The high-voltage systems of Italy

The paper gives a general review of the electrical plants of Italy. Section (1) deals with historical development, especially in regard to legislation and the geography of the country. In Section (2) the principal electrical undertakings are described and statistical data in regard to installed capacity and generation are given. Section (3) deals with technical lines of development. The most important hydro-electric power stations utilize a high head, but there are a few interesting instances of low-head installations. Thermal power stations are in general designed to serve as reserves and to augment the hydraulic resources. Outdoor substations, built both of steel and of reinforced concrete, are becoming increasingly popular. Spun reinforced-concrete poles are also used for high-voltage lines, for example on a section of the 200-kV Isarco line. Finally, methods of mechanical and electrical calculation are demonstrated, and details are given regarding the operation of the plant and lines.