The plan to decarbonize the former ILVA provides for a re -enactor ship in the port of Taranto. But the proposal divides politics, citizenship and institutions, between environmental fears, employment promises and the ghost of the tap past.
The virus Nimby Back to infect Puglia. In the chaotic attempt to raise steel mills of Italy (the ex-ilva), between resignation of the new mayor of Taranto and increasingly profound cracks in the city, a widespread hostility has emerged to an infrastructure concerning gas.
A story that repeats itself. After the violent protests against the Tap pipeline in Melendugno and the failure of the project of a Rigasifier in Brindisithe “Not in My Back Yard” effect, this time the proposal to install aims a re -assessor ship To feed the process of Decarbonization of the steel system.
A project contested by environmentalists And city committeeswith the support of the Municipality and in part of the Region, but considered strategic for the future of the plant. Those who protest would like immediate decarbonisation, but without the floating re -envelope: a difficult quadrature of the circle.
Why do you need gases to steel?
For break down emissions pollutants of the factory. The technical committee of Mimet it outlined two scenarios:
Scenario a: ambitious and high technology
Provides for the replacement of the altars with Three modern electric ovens powered by iron pre -predictproduced via dri plants they use natural gas (and in the future hydrogen) instead of coal.
Includes systems of CO2 capture and storagewith enormous environmental benefits and An advanced industrial chain in Taranto. But the gas requirement is very high: 5.1 billion cubic meters per year.
Scenario B: less ambitious but less energetic
Same electric ovens, but without dri plants. The pre -launch should be importedwith loss of value and employment, without global reduction of emissions. Gas consumption would stop at 1.4 billion cubic meters per year.
The infrastructure node: the ship in the port
The government and commissioners focus on the scenario A. But how Bring so much gas to Taranto?
The enhancement of the tap pipeline it is too slow (beyond 58 months of works), therefore the proposed solution is one rejoicing ship in the port. Estimated cost: 500 million euros. Times: Quick.
The reactions: political and institutional tensions
The Governor Michele Emilianoinitially against, admitted that the ship “It does not represent great danger”. The opposition of the newly elected mayor of Taranto, Piero Bitettiwho presented (and withdrawn) the resignation after the protests:
«A re -assessor ship is not sure for a territory already burdened by refinery and steel establishment. An accident could cause a devastating domino effect ».
Bitetti also stressed that the ship it is not zero impactAnd pollutant And it would hinder the commercial activities of the port.
Urso: “Either the ship or the plane to goes elsewhere”
The Minister Adolfo Urso He launched an Aut-Aut: without ship, the dri will be done elsewhere. Taranto would lose investments And jobs. In case of no official from the Municipality, we will proceed with The scenario Bhoping for a return to the floor only if the conditions will change.
Rigaxifiers in Italy: an already present reality
There Rigasifying ship is not an exception: in Italy they already exist five:
- Panigaglia (La Spezia)
- Rovigo (Porto Viro)
- Livorno (anchored 22 km from the coast)
- Ravenna
- Piombino (in port, with protests)
Everyone fundamental for energy safety and diversification.
The precedent of Brindisi and the lost battle
In 2000, British Gas he proposed a lines a Toasts. The “No Gas” Committee blocked everything, despite years of dispute. For many, it was a missed opportunity for the development of the port.
The Tap case: between protests and results
The strongest parallel is with the tap pipeline. TO Melendugno, urban guerrillamilitarized construction sites, political and media protests.
Accusations: environmental disaster, Destruction of the landscape, Damage to tourism, eradicated centuries -old olive trees. Today, however, concluded:
- The microunnel under the beach it is invisible
- The olive trees have been saved and replaced
- No environmental disaster
Taranto: a decisive crossroads
In Taranto it is repeated it same script. The fears must be listened to and clarified, but the risk is an ideological opposition. There choice is crucial: say no to the ship it may mean say goodbye to decarbonisationto employment and a strategic role for the former Ilva.
So who buy it?
