a almost unknown territory Even in Italy. With an area of less than 10,000 square kilometers, it is uninhabited and at the tail end of Italian development. It’s called Basilicata, and despite all of the above, It has a very striking feature.: It has 116 gas wells (about 30 of which are operational) and numerous oil fields, and are deployed as a concession to companies for the exploitation of these hydrocarbons in an area of 2,555 square kilometers, equivalent to 25% of its territory. For this reason, some have given Basilicata a nickname that speaks for itself: Texas of Italy.
this deposit They were discovered in the 80s. Located between the states of Matera and Potenza and started to be used in the early 90s tempa rossathe one which… French oil company Total, British Shell and Japanese Mitsui It produces 230,000 cubic meters of commercial gas, 50,000 barrels of oil and 240 tons of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) per day. Subsequently, Shell and Co. Italian Widthmanaging 61% of . This second can produce 104,000 barrels per day on a daily basis.
An exceptional fact that has an unexpected outcome this year amid the energy crisis: the Basilicata regional government’s gas supply from Eni and Total compensation for environmental damage – about 200 million cubic meters of this hydrocarbon-, ring per year. The account is like this 110,000 families in the region will no longer have to pay for consumption and they will be able to save an average of 350 euros per year on the bills of their first home. They will only have to pay the costs of the service, such as maintenance.
Excluded companies
As a matter of fact, being a private citizen is among the conditions for receiving assistance. reside in Basilicata and do not use it to heat other energy sources such as pellet stoves or fireplaces. Nevertheless, regional authorities have allocated for these some grants promoting the transition to renewable sources.
The announcement made by Regional President Vito Bardi became the agenda in a short time. success in the population. Since 28 October, when the initiative was launched, some 100,000 citizens have already applied to access assistance that, according to the authorities, can continue to be given for the next year. nine years, As Bardi reported. Despite the reluctance of some associations, some citizens have already started to receive their bills at a discount. they fear that the initiative will lead to an increase in consumption trying to reduce them.
Nicola Valluzzi is the mayor of Castemezzano in the province of Potenza. According to him, the initiative is “necessary” and “necessary” at a time when gas prices are so high. the poverty grows in your area. “However, we would prefer that the benefit be greater for the most needy families and companies will not be completely excludedWhile describing that many commercial activities in this region were closed due to the energy crisis, he tells this newspaper.
environmental bewilderment
The initiative is also not liked by environmental organizations. This is because, as one of the main Italian environmental groups Legambiente reminds, 4 to 36 million cubic meters of gas is emitted directly into the atmosphere each year in Basilicata. Moreover, the paradox is that Basilicata today lfirst Italian region by production hydrocarbons, local residents penultimate for gas consumption fossil.
In fact, the problem of contamination of Basilicata in the past is also over. in the courts, with two lawsuits for illegal garbage smuggling and environmental disaster. Second, due to an incident that occurred in 2017 400 tons of oil spilled and the contamination of 26,000 square meters of soil, as Legambiente recalls.