29/07/2025
Taranto, july 29th 2025 - The use of a regasification vessel for the Taranto steel plant depends on the production configuration chosen for the future of the plant. This was specified by Acciaierie d'Italia, currently under extraordinary administration, which reiterated that the ‘green’ conversion proposal (known as Option A) involves a considerable demand for natural gas.
The plan involves the construction of three electric furnaces, four direct reduction plants, and four plants for capturing the CO2 produced during the reduction process. All these plants, in addition to the existing ones that will continue to operate in part, require a stable and plentiful supply of gas, both to fuel production and to generate energy.
AdI under EA estimates a total requirement of 5.1 billion cubic meters of gas per year, while the current distribution network, according to SNAM, can guarantee a maximum of 2 billion. Hence, the idea of using a regasification vessel to bridge the gap.
The statements made to the press by Prof. Carlo Mapelli, an expert on the Taranto plant both as a consultant to Commissioner Bondi and as a member of the board of directors of Acciaierie d'Italia, are in line with AdI under EA's forecast.
In fact, the professor states that 270 cubic meters of gas are required per ton of DRI, which for an annual production of 10 million tons of pre-reduced iron corresponds to 2.7 billion cubic meters/year (BSmc/year). Adding to this “just over 2 BSmc/year for electric furnaces,” the requirement reaches at least 4.7 BSmc/year of natural gas (certainly higher than the availability declared by SNAM).
If we add to this figure the gas and electricity requirements (produced by a high-efficiency natural gas-fired power plant) of the existing plants and CO2 capture plants, we reach the value stated by AdI under EA.
Finally, Acciaierie d'Italia under EA emphasizes its willingness to engage in dialogue with all interested parties, with a view to maximum transparency and with the support of solid and verified data.
Press office - Comin & Partners
Vittoria Tomasi - 334 974 8621 - [email protected]
Federico Fabretti, Partner – 3357534768 – [email protected]
