1.2 billion euros are coming from the EU to encourage the ecological transition and cushion its impact on employment in the Sulcis Iglesiente and in Taranto, in the former Ilva area.

In fact, the European Commission has given the green light to the program for a just transition (Just Transition Fund) for Italy for the period 2021-2027, which aims, in both areas concerned, to counteract the effects of the transition by increasing the share of energy produced from renewable sources for businesses and domestic users and address situations of environmental damage by reclaiming contaminated areas.

In Sulcis Iglesiente the main objective - explains the Commission - is «to exploit the potential of the region for the production and regeneration of electricity from renewable sources. The program therefore supports the creation of renewable energy communities to help reduce energy poverty in the area and supports the use of clean technologies to improve the energy efficiency of businesses and production processes. Finally, the program provides for the reclamation of contaminated areas that can be used for the establishment of new economic activities".

"The rehabilitation of abandoned mining areas and their reconversion represents an important step forward for the future of Sulcis", comments the governor Christian Solinas . Adding: «Sardinia decisively chooses the path of green and high technology and certainly the endowment that is destined today is a concrete aid for a long-range redevelopment action, and opens up new scenarios for a different industrial development compared to the past, more environmentally friendly".

Satisfaction is also expressed by the Industry councilor Anita Pili. «It is certainly a fact of great importance, but it must not make us forget other heavily compromised areas of our Region, which await a decisive recovery intervention and a new development model. In any case, we are ready - he concludes - to give content and perspectives to the territory, quickly promoting tenders to carry out the works in the shortest possible time".