Italy abandons Palazzolo Acreide substation and rejects Ittiri Bess storage project

Terna Spa announced it will withdraw from the planned 380/150 kV transmission substation in Palazzolo Acreide, Sicily, formally ending the authorization process that began in June 2023. The decision follows local opposition, concerns over the historic necropolis of Santo Lio, missed construction deadlines and the lack of an archaeological investigation plan.

Separately, Italy’s Ministry of the Environment rejected the 470.4 MW electro‑chemical storage project “Ittiri Bess” in the municipality of Ittiri, Sardinia. The ministry cited incompatibility with the territory, missing regional agreement and the absence of Terna’s endorsement. Regional assessor Francesco Spanedda said, “The ministerial provision shows that the protection of territory, landscape, agricultural areas and cultural heritage must rest on rigorous and reasoned administrative acts.” Both decisions illustrate tighter scrutiny of energy infrastructure projects in Italy.