Page 20 - Impiantistica Industriale - Settembre Ottobre 2014
P. 20
wledge as a Contribution to Dialogue
The connection between energy related critical issues and the Italian economic crisis is clear. It could be
seen as superfluous to list all the issues, but as the problem is denied by those who object to corrective
action let us remember at least one data: energy import costs. In 2012, the impact of import costs on
our balance trade reached the sum of 65 billion euros, subtracting resources to national wealth by 4,1%,
reduced to 3.6% in 2013 because of decreased import volumes due to the recession.
Italian yearly import costs equal domestic investments in research, environmental protection, school
construction and dozens of other undertakings. Reducing import costs would channel more resources
into internal growth, investments and employment projects. Thousands of domestic needs, encumbe-
red by unsurmountable public finance constraints, could find a solution. Last but not least, corporate
competitiveness would be improved. Import costs can be reduced by increasing our oil and gas dome-
stic production, namely by exploiting our hydrocarbons reserves, which could be larger had not E&P
activities been stopped in Italy about ten years ago.
Our 2012 survey shows that exploitation of resources would cut 50 billion euros import costs and
achieve 25 billion euros in tax revenues in ten years. This path would be deemed practicable by all E&P
countries around the world, but is felt impossible in Italy, a country which seems incapable of being
normal. Opposition to mining activity is, in Italy more than elsewhere, part of a general trend of mistrust
and hostility towards any kind of energy project, investment or initiative perceived as harmful to the
environment.
The paradox here is that energy projects can sometimes actually improve local conditions. Thesis main-
tained on the subject, albeit impossible to disregard, are often irrational and difficult to contest. Indeed,
discussing the question cannot be avoided; in our study we analyse one of the most frequent opinions
put forward by local communities against mining activities, i.e. their negative impact on agriculture,
fishing and tourism.
These activities are of great importance to local communities, which fear total disruption of their eco-
nomy. It could be argued that Emilia Romagna, the area with the most significant gas extraction activity
in Italian history, is also one of the most developed Regions for agriculture, fishing and tourism. Unfortu-
nately, this point is apparently not convincing enough, so an in-depth triple-aimed study was called for.
In the first place, the survey carries out a comparative analysis on a regional basis to verify the possible
negative correlation between mining activities and agriculture, fishing and tourism.
Secondly, it ascertains whether mining activities can offer, rather than hinder, development opportunities
to these sectors, so important for our national/local economy; finally, it identifies policies to create posi-
tive synergies between these very different activities. The study shows a series of results.
First: there is no evidence of incompatibility between mining activity and agriculture, fishing and tourism.
Local economic downturn coincides with national recession data, in turn caused by various factors: the
economic crisis, sector reorganisations and structural weaknesses of economic players, such as inade-
quate dimension, reduced productivity and lack of specialization in production. In certain cases, mining
areas actually show better economic results vs. non-mining areas.
Second: positive national and international experiences show that a profitable coexistence between mi-
ning industries and other economic activities is possible; furthermore, there are good opportunities for
synergy and cooperation, so far not understood, which could deliver tangible benefits to local interests,
e.g. cost reduction in agriculture and fishing, development of overlooked alternative/complementary ac-
tivities and optimisation of productivity structures. These forms of collaboration could erase opposition
and increase local consensus towards mining activities.
Apart from analysing specific forms of collaboration and policy lines for stakeholders, the study also co-
mes to an important conclusion. Contrast between interests is often only illusory, and should be solved
with dialogue, willingness to listen, openness and precise knowledge of facts.
This survey is our initial contribution to help promote trust between parties and overcome the percep-
tion of an impossible coexistence between the hydrocarbons industry and the agriculture, fishing and
tourism sectors. It is not conflict but cooperation that can bring real benefits to local economies and the
future of our Country.
Alberto Clô
Impiantistica Italiana - Settembre - Ottobre 2014 19
The connection between energy related critical issues and the Italian economic crisis is clear. It could be
seen as superfluous to list all the issues, but as the problem is denied by those who object to corrective
action let us remember at least one data: energy import costs. In 2012, the impact of import costs on
our balance trade reached the sum of 65 billion euros, subtracting resources to national wealth by 4,1%,
reduced to 3.6% in 2013 because of decreased import volumes due to the recession.
Italian yearly import costs equal domestic investments in research, environmental protection, school
construction and dozens of other undertakings. Reducing import costs would channel more resources
into internal growth, investments and employment projects. Thousands of domestic needs, encumbe-
red by unsurmountable public finance constraints, could find a solution. Last but not least, corporate
competitiveness would be improved. Import costs can be reduced by increasing our oil and gas dome-
stic production, namely by exploiting our hydrocarbons reserves, which could be larger had not E&P
activities been stopped in Italy about ten years ago.
Our 2012 survey shows that exploitation of resources would cut 50 billion euros import costs and
achieve 25 billion euros in tax revenues in ten years. This path would be deemed practicable by all E&P
countries around the world, but is felt impossible in Italy, a country which seems incapable of being
normal. Opposition to mining activity is, in Italy more than elsewhere, part of a general trend of mistrust
and hostility towards any kind of energy project, investment or initiative perceived as harmful to the
environment.
The paradox here is that energy projects can sometimes actually improve local conditions. Thesis main-
tained on the subject, albeit impossible to disregard, are often irrational and difficult to contest. Indeed,
discussing the question cannot be avoided; in our study we analyse one of the most frequent opinions
put forward by local communities against mining activities, i.e. their negative impact on agriculture,
fishing and tourism.
These activities are of great importance to local communities, which fear total disruption of their eco-
nomy. It could be argued that Emilia Romagna, the area with the most significant gas extraction activity
in Italian history, is also one of the most developed Regions for agriculture, fishing and tourism. Unfortu-
nately, this point is apparently not convincing enough, so an in-depth triple-aimed study was called for.
In the first place, the survey carries out a comparative analysis on a regional basis to verify the possible
negative correlation between mining activities and agriculture, fishing and tourism.
Secondly, it ascertains whether mining activities can offer, rather than hinder, development opportunities
to these sectors, so important for our national/local economy; finally, it identifies policies to create posi-
tive synergies between these very different activities. The study shows a series of results.
First: there is no evidence of incompatibility between mining activity and agriculture, fishing and tourism.
Local economic downturn coincides with national recession data, in turn caused by various factors: the
economic crisis, sector reorganisations and structural weaknesses of economic players, such as inade-
quate dimension, reduced productivity and lack of specialization in production. In certain cases, mining
areas actually show better economic results vs. non-mining areas.
Second: positive national and international experiences show that a profitable coexistence between mi-
ning industries and other economic activities is possible; furthermore, there are good opportunities for
synergy and cooperation, so far not understood, which could deliver tangible benefits to local interests,
e.g. cost reduction in agriculture and fishing, development of overlooked alternative/complementary ac-
tivities and optimisation of productivity structures. These forms of collaboration could erase opposition
and increase local consensus towards mining activities.
Apart from analysing specific forms of collaboration and policy lines for stakeholders, the study also co-
mes to an important conclusion. Contrast between interests is often only illusory, and should be solved
with dialogue, willingness to listen, openness and precise knowledge of facts.
This survey is our initial contribution to help promote trust between parties and overcome the percep-
tion of an impossible coexistence between the hydrocarbons industry and the agriculture, fishing and
tourism sectors. It is not conflict but cooperation that can bring real benefits to local economies and the
future of our Country.
Alberto Clô
Impiantistica Italiana - Settembre - Ottobre 2014 19
