According to Assocostieri, the sector will grow by 25% per year for the next five years, by 33% in an “optimistic scenario”

The demand for LNG for end-uses in Italy, currently around 180 thousand tonnes per year, has the potential to grow up to 600,000 tonnes per year by 2030 in the reference scenario, with an average annual growth rate of 25% between 2025 and 2030. In an optimistic scenario, in which adequate infrastructure and LNG competitiveness are fully realized, volumes could rise  to 840,000 tonnes, with an average annual growth of 33%

A study on small scale LNG

This is the perspective outlined by a study on small scale LNG entitled “Sslng Watch: the end-use supply chain of LNG in Italy – 2025” and carried out by Mbs Consulting with Assocostieri, which presented it today during the annual meeting.

The LNG market is mainly driven by the heavy transport sector, which in 2024 has already recorded an 8% growth compared to 2023, reaching 135,000 tonnes of consumption.

The maritime sector

For the maritime sector, although bunkering is still limited in the medium term, the outlook is positive: new small-scale infrastructures could bring the demand for LNG for bunkering to around 320,000 tonnes by 2030, thus exceeding the expected consumption in heavy transport (around 285,000 tonnes)” Assocostieri noted.

Biomethane production

Furthermore, the study highlights the growth trend in biomethane production, estimated at around 4.5 billion cubic meters by 2040, thanks to incentivized plants and the possible reconversion of biogas plants, conditioned by the introduction of new incentives.

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The Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy, Adolfo Urso, stated: “The government is working to make Italy a large hub of logistics connectivity between Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North Africa, as also highlighted in the strategic project of the Mattei Plan.

An advantageous geographical position

We are a country that can count on an advantageous geographical position, thanks to its 645 coastal municipalities distributed in 15 regions overlooking the sea. We need to invest and enhance the plurality of energy vectors available following the principle of technological neutrality which must be the objective of our European Union. We want to be protagonists of a phase of profound infrastructural and technological revolution that must lead Italy to be a model of environmental sustainability, innovation and energy security”.

A strategic energy platform in the Mediterranean

The Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, added:
“Energy logistics is the circulatory system of our country, crucial to guarantee security of supplies and competitiveness, especially in a complex international context. Thanks to the collaboration of the sector, Italy has overcome the post-Russian invasion energy crisis, now focusing strongly on transition and innovation. Our commitment is to support infrastructures and businesses to maintain Italy as a strategic energy platform in the Mediterranean.”

Energy logistics is today the fulcrum of a delicate balance

The President of Assocostieri, Elio Ruggeri, underlined how “energy logistics is today the fulcrum of a delicate balance between security of supplies, environmental sustainability and economic development, and that only with ambition and pragmatism will we be able to face the challenges of the future”.

The proactive role of Assocostier

Finally, the General Manager of Assocostieri, Dario Soria, concluded: “Our sector confirms itself as an essential driver for the competitiveness and energy transition of the country. With today’s Assembly, we reaffirm the proactive role of Assocostieri in promoting innovation, sustainability and dialogue with the institutions”

Source : Shipping Italy

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