In recent days, Eni ha received several non-binding offers is preferably used for 49% sale of its division dedicated to biomethane, Enibioch4in. As reported by the Only 24 hours, among the interested parties are European infrastructure groups and international private equity funds. The sale of a minority stake in this division represents a strategic move for the Italian giant, which intends identify a financial partner to support the development of its projects in the rapidly expanding biomethane sector.
Enibioch4in: potential buyers
The non-binding offers received by Eni come from four prominent actors: the French group Vauban Infrastructure Partners, Vesper Infrastructure Partners, the international fund Kingston Capital and Norwegian private equity HitecVisionThe latter is already known in Italy for its collaborations with Eni, including the joint ventures Var Energi and Vargronn, active in the offshore wind sector.
The proposals are currently under consideration by Eni management, after the French bank Natixis was tasked with managing the process. The closing of the negotiations is expected by the end of the year, a move that should further consolidate the group's position in the renewable energy sector.
Eni has mkept a low profile on the matter, with a spokesperson confirming that the “process is ongoing,” without commenting further on the existing offers.
Enibioch4in and the biomethane supply chain
Enibioch4in, controlled by Enilive – Eni's company dedicated to mobility and biorefining – is one of thekey visions in the group's energy transition plan. The division manages twenty-one biogas plants and one biomethane plant, with the aim of introducing over 50 million cubic meters of biomethane into the grid per year. Biomethane, produced from organic waste, agricultural waste and livestock waste, represents one of the most promising alternatives to natural gas, with a significantly reduced environmental impact.
Biomethane is crucial in the strategy of decarbonization of the Group led by Claudio Descalzi, which aims to reduce their industrial emissions and products by 2050. With Enibioch4in, Eni wants to consolidate its position in the renewable energy market and respond to the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions.
Eni's satellite model
The sale of 49% of Enibioch4in is part of the most broad strategic plan of Eni, called “satellite model“. This approach involves the spin-off of some divisions of the group and the creation of partnership with external investors, with the possibility of a future listing on the stock exchange. An example of this strategy has already been implemented with the sale of a share of Plenitude to the Energy Infrastructure Partners fund and with the entry of the American fund KKR into the share capital of Enilive.
Other activities, such as the carbon capture and storage business, are also included in this model. The aim is to strengthen Eni's position in sustainability-related sectors and attracting investment to support the energy transition globally.
