If we add energy savings and new deliveries, we will be completely independent of Russian gas shipments in the second half of 2024 – said Roberto Cingolani at a press conference in Rome on the country’s energy situation and energy saving plan, according to MTI.
The politician said Italy had enough gas reserves to avoid a supply crunch until the end of winter if Russia turned off the tap.
Italy hopes to have its storage tanks at least 90 percent full by the end of the year, or sooner. The stocks will last through February even if Russia halts shipping at the start of winter.
Singolani said the short-term goal is to get through the winter of 2022-2023 with the help of diversification plan, warehouse filling and energy saving plan.
lower the temperature
The minister said Italy wanted to save 2.5 billion cubic meters of gas annually by lowering the temperature in public buildings and private homes by one degree and heating for one hour a day.
Singolani said that if gas supplies from other sources deteriorate, we can put in place a more stringent austerity plan, but energy security is currently guaranteed.
After the invasion of Ukraine, Italy concluded a series of agreements to reduce its dependence on Russian gas. Algeria is currently the main source of Italian imports.
Italy used to buy most of its gas from Russia – last year 40 percent of natural gas imports, or 29 billion cubic metres, were covered by Russian sources.
