The data reveal that the Piombino regasifier was not needed:it is the least used in Europe

The Piombino regasification terminal is the least used in all of Europe. È what emerges from the dataExplore IEEFA's European LNG Tracker of the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) which examines energy problems, trends and policies with the mission of accelerate the transition towards a diversified, sustainable and profitable energy economy. The IEEFA in particular highlighted that «The gap between LNG (liquefied natural gas) capacity and European demand continues to widen» and that despite this «Europe plans to continue building the infrastructure to import LNG."

In fact, since the beginning of 2022, following the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the consequent objective of an embargo on Russian gas, Europe has added 6 new LNG terminals (between Italy, the Netherlands, Germany and Finland) and expanded one in France for a total of 36.5 billion cubic meters (bcm) of new LNG regasification capacity.In the meantime, however, LNG consumption has increased by alone 4.8 bcm, compared to the increase of 46.2 bcm recorded in the same period of 2022.Additionally, an additional 106 bcm of LNG import capacity (new or expanded) is being planned between now and 2030, which will increase capacity by another 143 billion bcm compared to 2021 levels. for a total of 406 bcm.In the meantime, however, it is expected that due to European policies to reduce gas demand, consumption will drop to around 400 bcm.

«The decline in demand for gas – he commented Ana Maria Jaller-Makarewicz, energy analyst at IEEFA – is challenging the narrative that Europe needs more LNG infrastructure to achieve its energy security goals. The data shows that this is not the case. Despite significant progress towards reducing gas consumption, European countries risk giving up their dependence on Russian gas pipelines for a redundant LNG system that further exposes the continent to price volatility."The International Energy Agency's World Energy Outlook 2023 also found this to be the case the risk is that of creating an excess of supply with a consequent collapse in prices by the end of this decade.

The European narrative – that more LNG facilities need to be built – has been fully married from Italy, which he decided to present the regasifier as an absolutely indifferent work, trampling (for its realization) the will of the vast majority of the citizens of Piombino, including that of the mayor.

[by Iris Paganessi]