A regasification plant will be built in Piombino, Italy. The government has approved the project. In this way, Italy intends to ensure its gas supply and strengthen its energy security.
A regasification plant to ensure its energy security
The announcement of the installation of a new regasification plant is intended to offset a heavy dependence on Russian gas, which accounts for 40% of Italian imports. As a reminder, the Italian energy group Eni imported nearly 21 billion cubic meters of Russian gas last year.
The Prime Minister, Mario Draghi, said about the regasification plant in Piombino:
“We have evaluated the prospect of planning the Piombino regasification plant. It’s a matter of national security, and an essential project to secure our gas reserves.”
Measures to avoid a gas shortage
Italy has therefore taken measures to prevent the decline of Russian imports following the invasion of Ukraine. In particular, the country has signed contracts withEgypt and Congo for its LNG supply.
However, Italy’s liquefied natural gas import capacity is reaching saturation, according to the group’s director. As a result, it calls for an expansion of the country’s gas infrastructure.
The national gas network operator, SNAM, has acquired a new floating regasification unit (FRSU). This new facility will be moored in the port of Piombino.
In addition, the Italian government has given the green light for the construction of six wind farms in the country.
