Energy engineering and grid infrastructure

We support developers, investors and EPC contractors across the entire project life cycle.

From turnkey permitting through to design, technical validation and site supervision. As an integrated assignment or on the grid works alone.

Development

Turnkey permitting

We take the plant through the entire authorisation process, through to the permit being granted: strategy, multi-scale constraint analysis with a risk matrix, preparation and filing of the dossier, handling of requests for further information, and technical representation at the Conferenza dei Servizi, the inter-agency decision conference. Due diligence and pre-feasibility studies sit upstream, as the means of deciding whether and where to act.

Areas of work

  • Management of the authorisation process from start to permit, acting as the client's single technical point of reference.
  • Permitting strategy and multi-scale constraint analysis, with a risk and mitigation matrix.
  • Technical representation at the Conferenza dei Servizi and handling of requests for further information.
  • Design of the grid works: technical plans for the connection works, shared MV/HV substations.
  • Due diligence and pre-feasibility studies upstream: land assessment, preliminary layouts, screening of constraints and risks.

Technical capabilities and tools

  • Complete permitting package for the authorities: drawings, specialist reports and annexes, coordinated into a single dossier.
  • Coordination of documentation for the authorisation of generation plants, storage systems and utility-scale energy infrastructure.
  • Review of connection documentation (STMG, DSO and Terna packages): grid reinforcements and critical issues.
  • A data-driven approach: GIS and official databases, orthophoto and satellite analysis.
  • Synthesis tools — tables and maps — for decisions that are quick to make and easy to trace.
Design

Grid works

RTN substations, primary substations, HV overhead lines and shared user substations, with review of the STMG connection proposal and of the PTO packages submitted to Terna and the distribution operators.

Areas of work

  • Electrical and plant design: single-line diagrams and functional schematics, design criteria, cable and equipment verification, earthing and protection.
  • Civil design: layout optimisation, construction and maintenance access roads, drainage and water management.
  • Preliminary verification of foundations and ancillary works.
  • Connection of energy-intensive users, data centres included: demand analysis, connection scheme and coordination with the grid operator.

Technical capabilities and tools

  • Multi-platform CAD and technical documentation: deliverables compliant with client and grid operator standards.
  • 2D drafting of mechanical parts and assemblies with dimensions, tolerances and machining notes.
  • Coordination of the PTO documentation submitted to Terna and the distribution operators.
Execution

Detailed design and site supervision

IFC construction drawings, site supervision and quality control, variation management, as-built updates and the final plant dossier.

Site supervision

  • Quality control on site and verification of compliance with the design and the technical specifications.
  • Variation management, with a decision trail and updating of the as-built drawings.
  • Technical coordination between contractor, suppliers and client.

Detailed and construction design (IFC)

  • IFC construction deliverables: details, sections and drawings for execution in the field.
  • As-built updates and the final plant dossier: manuals, updated schematics, certifications.

The electrical infrastructure we design

Our projects

RTN substations

Final design and connection works on the national transmission grid (RTN), including coordination of the PTO (Piano Tecnico delle Opere), the technical plan for the connection works.

Terna, the Italian TSO · 150–380 kV

HV/MV primary substations

Primary substations and technical plans for connection works on the distribution grid.

E-Distribuzione · 150/20 kV

HV overhead lines

Overhead and underground lines: route studies, interference analysis, towers and typical sections.

Multi-kilometre routes · up to 150 kV

User and shared substations

SEU (Sistemi Efficienti di Utenza) and shared MV/HV substations for multiple producers or energy-intensive users, cable ducts and user works.

30/150 kV — 30/380 kV
  • 20 kVMedium voltage
  • 36 kVHigh voltage
  • 132 kVHigh voltage
  • 150 kVHigh voltage
  • 220 kVHigh voltage
  • 380 kVExtra high voltage

Frequently asked questions

What kind of projects do you work on?

CaltaTech supports the development and design of utility-scale BESS, solar and agrivoltaic plants, grid works, substations and connection infrastructure at medium and high voltage.

Do you only work on projects in Italy?

Our core business concerns projects located in Italy, where CaltaTech has the technical experience and knowledge of the permitting framework and connection procedures. We also work with international clients and partners, and can produce technical documentation in English.

Can you follow a project from the earliest stage through to Ready to Build?

Yes. The assignment can start with the preliminary site assessment and continue through layout, constraint analysis, design, grid connection, permitting documentation and technical support up to Ready to Build status.

Do you also take on assignments limited to a single activity?

Yes. We can handle the entire technical development or specific activities such as layout, design of the grid works, review of the STMG connection proposal, permitting documents, substation design or technical due diligence.

Can you support our engineering team through a peak in workload?

Yes. CaltaTech can work as an extension of the client's own engineering team, taking on defined design packages, individual disciplines or ongoing activities across several projects.

Do you also work on a white label basis for consultancies and engineering firms?

Yes. We can act as the technical partner of advisors, engineering companies, owner's engineers and EPC contractors, leaving the relationship with the end client entirely with the appointing party where required.

What documents do you need in order to prepare a proposal?

It depends on the stage of the project. As a minimum we generally ask for the location and capacity of the plant, land registry data, any available layouts, permitting documentation, the connection estimate or STMG, technical specifications and an indication of the deliverables required.

How much does a design assignment cost?

The cost depends on the type of plant, its capacity, how far the project has progressed, the complexity of the connection and the number of deliverables required. After an initial review of the documentation we define a scope of work, the exclusions, the timescales and a clear fee proposal.

How long does it take to receive a proposal?

For assignments with a well-defined scope, we can normally prepare a proposal once we have received and reviewed the essential technical documentation. Complex or multidisciplinary projects may require a preliminary discussion to define activities and responsibilities correctly.

Do you have a project in development or a connection to verify?

Tell us where the permitting process stands and which voltage level you are connecting to.

Let's talk about your project