New design criteria for MV underground feeders to enhance network resilience in the energy transition and climate change ERA

The huge rise in load electrification and the growing frequency and intensity of summer heatwaves are increasing stress on the MV underground lines, that are the backbone of the distribution system in urban areas, with MV joints being the most critical part of this strategic infrastructure. To address this challenge, e-distribuzione launched an initiative to enhance the resilience of this critical infrastructure against this phenomenon, adopting innovative planning criteria, components, constructive solutions and installation practices. Results of the firsts installations executed according to these new criteria confirmed that these advanced design solutions can significatively improve grid resilience against the increasingly frequent extreme hot weather scenarios.