized.

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Under complete control

To ensure that both components supplement each other optimally, the Microgrid Controller handles the comprehensive monitoring tasks. Among other things, it ensures that short-term peak loads are handled by the SIESTORAGE system and not by the existing diesel generators, as was the case previously. During off-peak periods, the generators can even be switched off entirely. The benefits are immediately apparent in fuel savings, lower delivery and storage costs, reduced maintenance costs, and fewer CO2 emissions.

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Microgrid for a small Mediterranean island

The Magazine

The result With the aid of a complete, customized solution, the power supply system on Ventotene was tailored to meet the new needs of the island – with measurable results after only seven months of operation.