Eni and Snam have officially launched Italy's first CO2 capture and storage project in Ravenna, marking a significant step towards decarbonizing energy-intensive industries.
The initiative, with an estimated investment of €1.5 billion, aims to establish an Italian hub for carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology, which is crucial for meeting climate targets.
The project involves capturing CO2 emissions from Eni's natural gas treatment plant in Casalborsetti, Ravenna, estimated at 25, 000 tons annually.
The captured CO2 is transported via repurposed pipelines to the offshore platform Porto Corsini Mare Ovest, where it is injected into a depleted gas field at a depth of 3, 000 meters.
The project is noted for its high efficiency, achieving over 90% CO2 reduction, with concentrations below 3% at atmospheric pressure.
This efficiency positions it as a leading global example in industrial CO2 capture.
The CCS technology, supported by simplified regulatory frameworks, is essential for reducing emissions in hard-to-abate sectors.
Eni's CEO, Claudio Descalzi, emphasized the project's industrial significance and its role in leveraging local expertise and infrastructure.
The European Union aims to achieve a CO2 storage capacity of at least 50 million tons annually by 2030, and this project contributes to that goal.
Snam's CEO, Stefano Venier, highlighted the project's alignment with their strategic plan to enable a balanced energy transition.
The joint venture with Eni is part of broader European efforts, with similar projects in France, Greece, and the UK. Future plans include expanding Ravenna CCS to store up to 4 million tons annually by 2030, with potential to reach 16 million tons based on market demand.