Eni and Snam are initiating a carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in Italy in the Adriatic Sea, near Ravenna. The project focuses on reducing CO2 emissions from industrial plants. CCS involves capturing carbon dioxide from industrial processes and injecting it into underground reservoirs, thus avoiding its release into the atmosphere. This first phase specifically concerns Eni’s Casalborsetti natural gas processing plant, whose CO2 emissions will be transported and stored in the depleted Porto Corsini Mare Ovest deposit, 3,000 metres below sea level.
90% reduction in emissions at Casalborsetti
The project foresees a reduction of more than 90% of the emissions of the Casalborsetti plant, or around 25,000 tonnes of CO2 per year. This process is based on the conversion of existing gas pipelines to transport carbon dioxide to an offshore platform, where it will then be permanently stored. The use of existing infrastructure optimises costs and accelerates the implementation of the project, while meeting safety and regulatory compliance requirements.
Expansion of storage capacities on an industrial scale
Eni and Snam plan to expand the capture and storage capacity to 4 million tonnes of CO2 per year by 2030. This expansion, which constitutes phase 2 of the project, involves the development of a broader infrastructure to integrate other CO2 emitters. The aim is to make the Ravenna region a strategic hub for the management of emissions from energy-intensive industrial sectors in Italy. The implementation of this large-scale system would meet the growing expectations for CO2 emission reductions across the European Union.
Strategy and outlook for the energy industry
The Adriatic Sea initiative is part of a broader strategy to adapt to new European regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. Industry players anticipate increased demand for solutions such as CCS, in addition to other energy transition strategies. The Ravenna project stands out for its integrated approach, combining capture, transport and storage, while relying on existing infrastructure networks. This approach offers a pragmatic response to environmental challenges without compromising industrial competitiveness.
Expected impact and potential collaborations
The CCS in Ravenna could serve as a model for other similar projects in Europe. Several countries, including the United Kingdom and Norway, have already launched similar initiatives, and the Italian project could facilitate cross-border cooperation. Harmonisation of safety standards and technologies between these projects could lead to increased standardisation, benefiting the entire European energy sector.
The successful integration of this project could influence the future development of energy policies, positioning Italy among the leaders in the management of industrial CO2 emissions. The ability to quickly adapt to regulatory requirements and optimize the use of existing infrastructures represents a strategic asset for market players.
