Italgas announced a ambitious investment plan da one billion euros in Greece, to be completed by 2030. The Strategic Plan, developed by the subsidiary Enaon, is designed to guide the ecological transition and develop a modern and sustainable energy network. “This Plan provides Greece with one billion euros and designs the path for the development of the country's energy infrastructure,” he said Paolo Gallo, CEO Italgas, during the presentation press conference.
Italgas strategic plan: four guidelines for sustainability
The Enaon project is structured along four main directions:
- Methanization of the Territories: With a budget of 650 million euros, over 3.000 kilometers of new networks will be built to bring natural gas to 18 new cities, including Patra, Ioannina and Florina. This development will increase the number of customers served from 615.000 to 920.000 by 2030.
- Digitalization and Technological Innovation: The network will be fully digitalized by 2025, thanks to the introduction of proprietary software DANA for automated management and remote control. In addition, approximately 570.000 new meters will be installed H2 ready, ready to handle blends of natural gas and renewables.
- Renewable Gas Development: Enaon will promote the use of biomethane and green hydrogen. “We are carrying out a study that will be concluded at the end of the year to evaluate the compatibility of our assets with hydrogen,” explained Francesca Zaninotti, CEO of Enaon Eda.
- Repurposing the Existing Network: Current infrastructure will be adapted to be more flexible and ready to accommodate renewable gases, ensuring greater energy sustainability.
Focus on safety and competitiveness
The introduction of cryogenic LNG storages (Liquefied natural gas) in remote areas not reached by methane transport networks represents a innovative solution to overcome energy isolation. “Enaon’s contribution to the country’s development is concrete and visible: actively promoting an ecological transition that guarantees safety, sustainability and cost competitiveness for families and businesses,” added Gallo.
A central element of the plan is the Strengthening the production of renewable gases. Enaon is screening biogas plants to promote their upgrade to biomethane and connection to the distribution network. At the same time, we are working on hydrogen: the goal is to reach a blending capacity of up to 20% by 2026, preparing the network for the distribution of blends of natural gas and green hydrogen.
Thanks to know-how acquired in Italy, Enaon will be able to accelerate the implementation of cutting-edge technologies in Greece. “This path passes through the ability to continue to enhance local know-how, reducing the time to apply technologies,” Gallo emphasized.
Italgas: closing with 2i Rete Gas in the first quarter of 2025
As regards the closing of the agreement with 2i Rete Gas, Gallo confirmed that it is scheduled for the first quarter of 2025, subject to approval by the Antitrust and the Golden Power. The operation, already included in the 2030 industrial plan worth 5,3 billion euros, was made official in October and allowed Italgas to acquire 2i Rete Gas, previously owned by F2i and Ardian.
Thanks to this acquisition, Italgas becomes leader in the gas distribution market in Italy, exceeding 50% market share, with coverage of over 4.000 municipalities and more than 12 million delivery points. “With this operation, Italgas marks a historic milestone in its long and prestigious history,” said Paolo Gallo.
