CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE: BUILDING RESILIENCE NOW AND FOR THE FUTURE

In the field of engineering, resilience is the ability of a material to absorb plastic deformation energy, in the event of impact, without breaking. In psychology, this term is used to describe the ability of reacting positively to traumatic events. In all fields, from computer science and biology, to risk management, resilience expresses the ability of a system to withstand trauma and adapt confidently to change.

This is also the case for big power transmission lines, even more so as a result of climate change and extreme weather events. In recent years, these have had a very heavy impact on the security of the areas and of the electricity service.

In cases of emergency, responsiveness and speed of action are fundamental. However, the prevention, preparation and study of potential threats to the strategic infrastructures in Italy are also essential, as they enable us to intervene even in high-risk situations.

In these cases, a collaboration between the managers of critical infrastructures and institutions is very important. Hence, the workshop, in collaboration with the Civil Protection, organised at the Terna Campus. This is where managers and experts from the electricity grid operator and CP Department met for a day of study, work and strategic cooperation.

At the heart of the day of study, the focus was on sustainability and the needs of the area. It also embraced shared planning for the development of network, digitalisation, coordinated asset management during emergencies and more general investments in grid resilience. Such themes highlight the value of Innovation hubs, together with ideas for developing new solutions precisely to support resilience of the grid.