Rome, Italy – November 26, 2025 — Rome’s Ostiense district is set to become a beacon of sustainable urban energy as Enel, Italy’s leading energy company, begins work on a pioneering microgrid project designed to supply renewable electricity to 5,000 households by March 2026. The initiative marks a significant step forward for the city’s energy infrastructure, combining advanced digital management systems with a commitment to clean power and community resilience.
The Ostiense microgrid will integrate solar panels, battery storage, and intelligent grid controls, enabling real-time monitoring and optimisation of energy flows. This approach aims to maximise the use of locally generated renewable energy, reduce transmission losses, and provide greater stability to the local grid. The system’s advanced automation will allow for swift responses to fluctuations in supply and demand, ensuring uninterrupted service even during peak usage or adverse weather conditions.
Francesca Gostinelli, Enel’s Head of Group Strategy, Economics and Scenario Planning, highlighted the broader vision behind the project: “The transformation of our energy networks is essential for accelerating the transition to renewables and decarbonising urban environments. By combining digitalisation with distributed generation, we are empowering communities to benefit directly from sustainable energy and enhanced grid reliability.”
The Ostiense microgrid forms part of Enel’s wider strategy to modernise Italy’s power infrastructure. Between 2025 and 2027, the company has committed €26 billion to smart grid investments, with the majority allocated to Italian cities. This investment aims to reinforce the resilience and flexibility of the national grid, supporting the integration of new renewable capacity and innovative energy services. By 2027, Enel expects to add 12 gigawatts of clean energy, with a focus on onshore wind, hydropower, and battery storage.
Local residents and businesses in Ostiense have welcomed the development, citing both environmental and economic benefits. The microgrid’s distributed design is expected to reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs, and create new opportunities for local participation in energy markets. Community workshops and information sessions are planned for early 2026, offering guidance on how households can connect to the microgrid and optimise their energy usage.
The technical backbone of the Ostiense microgrid includes smart meters and sensors installed at each connection point, providing granular data on consumption and generation. This data will feed into Enel’s central management platform, which uses predictive analytics to balance supply and demand, anticipate potential disruptions, and coordinate energy storage. The system is also designed to support future innovations, such as electric vehicle charging and demand-response programmes, further enhancing the district’s energy flexibility.
Enel’s investment in Ostiense is part of a broader commitment to environmental sustainability. The company has set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions, aiming to achieve an 80% reduction in CO₂ intensity by 2030 compared to 2017 levels. The Ostiense microgrid will contribute to this goal by enabling more efficient use of renewable resources and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
City officials have praised the project as a model for urban energy transformation. “Ostiense has long been a hub of innovation in Rome,” said Marco De Santis, Deputy Mayor for Urban Development. “This microgrid demonstrates how technology and community engagement can work together to create a cleaner, more resilient city. We look forward to seeing the positive impact on residents and the wider urban environment.”
The Ostiense initiative is also expected to inspire similar projects across Rome and other Italian cities. Enel’s open Flexibility Lab, based in Spain and Italy, will provide a platform for testing and refining new energy solutions, ensuring that lessons learned in Ostiense can be applied elsewhere. The company is actively collaborating with technology partners, local authorities, and academic institutions to foster innovation and share best practices.
As construction progresses, Enel will continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure the microgrid meets the needs of the community. Regular updates will be provided through local media and digital platforms, keeping residents informed about milestones and opportunities for involvement. The company has emphasised its commitment to transparency and inclusivity, inviting feedback and suggestions throughout the project’s development.
With the Ostiense microgrid scheduled for completion by March 2026, Rome is poised to take a significant step towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future. The project stands as a testament to the city’s capacity for innovation and its dedication to environmental stewardship, offering a blueprint for urban energy systems across Europe and beyond.
