Seventy Years of Expertise, Looking Ahead to What’s Next

Seventy years after its foundation, CESI marked a major milestone by bringing together institutions, industry leaders and its own people to reflect not only on where the company comes from, but where the energy sector is heading.

Founded in 1956 as an applied research centre supporting Italy’s post‑war electrification, CESI has evolved alongside the power system itself. Over the decades, the Group has contributed to the development, safety and modernization of energy infrastructures, supporting grid expansion, defining technical standards and testing increasingly complex technologies. Today, CESI operates in more than 100 countries, combining strategic and engineering consultancy with advanced testing services and the production of high‑efficiency solar cells for space applications, designed and manufactured in Milan and used in international satellite programmes.

The anniversary event, titled “Powering What’s Next” and held at CESI’s headquarters in Milan, provided an opportunity to discuss the profound transformations reshaping the global energy landscape. Decarbonisation, security of supply, grid resilience and technological innovation emerged as key priorities in a context marked by accelerating electrification and growing geopolitical complexity.

Reflecting on the company’s journey, CEO Nicola Melchiotti highlighted the continuity between CESI’s origins and its current mission: the same expertise developed to support Italy’s industrial growth is now being applied to the global energy transition. As an independent and authoritative partner, CESI continues to work alongside governments, operators and investors to address the challenges of grid security, infrastructure development and sustainable energy systems.

While the anniversary celebrated seven decades of achievements, the focus remained firmly on the future. Throughout the year, we will promote further initiatives to mark its 70th anniversary, involving our people and stakeholders in moments of dialogue and engagement. Driven by the commitment and skills of its people, CESI continues to transform experience into innovation—contributing to a more resilient, sustainable and interconnected energy system for the decades to come.