Sardinia is saying goodbye to coal and preparing to embark on the energy transition. A decree has been signed that defines priority projects and infrastructure for the island's decarbonization . The Prime Minister's decree calls for strategic and urgent interventions, from renewable energy production to the installation of energy storage systems. And this is precisely where the mayors' concerns arise. Simplifying the administrative procedures for producing energy from renewable sources risks accelerating the construction of wind and photovoltaic plants. It's no coincidence that this will strengthen the system of electricity interconnections, both with the mainland and with Sicily, and reinforce the transmission grid within the island.
Regarding gas, a virtual connection is being introduced that will guarantee security of supply through the use of regasification terminals, floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), and local networks, "while ensuring fair national tariffs to protect Sardinian consumers." This measure marks a decisive step forward for Sardinia , the Italian region that still has the highest greenhouse gas emissions and is largely dependent on fossil fuels.
MINISTERS – "Our goal is to strengthen the security and sustainability of the regional energy system, with integrated infrastructure that fosters its development and completes the process of definitively eliminating coal," declared Minister of the Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin.
"This concrete act paves the way for the decarbonization of industrial sectors and the reindustrialization of the region, starting with Sulcis , where our commitment to addressing the ongoing crises and transforming them into opportunities remains a priority," stated Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso. The Sulcis region, and the industrial sector more generally, is a key issue that weighs heavily on the island's future. Unions applaud the decree's signing but emphasize the urgency of moving to the operational phase of the transition to ensure Sardinia's future of development and employment .
INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRIES – " Confindustria Sardegna welcomes the signing of the Prime Minister's Decree identifying priority projects and infrastructure for the island's coal-free transition. This measure marks a crucial step in the decarbonization process and is hoped to be a key step toward bridging the competitive gap currently penalizing businesses and families due to high energy costs." This is according to a statement from Confindustria Sardegna.
THE REGION – Industry Councillor Emanuele Cani also commented on the matter, commenting on the signing of the document by the Presidency of the Council of Ministers: "With the signing of the Prime Ministerial Decree on methane gas distribution, after intense interinstitutional negotiations, Sardinia finally has the regulatory framework necessary for the construction of the methane gas distribution network infrastructure, thus putting an end to the dispute initiated by the Solinas administration against the State , which has unfortunately severely penalised our island for too many years. Now we must ensure that the works are completed as quickly as possible." "The Prime Ministerial Decree," the councillor explained, "will enable us to use methane gas, especially for industrial purposes in the transitional phase towards a just energy transition, ensuring an adequate and stable supply for the industrial system , as well as encouraging the use of existing urban catchment areas, in which significant public resources have been invested." "The other substantial element contained in the decree, on which we have persevered with conviction, is the equalization of gas prices, which will finally bring Sardinia and the Sardinians into line with the rest of the country." The councilor, however, expresses doubts about the expropriation linked to the authorizations for new renewable energy production plants.
TRADE UNIONS – The section of the decree relating to methane gas has been welcomed by the trade unions. "We have been waiting for this provision for years, and now that it has been signed, we hope that its provisions will immediately translate into the construction of the necessary infrastructure to make methane gas available on the island, at the same cost as in the rest of Italy," said Fausto Durante, general secretary of the CGIL Sardinia , along with Francesco Garau, secretary of the regional Filctem CGIL . "This provision can and must contribute to the ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Made in Italy regarding the various disputes pending in the Sulcis Iglesiente region, starting with Eurallumina, for which we hope to see a resolution."
"Now we need to quickly and decisively implement the provisions of the decree, transforming them into concrete projects, operational investments, and real employment benefits," says CISL Sardinia Secretary Pier Luigi Ledda, who points out that the island is going through a delicate phase, with the major disputes in Sulcis (Eurallumina, Sider Alloys, Portovesme), the green chemistry issue in Porto Torres, the Enel issue in Portoscuso, and the reconversion processes affecting multiple regions. "Too often, Sardinia has seen measures stall halfway," add Fulvia Murru, General Secretary of Uil Sardinia , and Pierluigi Loi, General Secretary of Uiltec Sardinia . "We cannot allow further delays. The real challenge will be to transform the Prime Ministerial Decree into concrete development, stable and skilled jobs, industrial revitalization, and a fair energy transition. On this issue, Uil and Uiltec will be on the front lines, monitoring and pressuring the Government."
(Unioneonline)
