With new consumption patterns, more stringent regulations, and the push for decarbonization, industrial plants are becoming critical infrastructure: solutions are needed that combine technological innovation and long-term reliability, through the design of safe and future-proof systems to meet the demand for efficiency and stability.

Di Lifonti & Company – A communications agency with fifteen years of experience analyzing and communicating the manufacturing, technology, and renewable energy sectors.

An electrical system under pressure

In recent years, Italy's electricity demand has begun to grow again. In 2024, national consumption reached 100,000 tons. 312,3 TWh, with an increase of 2,2% compared to 2023 (Terna, 2024).

Among the factors that most influence this growth are the data centerIn Italy there are over 300 projects already submitted which require connection to the grid, for a total power greater than 50 GW (Terna Insight, 2025). This is a huge figure, compared to national demand peaks, demonstrating how digitalization is having a structural impact on the electricity system. It's a new scenario in which the grid is becoming an increasingly critical infrastructure, and industrial plants must evolve accordingly.

Decarbonization and industrial plants: a necessary combination

While on the one hand demand is growing, on the other hand the challenge of decarbonizationFor companies, it's no longer just an environmental goal, but a competitive requirement: reducing emissions means access to markets, incentives, and better supply conditions.

The key is a mix of cleaner sources and intelligent consumption management. A prime example comes from Germany, where a manufacturing company has adopted a multi-energy system that integrates photovoltaic, storage, demand response, and power-to-heat. The study shows how this "modular flexibility" significantly reduces both operating costs and emissions (arXiv – Flexumer case study, 2023).

Regulations and standards driving transformation

Technological transformation does not happen in a vacuum: it is the regulations to set minimum safety and quality standards.

• La CEI 64-8 standard, ninth edition (2024), introduces innovations on protection, efficiency and choice of components in electrical systems (ElabFormazione, 2024).
• Low voltage switchboards must comply with the requirements of the series CEI EN 61439, from Part 2 onwards in addition to the general requirements set out in Part 1. The CEI EN 61439 series has replaced the old CEI EN 60439, raising the construction requirements and verification methodologies.

For designers and installers, this means that choosing compliant and tested components is not a plus, but an essential prerequisite.

Future-proof components: modularity and customization

The growing complexity of systems requires solutions scalable and modularPrefabrication and modular systems allow for the reduction of time and costs on site, but above all they offer the possibility of carrying out upgrades without compromising the continuity of the service. It is no coincidence that the 95% of industrial producers is already using or evaluating modular technologies, with a growth of84% in the last year alone (Rockwell Automation, 2024).

A concrete example comes from data center, which in recent years are no longer limited to replicating standardized load models, but are experimenting with new configurations integrated with renewables and storage. A recent study proposes an optimized approach to sizing photovoltaic and storage for data centers, with benefits in terms of both operating costs and emissions reduction (arXiv – Dispatchability study, 2024).

Even more innovative is the trend that sees data centers not only as consumers, but as suppliers of flexibility for the network, modulating its loads according to the needs of the electrical system (ScienceDirect – Flexibility in Power Systems, 2025).

Modularity combines with the Customization. As underlined in the paper Modular Mechanism Design Optimization in Large-Scale Systems with Manufacturing Cost Considerations (2025) by Lee and Kang, which analyses the economic and time savings guaranteed by modularity, underlines that the customized design improves the maintainability and consistency of performance of complex systems, ensuring a balance between standardization and local performance of the elements.

Application trends: photovoltaic roofs and energy-intensive businesses

Even in Italy, ground-mounted photovoltaics are growing strongly. In 2023, 69% of the new installed capacity came from systems on roofs, flat roofs and facades (GSE, 2024).

According to estimates by Grandview Research, the photovoltaic roof market will reach € 2,5 billion by 2030, with a CAGR of8,9% between 2025 and 2030, particularly in the industrial sector, which already represents 40% of total installations, followed by residential ones and finally those in commercial buildings.

But it is not enough to install more panels: the design of the fixing system is equally crucial. Wind and snow stability, roof waterproofing, installation angle, and long-term durability depend on brackets, profiles, clamps, and insulation specifically designed for each context. An improperly sized and configured fastening system can compromise not only energy efficiency but also the structural integrity of the system.

for energy-intensive businesses, such as those in the manufacturing or IT sectors, the combination of renewables on site and efficient electrical systems are now a necessary condition for ensuring competitiveness. It's no longer a "green" choice, but a truly strategic investment in energy resilience.

Alongside these trends, however, another key factor emerges: quality of support from suppliersSimply selling a component is no longer enough. Today, customers need—and demand—support that includes:

• consultancy in choosing the most suitable supports and materials for the context;
• Suggestions for additions and improvements based on the latest technical innovations, material developments, and current regulations.

It is this mix of products and services that allows operators to reduce risks, optimize costs, and address the complexity of new installations with greater confidence.

Plant engineering as invisible critical infrastructure

Every day we rely on critical infrastructures like the power grid, data centers, and industrial plants, yet we often forget that without efficient and safe systems, none of this would work. Electrical panels, distribution systems, fixtures, and wiring represent the invisible backbone of energy modernization.

In this scenario, TEKNOMEGA positions itself as a technical partner capable of supporting designers and installers with a unique mix of solutions: components compliant with the latest regulations, meticulous design, customization options, and consulting support that covers the entire product life cycle. It's more than just a supply of materials, but a truly shared journey to build systems ready to face tomorrow's challenges.