There is one issue on which the government that emerges from the polls on March 4 will be obliged to deal with the business world: energy. Neglected in debates and talk shows, this topic occupies a prominent place in Confindustria's strategy, presented at the recent meeting in Verona. To the audience of 5 Vincenzo entrepreneurs, the president Vincenzo Boccia explained that the topic is within the platform that will be presented to the new government, in a very complex context.
Despite the energy strategy launched by Gentiloni, Calenda and Galletti before the dissolution of the Chambers, the misalignment of costs with the European average weighs heavily on Italian industry. It will have to subside with new measures to be agreed with long horizons. But it is not only this that conditions the life of companies, say the industrialists.
It is also necessary to create a more competitive market for renewable sources, that future without ifs and buts, which must fight the demagoguery of incompetents for whom "renewable Italy" is within reach. The positions expressed in Verona arose from local consultations which also led to requests for the revision of the regulatory framework in favor of non-polluting energies based on the administered incentives. A request that has already been on the table for some time, actually. We must then promote models of widespread self-production for smart energy communities, develop the gas hub which is very useful in the medium-long term, stimulate more social awareness of companies.
The economic plan outlined by Boccia is part of a total commitment of over 247 billion euros over 5 years. 34 should go precisely to infrastructure for the environment, territory and energy. In other words, to that widespread circular economy, which is needed to achieve the climate objectives of the UN Agenda. Italy will not be able to aspire to those goals of 2030 until it seriously comes to terms with today.
With the ability of companies to stay on the markets and compete well in every sector of the energy system. Who should govern this process as delicate as it is epochal? We have a cumbersome decision-making system - says Boccia - which favors vetoes and oppositions between the State and the Regions, the pulverization of competences and responsibilities. The decision-making system must be brought back to the centre, in particular for the creation of strategic infrastructures, useful for growth and employment.
It is a crucial step in the Confindustria strategy, where local authorities can be consulted to express opinions, sit at technical tables, until – it seems to understand – they question the projects in their essence. The same investments that support the works will have to be accompanied by a political and administrative simplification. Will the new government, even better the new Parliament, be able to take charge of it?
Will we become aware that business and economic cycles do not affect democracy if there is a general interest in development and modernity involved? The starting condition can only be the energy strategy we were talking about. Evidently this too, Boccia was referring to when he invited the government to come, not to bury the reforms of Renzi and Gentiloni.
Of course, the value of the choices will be measured on concrete things, such as tax breaks for waste recycling, sustainable mobility, the renewal of the vehicle fleet, the energy upgrading of buildings and much more. A sure challenge for whoever will be chosen to lead Italy.
What is the fossil gas hub good for if we can produce renewable methane from water and sea in every region and create 4 million connected jobs?