Molentargius Underground Transmission Line
The Context
Located within the urban area of Cagliari, Italy, the Molentargius Lagoon is home to a unique and environmentally sensitive ecosystem, supporting numerous protected species, including the greater flamingo.
The construction of a new 150 kV underground transmission line, together with the removal of the existing overhead line, provided an opportunity to enhance the landscape while preserving the site’s biodiversity.
The Challenge
The environmental sensitivity of the site required meticulous planning. Minimising the impact of construction activities and completing the works within a compressed programme were essential to protecting the surrounding ecosystem.
To achieve these objectives, the existing transmission towers were dismantled using specialist helicopters, while SELT’s personnel and equipment operated from flat-bottomed boats to minimise disturbance to the lagoon environment.
The works were completed on schedule, with the former tower foundations repurposed as nesting islands and environmental monitoring platforms.
An Environmentally Responsible Approach
At SELT, environmental protection is an integral part of project delivery. While renewable energy generation plays a fundamental role in supporting the energy transition, electricity transmission infrastructure must also be developed with the same commitment to environmental sustainability.
For this reason, SELT supports the progressive replacement of overhead transmission lines with underground cable systems wherever technically and environmentally appropriate.
Project Highlights
- Construction of a 150 kV underground transmission line
- Construction of foundations and cable terminations
- Installation of a cable duct containing Terna single-core conductors
- Installation of a triple-duct system containing two fibre optic cables
- 5.9 km route length
