EIB, CDP, and SACE Secure €500M Financing to Modernize ACEA’s Electric Grid in Rome

The project’s primary goal is to support Areti’s ambitious plans for infrastructure modernization through digitization and automation of Rome's low- and medium-voltage networks.

A €500 million financing agreement has been initiated to modernize and expand Areti’s electricity infrastructure, the main provider of Rome and Formello’s electric grid network and a wholly-owned subsidiary of ACEA Group. The European Investment Bank (EIB), Cassa Depositi e Prestiti (CDP), and SACE have co-financed the first tranche of this multi-million project, set to enhance the network’s resilience, efficiency, and integration with renewable energy sources in line with the EU’s REPowerEU objectives.

The project’s primary goal is to support Areti’s ambitious plans for infrastructure modernization through digitization and automation of Rome's low- and medium-voltage networks. On October 28, agreements were signed in Rome for an initial €320 million financing package, including €200 million directly from the EIB, with 70% backed by SACE’s Archimede Guarantee, and €120 million facilitated by CDP through EIB funding. A second tranche of €180 million is expected in 2025 to complete the financing for Areti’s five-year investment plan.

This plan is set to achieve several key objectives for the capital's energy network:

Network Upgrades: Modernize Rome’s low- and medium-voltage network to increase resilience and capacity, including installation of new transmission lines.

Enhanced Safety Features: Improve safety by introducing advanced diagnostics, remote control, and automated systems within the medium- and low-voltage infrastructure.

Primary Station Expansion: Support the expansion and modernization of primary power stations to handle increased demand.

Smart Grid Development: Strengthen grid intelligence with real-time dynamic management, supported by the rollout of 2G smart meters, and enable large-scale demand response through AI and IoT technology.

This substantial investment aligns with REPowerEU’s mission to reduce fossil fuel dependency and accelerate green energy integration across the continent. The intervention will enhance Rome’s electricity infrastructure, enabling a more resilient grid capable of supporting Italy’s transition to renewable energy and contributing to a sustainable urban environment.

ACEA’s CEO Fabrizio Palermo expressed the strategic importance of these agreements, noting the pivotal role the funding will play in strengthening Italy’s infrastructure resilience through modern technologies. “The agreements signed today with EIB, CDP, and SACE validate the strategic importance of the investments ACEA has planned. The new technologies integrated into these upgrades will provide the infrastructure with the necessary flexibility and resilience to meet future demands,” Palermo remarked.

EIB Vice President Gelsomina Vigliotti underscored the Bank's commitment to supporting REPowerEU's energy objectives, announcing an additional €45 billion in financing through 2027 to further bolster Europe’s energy transition. “Modernizing electricity infrastructure is crucial to creating an efficient, resilient grid that supports the integration of renewable energy sources,” Vigliotti added.

CDP CEO Dario Scannapieco highlighted the enduring partnership with EIB and SACE, emphasizing CDP’s ongoing role in supporting high-impact infrastructure initiatives across Italy. “Thanks to close collaboration with European institutions, CDP continues to support strategic investments in Italian infrastructure, totaling nearly €13 billion to date,” Scannapieco commented.

SACE’s CEO Alessandra Ricci reinforced the role of SACE’s Archimede Guarantee in facilitating ACEA’s expansion of electric infrastructure. “SACE remains dedicated to supporting projects that enhance Italy’s competitiveness, as demonstrated in this transformative project. Our partnerships with EIB and CDP aim to achieve tangible benefits for the Italian economy and beyond,” Ricci said.

As Rome's electric grid transforms with cutting-edge upgrades, this project underscores the strategic role of PDBs and institutional investors in meeting Italy's and Europe’s energy resilience and green transition goals, showcasing a model for future energy infrastructure projects across the EU.