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(AGENPARL) – gio 11 gennaio 2024 TERNA TESTED SUBMARINE DRONE FOR MARINE
GEOPHYSICAL SURVEYS
Project “Odisseo” launched in cooperation with US startup Terradepth
Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) technology represents an innovative approach to
surveying the seabed for planning environmentally friendly submarine electrical connections
Rome, 11 January 2024 – Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) are being employed for marine
geophysical surveys during the planning of important infrastructure, guaranteeing full respect for
the environment. This is the goal of the project “Odisseo”, launched by Terna, the Italian
transmission grid operator led by Giuseppina Di Foggia, in cooperation with Terradepth, a US
startup and leading provider of marine survey services and ocean data solutions.
The ten-year National Grid Development Plan outlines a significant increase in investment in
submarine-cable infrastructure, to develop a more efficient and reliable grid. Large submarine
infrastructure projects, including the Tyrrhenian Link, connecting Campania, Sicily and Sardinia,
the Adriatic Link, between the Italian regions of Marche and Abruzzo, and Elmed, the energy
bridge between Italy and Tunisia, represent Terna’s sustainable response to constant growth in
energy demand using innovative, effective solutions that minimise interference with the natural
environment. The security of submarine assets is one of the main drivers of design and involves
the adoption of appropriate cable laying and protection techniques. In this context, the
implementation and adoption of cutting-edge technology is an enabling factor.
In the context of the “Odisseo” project, the first test was conducted off the coast near the port of
Casamicciola Terme, on the island of Ischia (Naples, Italy). During geophysical surveying of the
seabed, Terna’s technicians were able to test the performance of the “Gavia” drone, the AUV from
Terradepth employed for the purpose, equipped with advanced sensors, including Echo Sounder
(MBES), Side Scan Sonar and HD Camera.
“The partnership with Terradepth has enabled testing of innovative technologies, such as
submarine drones, which can supplement and integrate traditional tools used to examine the
seabed. Terna invests significant resources in marine surveying, which is a strategic practice for
effective planning of technologically advanced submarine electrical connections”, said Terna’s
Major Projects and International Development Director, Giacomo Donnini.
“Terna remains open to experimentation with innovative solutions such as the Autonomous
Underwater Vehicles, to explore their possible use to support the planning of complex strategic
infrastructure like large submarine electrical connections, with a close focus on sustainability.
Terna is a global leader in this regard”, commented Terna’s Innovation & Market Solutions
Director, Massimiliano Garri.
Terradepth has proven expertise in using unmanned systems for high-resolution geophysical
surveys in deep water. Terna came into contact with the US company through its San Francisco
“Innovation Antenna”. This outpost in the Californian city is aimed at scouting and physically
monitoring the US innovation ecosystem, establishing dialogue with startups located there. The
project that led to testing with AUVs also involved constant collaboration between the Innovation
team and the Major Projects and International Development team at Terna, which manages the
creation of large submarine infrastructure.
Innovation is a pillar of Terna’s business and the “Odisseo” project is one of around 70 innovation
projects launched by the company in five tech areas: Digital (smart energy and power
management solutions), Energy Tech (innovative solutions that use more efficient, greener
technologies), Grid Tech (technology for effective management of grid infrastructure), Advanced
Materials (research and development for use of eco-friendly materials with reduced environmental
impacts), and Robotics (for process automation).