Energy at 2,000 meters: Enel unveils Italy’s highest substation in Livigno for Milano Cortina 2026

• The innovative underground system was presented in the name of new technologies and sustainability

• The inauguration was attended by the President of the Lombardy Region Attilio Fontana, the top management of Enel Grids, of Milano Cortina 2026 and of E-Distribuzione

Giving energy to Olympic sites and ensuring a more modern and resilient electricity grid are just some of the objectives behind the construction of Enel’s new primary substation in Livigno, a facility that was inaugurated today in the presence of the President of the Lombardy Region Attilio Fontana, the Mayor of Livigno Remo Galli, the CEO of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation Andrea Varnier, the Head of Enel Grids and Innovation Gianni Vittorio Armani, as well as the CEO of E-Distribuzione Vincenzo Ranieri.

Primary substations are fundamental hubs of the electricity grid. Their function is to guarantee energy to the territory by receiving high-voltage electricity and transforming it into medium-voltage power, a necessary step in order to be able to distribute it to businesses and commercial enterprises. The presence of a new facility of this type in the area therefore means having more energy and a higher service quality, guaranteeing the energy needs necessary for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Alta Valtellina and the future development of the territory.

The new electrical substation in Livigno is the highest in Italy: built at 2,177 meters above sea level, it was built using the most advanced technologies and, above all, in the name of sustainability. The plant was built with an underground structure that favors complete integration into the mountain landscape, allowing for the environmental impact to be minimized. The high sustainability of this project was also guaranteed by the reuse of earth and rocks deriving from excavation activities, in line with the principles of the circular economy. In fact, this material (27,000 sqm) has all been reused for infrastructures for the use of the local community, such as the Passo Eira municipal car park.

“Enel’s primary substation in Livigno will guarantee an energy supply that is as efficient as it is indispensable for the Upper Valtellina,” says Attilio Fontana, President of the Lombardy Region. “Once again, Lombardy has set a record: the substation is one of a kind and is the highest ever built in Italy. Another source of pride, for which we thank Enel and all those involved, is the sustainability of this project, in line with circular economy principles that have always been dear to the Lombardy Region. We believe that much of the success of the Olympics lies in the permanent legacy of innovative and strategic infrastructure such as this.[/i"

[i]“Livigno’s new primary substation is an asset for the region that goes beyond the Winter Olympics,” said Gianni Vittorio Armani, Director of Enel Grids and Innovation. “This infrastructure combines innovation and sustainability, enabling the energy transition thanks to resilient power grids capable of integrating ever-increasing renewable energy volumes and adapting to climate change. It is a concrete investment in sustainable growth and regional security, strengthening the city’s ability to embrace new economic, cultural, and tourism opportunities.”

“It is a source of pride to see how the Milano Cortina 2026 Games are accelerating innovative and sustainable projects,” explains Andrea Varnier, CEO of Fondazione Milano Cortina 2026. “This is the legacy that remains for the territories and communities. The Games stimulate change, and the inauguration of Enel’s substation, which is the highest in Italy, is the result of complete alignment of intent and vision - behind it lies a strong synergy between the territories and an essential partner of the Games. The sporting event has a start and an end, but projects of this kind will remain forever as part of the heritage of places recognized as the most beautiful in the world. There are less than seven days to go but today reminds us that the Games are already here.”

The Alta Valtellina local electricity grid has been further strengthened and made more resilient to climate change thanks to the laying of 60 km of underground cables, promoting the integration of infrastructure in areas of scenic importance. In addition, in the areas of Livigno and Bormio, four new secondary substations have been built and another 12 have been upgraded with new technology to improve network automation and remote control, i.e. the remote monitoring of the facilities with the possibility of issuing commands in real time without the need for on-site operating personnel. 

Enel’s project for Livigno will therefore not only guarantee the energy needed for the Winter Olympics, but also better service quality for residents and will enable the electrification of future consumption for around 20,000 customers.