If you apply them they work. Environmental compensation measures for energy activities are confirmed as the right answer to ancient protests. For many years now, every time a company starts an activity with an energy value, it has had to deal with the environmental impacts. To the sharing – more often in opposition – of citizens and local authorities. There are rules to reduce damage and at the same time protect people and the environment. Just apply them, even if they often require negotiations and tiring mediations, because in the end those principles become hard cash.
In Lombardy, which has a good tradition in gas storage, the Region, Municipalities and Stogit (Snam group) have concluded a package of environmental compensations: 8,7 million euros go to local authorities for the renewal of concessions to store gas in old wells. The Municipalities with that money will have to put their hand to improvement and environmental recovery works according to programs to be defined. In Cinisello Balsamo, Ripalta Cremasca, Sergnano and Settala, action will be taken to improve the quality of the territory, while on the technological side, another not 1,6 million will be spent to improve the monitoring networks.
The mediation had been going on for some time and the final agreement signed by the Region and ANCI gives substance to a previous agreement of June. So there is a satisfactory collaboration, in an excited phase of the Italian energy transition. It is important, based on what was signed in Milan, that local repercussions are not neglected. Gas continues to occupy a prominent place in the national requirement and the agreements reached at a territorial level concern more and more practical aspects. Three above all: coordination, monitoring and reporting of the planned interventions. A method that can be applied everywhere, especially when there are ready projects, without operational disturbances and delays. As far as energy is concerned, it is true that gas imports will not stop. Clearly keeping it is the only guarantee in the face of eventualities and risks of various kinds.
In recent years the Stogit has established itself as the largest operator in the sector, strengthening between Lombardy, Emilia and Abruzzo the ability to conserve "gas in the same safety condition in which nature has kept it for millions of years". Depleted, protected deposits are used at a depth of around 1.500 metres, to also compensate for market variations in raw materials and guarantee requirements. Gas conservation is also considered strategic in energy transition plans, where it accompanies the increase in renewable sources until 2030/2050. The rules on environmental compensations were born to do justice to old mistakes. Of industrial initiatives, albeit necessary, conceived in total disregard for environmental issues and the protection of citizens. It's a good thing they're being applied now, but without confusing money with respect for men and habitat.
