A New Approach to Increase the Integration of RES in a Mediterranean Island by Using HTLS Conductors

Today, in many countries, it is very difficult to build new power lines, especially because of right of way authorization problems. Furthermore, the production of electricity from renewable sources is growing more and more. For these reasons Terna S.p.A. (Italian TSO) has to take advantage of existing overhead transmission lines. In order to increase the transmission capacity and the exportation of RES (Renewable Energy Sources) from Sicily to the mainland, the existing high-voltage power grid in Sicily has been studied and analysed by Neplan®, which is a powerful software tool able to analyze, plan, optimize and simulate electrical power grids. This paper, after a description of existing power grid in Sicily and HTLS (High Temperature Low Sag) Conductors, shows how it is possible to increase the active power exportation from RES to the mainland, under certain load conditions during the summer and winter.