They have their eyes on July 1, CGIL, CISL, UIL, after discussions with Marc Benayoun, Chief Executive Officer of Edison. In just over 15 days, in fact, the transfer of the hydrocarbon exploration and drilling activities by the energy giant should begin. The sale of the company branch involves 225 people, of which 193 in Italy. Looking for a partner able to ensure the activities in the medium term. It is certain that Edison emerges and motivates the choice by discounting the difficulty of growing in a market with larger and more competitive players. According to the company, the production of hydrocarbons in Europe is declining, so it has become too costly to start new explorations all over the world. Maintaining the Exploration & Production (E&P) sector would involve large economic investments, with low remuneration. But Edison reassures unions and workers on other strategic objectives.
The sale of research has the purpose of finding economic resources to be reused in activities with a higher rate of return on investment. So hydroelectric plants, gas-fired combined cycle plants, a wind farm in the process of expansion, small-scale mini-hydroelectric. In short, average annual investments of 500 million euros over the next three years, of which over 70% in Italy. The renewable energy component finds ample space in the business plan. If the industrial plan and the agreement with the unions had not been announced before last week's meeting with Pope Francis and the energy companies, one could also think of a Vatican inspiration. It's not like that. Pope Francis has invited managers to safeguard the planet with non-polluting sources, while big companies plan well in advance. Edison was ultimately on the right track.
The CEO of the group is also involved in the forthcoming restructuring of the large coal-fired power plant in Marghera. A great challenge for the environment and the vaunted Italian decarbonisation , despite all 5 employees (2/3 in Italy) will continue to be engaged in the gas sector and in energy and environmental services to the Public Administration. Everything fits, according to the unions who share the goal of maintaining high investments with a at the forefront of the current energy transition. The industry-union agreement will certainly not benefit the choice of a partner for E&P activities without industrial characteristics, but with financial and speculative connotations. We should re-discuss. July 1 will arrive.
