Professor Eleonora Riva Sanseverino
of the University of Palermo, a leading figure in electrical engineering with a specialisation in smart grids and the digitisation of power systems, joins us to trace Italy’s path towards the modernisation of its energy infrastructure.
With the benefit of her in-depth and authoritative perspective on the current status of the energy transition, she offers Lightbox an exclusive analysis of Italy’s leadership in the electricity sector, both past and present, and illustrates how technological innovation — from Artificial Intelligence
to advanced sensors — is not only making grids more efficient, but also increasing their resilience against extreme weather events.
The interview also covers such topics as the role of flexibility and the active participation of citizens in supporting the increase of renewables. Finally, Professor Eleonora Riva Sanseverino addresses the cultural challenges surrounding gender equality in STEM
fields, and the most pressing political and research priorities necessary to ensure the nation’s energy security and competitiveness.
Smart grids and AI: a digital turning point in Italy’s energy transition. An interview with Eleonora Riva Sanseverino
The University of Palermo professor outlines the roadmap: from inclusivity in STEM subjects to cross-border cybersecurity, technology is the key to climate resilience and the competitiveness of the national electricity system.
Professor, your academic and professional career has made you a leading figure in the field of electrical engineering. Where does Italy currently stand in this respect, particularly in terms of digital evolution?
«Italy has historically been a forerunner in the field of electrical power systems. We owe this leadership to a strong industrial background and to leading electric companies that represent a benchmark even at international level. Just think of the pioneering installation of smart meters as early as the 2000s, or of the SACOI submarine cable, the world’s first high-voltage, direct-current, three-terminal connection.
This excellence drives innovation, which currently has a strong focus on questions of digitisation at various levels of the system. In terms of transmission, the area in which Terna operates, digitisation takes the form of new and more efficient procedures for controlling the electricity system. Advanced algorithms availing of Artificial Intelligence and sophisticated sensors
are employed to optimise the entire grid.
At the same time, innovation at distribution level involves new systems for controlling domestic energy equipment, which can also offer useful grid services for transmission system operators. In this context, it is vital to manage Renewable Energy Communities (RECs) favouring self-consumption, distributed generation, and loads such as electric vehicle charging systems to optimum effect.
Digitisation represents an era-defining transition and transformation that involves every aspect of our lives. Through digitisation, citizens can participate in Demand Response programmes, in which each individual is called upon to modify their electricity consumption habits.
Citizen assent is also required when an operator like Terna needs to build high-impact infrastructure. In such cases, the active cooperation of citizens in the decarbonisation goals is fundamental.»
«When it comes to this need for cooperation, there is a strong and unwavering focus on communities and people as part of all technological challenges concerning power systems, both regarding large infrastructures and in energy management at a level closer to citizens.»
The energy transition relies on robust and sustainable grid infrastructure. From your perspective, how can current electricity grids not only become even more efficient, but also increase their resilience to extreme weather events and their ability to support the exponential increase in renewable sources?
«We must bear in mind that the Mediterranean is a climate hotspot, meaning that it is warming up more than other parts of the planet. The rise in temperatures will affect the transport capacity of electrical infrastructure, the ability to cool thermal power plants to ensure their efficient operation, and photovoltaic production.
To ensure resilience and efficiency, it will be essential to make widespread use of sensors and to adopt predictive models based on Artificial Intelligence to rapidly detect faults or stress in the system. Furthermore, advanced automation enhanced by digitisation and AI allows improved fault location and isolation, as well as prompt service restoration. We must also think about infrastructure in a new way, evaluating underground installation and taking rising sea levels into account when it comes to coastal structures.
In terms of the increasing penetration of renewable sources, the key elements are energy storage systems that allow the deferred use of the energy produced from renewable sources. On top of this is the flexibility
made possible with the active involvement of citizens: by adopting informed consumption behaviours (Demand Response), they can provide essential services to the grid. Finally, inverter technology, which allows the connection of renewable generation to the grid, is also crucial to provide various types of services and to facilitate the integration of green sources.»
Rates of female participation in STEM fields are still low. What advice would you give to young female students who wish to pursue a course of study and a career in these subjects, to overcome stereotypes and obstacles?
«Although there is still a cultural stumbling block, often among older generations who may be surprised to find a female engineer in a traditionally male role, fortunately the younger generations are much more inclusive. In fact, it is important to focus on inclusivity and on embracing and seeing the value of all differences, not just different genders. Women are naturally inclined towards inclusiveness, perhaps partly linked to their potential experience of motherhood. This can be effectively harnessed in leadership roles, perfectly integrating with male leadership in the context of teamwork. I would advise young women to actively seek out role models who reflect their own characteristics and who can guide them in their advancement. It is equally important to cultivate one’s soft skills, such as networking abilities and appreciating diversity in teamwork.
I believe that the most significant intervention, however, must take place in primary school, where an interest in STEM subjects is born. Teachers must be able to be inclusive and know how to present mathematics and science as a stimulating language and one which is, again, inclusive. A new generation of teachers will help to make this really take root.»
You hold institutional positions at both national and European level, and are the author of over 250 scientific works. In your opinion, what are the main challenges to be addressed in the future in terms of policy, research, and scientific cooperation for the energy transition?
«In policy terms, the definition and implementation of cybersecurity
regulations is urgently needed for the digital systems that oversee cross-border electricity flows. This is important in the current geopolitical context, as electricity, more than any other energy source, is a vector of peace. Ensuring its security, including its cybersecurity, is crucial. Furthermore, the simplification and acceleration of the permitting process for renewable sources and large-scale storage systems is a priority, as the transition will increasingly be driven by competitiveness and energy security, pillars of the industrial system. Then, the regulatory framework for flexibility and for markets must be fully defined.
With regard to research, the priority is Artificial Intelligence and fully leveraging its potential for making predictions and for the control of electricity systems. Equally important is research on advanced materials
— such as Gallium Nitride and Silicon Carbide — to develop high-efficiency, low-loss conversion systems.
Finally, in terms of scientific cooperation, the standardisation and sharing of technical rules at European and international level is essential. This step will facilitate the import and export of energy and the trade of devices and technologies in the energy sector in general, and the electrical sector in particular.»