In 13 cities of the region, including Ioannina, the natural gas network will be expanded this year, as announced by the management of Italgas, which has taken over the distribution networks throughout the country from 2022. At the same time, the finalization of the institutional framework for the production and distribution of biomethane through the same networks is expected, which can be a new source of income for agricultural and livestock holdings.
Company announcements in detail
According to the announcements made by the president of Italgas Benedetta Navarra, its CEO Paolo Gallo, the CEO of DEPA Infrastructure Barbara Morgante and the CEO of DEDA Francesca Zanninotti for 2024 the expansion of the network to Grevena, Livadia, Giannitsa is planned , Veria, Florina, Kastoria, Argos Orestiko, Amfissa, Alexandria, Karpenisi, Orestiada, Patras and Janina.
The company’s business plan for the period 2023-2029 foresees investments of 900 million euros, an amount which Mr. Gallo estimated will move to higher levels. It includes investments for network expansion, installation of smart meters, leakage control technologies, etc. In 2023, 600 kilometers of networks were built, more than 23,000 new consumer connections from the residential, commercial and industrial sectors were made and more than 32,000 smart meters were installed.
In response to questions, Italgas management stated, among other things, the following:
The finalization of the institutional framework is expected in order to advance the investments for the exploitation of biomethane with the utilization of the experience from the corresponding activity in Italy. Biomethane produced from agricultural and livestock residues, as well as the organic fraction of municipal solid waste, can be fed into natural gas networks and provide an additional source of income for the agricultural sector in combination with the promotion of the circular economy. An earlier study by DEDA had identified dozens of points throughout Greece where there is sufficient raw material production from agricultural and urban waste.
There are currently no plans to be active in the water supply networks, however in a few years this perspective may be reconsidered. There are also no plans to list the company on the Stock Exchange.
The expansion of natural gas to islands depends on cost-benefit analyses. On large islands like Crete the investment could make sense.
#Natural #gas #Ioannina
2024-02-17 14:46:38