Gas has the lowest carbon impact of fossil fuel and should be the bridge to renewable energy, writes ENI’S Marilia Cioni
engagement are a legal requirement in South Africa, and they are part of our DNA: ENI is second out of 500 European firms for transparency in communication (ranked by digital specialist Comprend).
We have met South African stakeholders over the EIA process; we are available to do so again, whenever they are willing to engage in constructive dialogue.
Safety
ENI’S operating model focuses on reducing risk as well as the environmental and social impact. This has granted us an excellent track record in safety.
In the past three years, ENI has been the top performer in its sector in the reduction of injury rates across activities.
Our deep-water exploration in Ghana, Angola and Mozambique, just to mention sub-saharan Africa, recorded no incident or spill. This is the result of a thorough preparation process: we identify all possible impact and define specific prevention, intervention and mitigation measures.
Exploration
The nature of exploration activity requires a limited, highly skilled work force, which may not be available in the local market.
If a commercial quantity of oil or gas is found offshore, this economic sector will grow, creating job opportunities for South Africans.
The economic impact of oil and gas activities cannot be measured by work force only: we must take into account the indirect and induced impact linked to contractors and goods or service providers.
On a different level, there is the nationwide benefit of being able to source locally the fuel for the country’s power plants and refineries and therefore not have to rely on imports.
Oil and gas activities are also compatible with fishing and tourism. In Italy, we operated since the 1960s in the Adriatic, Ionian and Sicilian channel seas, offshore in the regions of Romagna, Marche, Puglia, Calabria and Sicily – all areas with well-developed fishing industries and a thriving touristic sector.
ENI has no doubt that the world needs to limit global warming and undertake a transition to a renewable energy mix. How do we guarantee energy for all and limit harmful emissions while greener technologies mature?
Gas can be the bridge: it has the lowest carbon impact of fossil fuel. By using of gas in power generation instead of oil or coal, countries can slash their CO2 emissions.
Decarbonisation is also part of our operating model: we are committed to reducing and offsetting greenhouse gas emissions from our own activities by getting to zero operative flaring and zero fugitives.
In addition, we are boosting energy efficiency in our activities and investing in research and development including research on energy mix diversification and green businesses, such as the development of biofuels and a green refinery.
ENI has also created an energy solution division for integrating renewables into the business model.
The Carbon Disclosure Project recognises this effort: ENI is the only oil and gas company in its “A list”.