The Controllore Centrale di Impianto (CCI) cabinet, combined with meteocontrol’s blue’Log XC, delivers a complete and secure solution that complies with the Italian grid code. Designed for plants of 100 kW or more in medium voltage, the system ensures full compliance with PF 1, PF 2, and PF 3 requirements.  

This makes it the ideal solution for plant control in accordance with Annex A.72, CEI 0-16, and ARERA Resolution 385/2025. Our solution is distributed in Italy by meteocontrol Italia SRL. 

Main features of the CCI  

  • Communication gateway incl. standard protocols such as IEC 61850 and IEC 60870-5-104  
  • Power analyzer to measure the grid parameters at the point of connection  
  • Precise control of active and reactive power at the grid connection point  
  • Monitoring of all devices connected to the PPC - manufacturer independent  
  • Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for 1h  
  • Compliant with the Allegato O and T of the norm CEI 0-16 

Included functions


PF 1: Monitoring  
Acquisition and communication of the following data to the DSO:  

  • Measurement of P, Q, and V at the grid connection point (GCP)
  • Measurement of aggregate P and Q by generation source
  • Measurement of P from each generation/storage unit
  • Status of the main circuit breaker (dispositivo generale DG) and generation unit (dispositivo di unità DDG)  
  • Status signals relating to regulation and control 

PF 2: Control  
Plant regulation and control services at the grid connection point in accordance with the procedures defined by current legislation:  

  • Voltage regulation
  • Active power limitation

PF 3: Management  
Implementation of optional functional services:  

  • Start-up, restart, and reconnection of the plant
  • Optimized plant management
  • Participation in the Dispatching Services Market (Mercato dei Servizi di Dispacciamento MSD)

 

Downloads

Downloads

Framing the solution

From August 5th, 2025 Italian PV plants above 100 kW and connected to Medium Voltage grids must comply with new ARERA (Autorità di Regolazione per Energia Reti e Ambiente) resolution 385/2025. This new regulation creates an urgent need for operators and installers to ensure reliable grid integration. Previously, this requirement only applied to larger plants of 1 MW and above.

The share of distributed energy resources in the energy system is growing. Therefore, also those power generating plants must contribute to the stability of the grid. To make that contribution power generating plants must be equipped with a Power Plant Controller to monitor the local grid parameters and control accordingly.  

To align with European Regulations, in particular EU Regulation 2016/631 (Requirements for Generators – RfG), Italy has adapted the regulation CEI 0-16 applicable for active and passive users connected to the distribution system. Annex O of this regulation introduces a Power Plant Controller (PPC or CCI – Controllore Centrale di Impianto in Italian) which must be installed in every power generating plant connected to the Italian medium voltage grid with a nominal power equal to or greater than 100 kW.   

New and existing power generating plants

The installation of a PPC embedded with PF2 active power limitation functionality activated refers to all power generating plants – both existing and new. Existing and new power generating plants are defined by the Italian Regulatory Authority for Energy Networks and Environment (ARERA) resolution 385/2025/R/eel respectively as:  

  • ≥ 1MW existing power generating plants: commissioned by 28 February 2026.  
  • ≥500kW and <1MW existing power generating plants: commissioned by 28 February 2027
  • ≥100kW and <500kW existing power generating plants: commissioned by 31 March 2027
  • new power generating plant: other than those referred previously

Financial bonus and compliance with regulations   

For existing plants, the plant owner will benefit from a financial bonus depending on when the plant is compliant with the regulation. To indicate compliance, an adjustment notice needs to be sent to the distributor.  

For existing plants with a rated power of ≥500kW and <1MW:

  • 10.000 €, if the adjustment notice is sent by 28 February 2026  
  • 7.500 €, if the adjustment notice is sent between 1 March 2026 and 30 June 2026
  • 5.000 €, if the adjustment notice is sent between 1 July 2026 and 31 October 2026  
  • 2.500 €, if the adjustment notice is sent between 1 November 2026 and 28 February 2026

For existing plants with a rated power of ≥100kW and <500kW

  • 7.500 €, if the adjustment notice is sent by 31 March 2026  
  • 5.625 € if the adjustment notice is sent between 1 April 2026 and 31 July 2026
  • 3.750 €, if the adjustment notice is sent between 1 August 2026 and 30 November 2026  
  • 1.875 €, if the adjustment notice is sent between 1 December 2026 and 31 March 2027  

After informing that the plant is compliant to the CEI 0-16 norm, the distributor will perform remote tests or sample inspections to verify if the installation is compliant within two months.

In case of a negative outcome for reasons not attributable to the distribution company, the distribution company will notify the plant owner, giving listing of the necessary corrective actions and providing a deadline of at least two months for their implementation.