“More Italian gas and oil for industry”. Piras (Uiltec) speaks out

Increasing gas and oil extraction in Italy is an “indispensable measure that can no longer be postponed in the interests of the country, at an exceptional time when extraordinary measures are needed”. Daniela Piras is the general secretary of Uiltec, the trade union representing workers in the energy and industrial sectors. Speaking to Il Foglio, she says that the decree-law currently before the Senate – through which the government aims to set clear timelines for procedures relating to onshore hydrocarbon exploration and extraction – is a positive initiative, not least because of the role of the commissioner it introduces should the regions fail to reach agreement within the stipulated timeframe. “I have always been against differentiated autonomy, particularly with regard to water and energy management. The strategy must rest with the central government and not with the regions, because differing approaches could put some areas at a disadvantage compared to others.”

The CGIL does not see it that way. In Basilicata, the region where 30 per cent of Italy’s gas and 80 per cent of its crude oil are currently extracted, the trade union has criticised the decree for having a “regressive vision” and has proposed the conversion of production sites. “I know I have a responsibility towards the industrial sector and the workers I represent,” says Piras, explaining why his position does not align with that of Landini’s trade union. "That is why I support measures that address their needs and those of their families, who are paying an energy cost that is no longer sustainable and to which we are unable to provide a solution." The price of energy remains the factor that most affects the competitiveness of Italian industry, and these conflicts are reshaping the landscape. "We find ourselves in a situation of risky dependence. We are no longer dependent on Russia, but we are dependent on other countries. There are industrial sectors that still cannot do without gas, and whilst we have given up extracting it, large quantities will still be needed for at least twenty years.” For Piras, this timeframe should coincide with an energy plan for industrial policy. “Increasing extraction cannot be a long-term solution, but at the moment it is a necessity.”

According to UIL estimates, with the fields already explored and the existing infrastructure, annual crude oil and gas production could be doubled in a couple of years, rising to eight million tonnes and six billion cubic metres respectively. These figures may appear modest compared to consumption levels – 55 million tonnes of oil and 63 billion cubic metres of gas – but, according to the UIL, they could prove beneficial for the industry and workers. This applies both to those in the oil-producing regions, which offer skilled and well-paid jobs, and to companies that consume large quantities of gas. “The ‘Gas Release’ scheme was a very sound initiative, which gave meaning to the licences because it met a national need. Unfortunately, there was not the courage to see it through to completion,” says Piras. According to the secretary, the scheme should be reintroduced as a condition for any increase in production: domestic gas should be sold at a capped price to energy-intensive companies that cannot do without this source. The other proposed condition is investment in technologies such as CO₂ capture and storage. As for oil, however, the aim is also to strengthen national refining capacity. Crude oil extracted in Basilicata is supplied directly to the Taranto refinery via a pipeline: “We are increasing our refining capacity and making ourselves less dependent on foreign sources.” On the other hand, reviving gas and oil extraction was one of the Meloni government’s objectives. Four years on, however, production has not increased.

Meanwhile, the decree has begun its passage through Parliament. The Lucanian branch of the PD has expressed strong opposition, in line with the CGIL. “I believe that everyone should be thinking about workers and businesses. And that we should all have a common goal: to strike a balance, through responsible decisions, between energy security, industrial competitiveness, safeguarding jobs and the environmental transition.”