The topic of regasification plants has become very topical in recent years, as an alternative to the supply of foreign gas from conflict zones. These plants allow the transformation of liquid gas, transported to the plant by ships, to gaseous gas for injection into the distribution network. Some oppose this solution, however, because it is linked to fossil fuels.
Il regasification plant theme has recently returned to the forefront of current affairs, also thanks to the energy crisis which has hit Europe also as a consequence of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Yet, when it comes to storage solutions for liquid gas for its transformation into gaseous gas, the discussions are always very heated. For example, many oppose their implementation in Italy. Therefore, what are regasification plants and why are there those who do not want them in Italy?
That of liquefaction and storage of natural gas It is a complex topic that, in addition to economic and political implications, could also have environmental implications. For this reason, it is physiological that opinions on regasification plants are often opposed. Below, some useful information.
Regasification plants: what are they?
The term regasification plant refers to a plant that perfectly transform a fluid into a gasas this substance is normally found in nature. This is a fairly widespread solution for the management of liquefied natural gas (LNG) and its transformation into a gaseous state, so that it can be used in the common urban distribution network.
Simplifying it operationliquefied natural gas – but also other substances, such as methane, ethylene, ammonia and some petroleum derivatives in liquid form – is transported to the regasification plant, usually with the help of special ships. Inside the plant, by exploiting the high temperatures, the liquid is brought back to the gaseous state, as it is normally found in nature. Since in liquid form the gas is often stored at low or very low temperatures, in most cases pipes filled with sea water are used for regasification, since they are warmer. This explains why in almost all cases the regasification plants are implemented along the sea coast.
In Italia several regasification plants are active: in Panigaglia (Liguria), in Porto Levante (Rovigo) and in Livorno, where there is a floating structure, to which are added two new projects in Piombino and Ravenna.
Regasification plants and natural gas demand
As already mentioned, regasification plants have recently become very topical. With the energy crisis that has hit Europe, also following the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, these plants have been considered a possible alternative to cut in supplies from abroadto guarantee the country greater autonomy.
To date, the three main plants – Panigaglia, Porto Levante and Livorno – together ensure a capacity of 15.5 billion cubic meters of gas per year. To these, another 10 billion could be added from the Piombino and Ravenna plants. Italy has a natural gas requirement of approximately 68 billionso regasification plants could cover 10 to 16% of the gas consumed in Italy every year.
Regasification Plants: Why Some Don’t Want Them in Italy
Why, however, do some not want regasification plants in Italy? Generally speaking, by helping the country’s energy needs and reducing natural gas imports from nations at risk, regasification plants are a useful resource. However, the environmental impact of these plants must be considered, as well as the path towards energy transition.
The environmental problems of regasification plants
When talking about regasification plants, one must always think about the environmental issues as well as energy ones. Like all human structures, these plants can also have repercussions on natural habitats:
- Destruction of natural habitats for the construction of the plants, with consequences on biodiversity, particularly along the country’s coasts;
- Emission of polluting substances when the plants are in operation, in particular compounds such as chlorine which could be discharged into marine waters;
- Risk of overheating sea water near the plant, with a consequent alteration of local biodiversity;
- Increased fire risksin the presence of gas leaks or during the loading and unloading phases of liquefied natural gas.
The fossil fuel issue
Many are opposed to the construction of new regasification plants because, as is easy to understand, natural gas is a fossil fuel. In the perspective of a energy transition towards low environmental impact technologies, such as energy production through renewable sources, fossil fuels represent a brake. Especially if, as in the case of a newly built regasification plant, the duration of the plant’s activity is estimated at more than 25 years.
To prevent the country from becoming tied to fossil fuels again, with all that this entails in terms of emissions – and not only CO2, but also nitrogen oxides – the choice of the regasification plant is seen by many as an obstacle to a full energy and electricity transition based on renewable sources.
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Source: www.greenstyle.it
