In Italy, a floating regasification unit stirs up controversy

The arrival of a floating regasification unit in Italy is divisive. While the Italian government is highlighting the benefits in terms of energy autonomy, environmental groups are expressing concerns about safety and environmental risks.

Partagez:

In Italy, a floating regasification unit, the Golar Tundra, arrived Sunday evening in the port of Piombino from Singapore. This installation is considered crucial for the country’s energy security and should reduce Italy’s dependence on Russian gas.

A floating regasification unit to strengthen Italy’s energy autonomy

The Golar Tundra, a floating regasification unit, was purchased by the Snam Group in June 2022 for 330 million euros. This facility will be able to re-gas liquefy natural gas (LNG) transported by sea, which will then be injected into the national gas supply network of the peninsula. This floating unit can store 170,000 cubic meters of LNG, which should guarantee 5 billion cubic meters of gas per year. It should be operational from May 2023, said Stefano Venier, the head of the Snam Group.

The Italian government has put in place a strategy to reduce the country’s dependence on Russian gas, signing several new gas supply contracts with countries such as Algeria and Libya. The Minister of Enterprise, Adolfo Urso, said on Radio 24 that “our program to allow Italy to free itself completely by the end of the year from dependence on Russian gas has been met. The port of Piombino, where the floating regasification unit arrived, will be used to supply gas to the highly industrialized north of the country.

Protests from the local population

Despite the energy stakes for Italy, the arrival of the floating regasification unit has sparked protests among the local population. Environmental groups are concerned that the project will slow the country’s transition to renewable energy.

Francesca Marino, a member of the Committee against the regasifier, is concerned about possible accidents, saying that “this ship is dangerous because it is close to homes. Local residents have also expressed concerns about safety risks. However, according to the Italian government, this facility is temporary and will be moved after three years.

A temporary facility to meet Italy’s energy challenges

The president of the Tuscany region, Eugenio Giani, expressed his satisfaction with the arrival of the new floating regasification unit, saying that the amount of liquefied natural gas it will produce (five billion cubic meters) will contribute to the energy self-sufficiency of Italy. According to Snam, the group that owns Golar Tundra, this amount of gas represents about 6.5% of the country’s total gas needs. Last June, the group acquired this facility for 330 million euros from Golar LNG.

  • Populaires ​
Egypt launches $200mn industrial solar complex at Ain Sokhna
Mexco Energy reports 27% increase in annual profit
Argentina and Peru strengthen cooperation in civil nuclear sector
Algeria and Angola strengthen energy cooperation at US–Africa summit
Plenitude and Modine launch 1.585 MWp solar power plant in Italy
Golar LNG raises $575mn through bond issuance and repurchases shares
Golar LNG Limited has completed a private placement of $575mn in convertible bonds due in 2030, using part of the proceeds to repurchase and cancel 2.5 million of its own common shares, thus reducing its share capital.
Shell ships first LNG cargo from its LNG Canada facility
Shell Canada Energy announces shipment of the first liquefied natural gas cargo from its LNG Canada complex, located in Kitimat, British Columbia, primarily targeting fast-growing Asian economic and energy markets.
Australia considers east coast gas reservation as market pressures intensify
The Australian government is considering the establishment of an east coast gas reservation as part of a sweeping review of market rules to ensure supply, with risks of shortages signalled by 2028.
The drilling fluids industry will reach $10.7bn by 2032 driven by oil expansion and chemical innovations
The increase in oil drilling, deepwater exploration, and chemical advances are expected to raise the global drilling fluids market to $10.7bn by 2032, according to Meticulous Research.
Enbridge Gas Ohio challenges tariff ruling cutting its revenues by $30mn
Enbridge Gas Ohio is assessing its legal options following the Ohio regulator's decision to cut its revenues, citing potential threats to investment and future customer costs.
Global small-scale LNG market to reach $31.78bn by 2030
The small-scale liquefied natural gas market is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 7.5%, reaching an estimated total value of $31.78bn by 2030, driven particularly by maritime and heavy-duty road transport sectors.
Europe extends gas storage obligations until 2027
The European Union extends gas storage regulations by two years, requiring member states to maintain a minimum fill rate of 90% to ensure energy security and economic stability amid market uncertainties.
Chevron and Energy Transfer Expand Their LNG Agreement at Lake Charles
Energy Transfer strengthens its partnership with Chevron by increasing their liquefied natural gas supply agreement by 50% from the upcoming Lake Charles LNG export terminal, strategically aiming for long-term supply security.
Woodside completes sale of 40% stake in Louisiana LNG project to Stonepeak
Woodside finalises the divestment of a 40% stake in the Louisiana LNG project to Stonepeak, injecting $5.7 billion to accelerate developments and optimise financial returns ahead of first gas delivery scheduled in 2026.
Keranic takes over Royal Helium and fast-tracks Steveville plant restart
Keranic Industrial Gas seals a sixty-day exclusivity deal to buy Royal Helium’s key assets, raise CAD9.5mn ($7.0mn) and bring Alberta’s Steveville plant back online in under fifteen weeks.
Fusion Fuel: Al Shola Gas secures AED4.4 mn ($1.2 mn) in contracts
The Irish-Portuguese company Fusion Fuel strengthens its footprint in the United Arab Emirates as subsidiary Al Shola Gas adds AED4.4 mn ($1.2 mn) in new engineering contracts, consolidating an already robust 2025 order book.
Cheniere Energy Approves Expansion of Corpus Christi LNG Terminal for 2029
Cheniere Energy validates major investment to expand Corpus Christi terminal, adding two liquefaction units to increase its liquefied natural gas export capacity by 2029, responding to recent international agreements.
LNG industry could reduce emissions by 60%, according to IEA
A study by the International Energy Agency reveals that global emissions from liquefied natural gas could be significantly reduced using current technologies.
Europe accelerates gas storage filling despite declining reserves
Europe is injecting natural gas into underground storage facilities at a three-year high, even as reserves remain below historical averages, prompting maximized imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Seoul freezes electricity rates amid LNG supply risk concerns
South Korea abandons plans to lower electricity rates this summer, fearing disruptions in liquefied natural gas supply due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, despite recent declines in fuel import costs.
Russia ready to deliver liquefied natural gas to Mexico
Russia positions itself to supply liquefied natural gas to Mexico and considers expanded technological sharing in the energy sector, according to Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov.
Israel resumes gas exports to Egypt and Jordan
Israel has partially resumed its natural gas exports to Egypt and Jordan following a week-long halt due to the closure of two major offshore gas fields, Leviathan and Karish.
Nepal Identifies Major Methane Reserve Estimated at 112 Billion m³
Nepal reveals a significant potential reserve of methane in the west of the country, following exploratory drilling conducted with technical support from China, opening new economic prospects.
Petronas and JOGMEC Sign Strategic Agreement around LNG Canada Project
Petronas formalizes a memorandum with JOGMEC to secure Japanese LNG deliveries, including a first cargo from LNG Canada scheduled for July at Toho Gas.
Serbia negotiates gas deal with Gazprom at competitive European price
Belgrade is currently finalising a new gas contract with Russia, promising Europe's lowest tariff, according to Srbijagas General Director Dusan Bajatovic, despite Europe's aim to eliminate Russian imports by 2027.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS