A new floating storage and regasification unit, the Golar Tundra, arrived in Tuscany on Sunday, much to the delight of Italy’s energy industry. Once operational in May, the unit will turn liquified natural gas into a gaseous state for Italy’s national network. The project is a crucial part of Italy’s plan to reduce its reliance on Russian gas, which provided around 40% of Italy’s gas in 2021 but fell to 16% last year due to the invasion of Ukraine. However, the project has faced opposition from environmentalists and locals, who fear potential health and safety risks. Nonetheless, the Golar Tundra can store 170,000 cubic meters of LNG and has an annual regasification capacity of five billion cubic meters, contributing approximately 6.5% of Italy’s gas needs, bringing national regasification capacity to over 25% of demand. The project is owned by Italian gas group Snam, and the former energy minister Roberto Cingolani has called the regasification unit “essential for national security.”
Italy Welcomes Controversial Regasification Unit amid Protests
Italy’s energy security received a significant boost with the arrival of a new floating storage and regasification unit in Tuscany on Sunday. However, the installation of the Golar Tundra at the Piombino site sparked local protests over potential health and safety risks, particularly for travelers between the port city of Piombino and the island of Elba, a popular holiday destination.
The Golar Tundra, owned by Italian gas group Snam, will receive liquified natural gas (LNG) from other carriers and turn it back into a gaseous state that can be fed into Italy’s national network. Once operational in May, the unit is expected to contribute around 6.5 percent of Italy’s gas needs, bringing national regasification capacity to over 25 percent of demand.
The project is a crucial part of Italy’s plan to reduce its reliance on Russian gas, which provided around 40 percent of Italy’s gas in 2021 but fell to 16 percent last year due to the invasion of Ukraine. The location of the regasification unit was chosen for its proximity to Italy’s heavily industrialized north, but the government claims it is only temporary, and it will be relocated after three years.
Environmental groups have warned the project could slow down Italy’s transition to renewable energy. Nevertheless, the Golar Tundra can store 170,000 cubic meters of LNG and has an annual regasification capacity of five billion cubic meters, allowing families to think about lower bills and reach levels of self-sufficiency.
Former energy minister Roberto Cingolani has called the regasification unit “essential for national security,” and Snam CEO Stefano Venier has confirmed the project’s significance to Italy’s energy security. Nonetheless, local protests have persisted for months, and the government will have to address the concerns raised by environmentalists and locals about the potential risks of the project.
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