ITALIAN MANUFACTURERS CUT BACK PRODUCTION TO SAVE ENERGY

Italy is turning production around to save energy. No day can reach as far as it does on Sunday when an official from the Ministry of Ecological Transition was deposed to tell the story of energy-intensive industries in Italy that are rebalancing production while struggling with increased bills stemming from the significant percentages paid for the purchase of fuel and other energy products.

Massimiliano Atelli is the chairman of the committee that assesses the environmental impact of new renewable energy plants. He explained that there are many entire industrial sectors where power supplies are being cut to avoid the possibility of rationing as is the case of the glass and canning industries.

“But this is not without costs, social costs… because at the time when production slows down, we have to think about those who work in those industries,” he told a conference.

Italy is changing its possible gas options. The country has confirmed agreements with some alternative gas producing countries to reduce its dependence on Moscow, which is too far away and not as affordable as it was. Half of the gas is burned to produce electricity.

These agreements have allowed Rome to fill its gas storage quickly, but have not been enough to protect its industries from rising energy costs. Prime Minister Mario Draghi believes that the country is unlikely to take measures to encourage gas exports and help its economic development by avoiding imposing state measures to ration gas.  The gas storage system is expected to be 80% full shortly.