The decarbonisation of Acciaierie d’Italia will be supported via EU funds

Italy will receive €1 billion from the European Commission (EC) for decarbonization under the Just Transition Fund (JTF). It is stated on the website of the European Commission.

The funds are intended for climate transition and economic diversification in territories where decline and pollution are caused by industrial exploitation. These are the provinces of Taranto, Apulcia, Sulchis-Iglesiente and Sardinia. Support from the EU should also contribute to the creation of jobs in green sectors.

A third of industrial workers in the province of Taranto are employed in the steel sector. As the EC notes, climate change is affected here by the presence of Europe’s largest steel plant, Acciaierie d’Italia (formerly Ilva). For the transformation of steel production, it is important to introduce new business models, guarantee greater availability of renewable energy and clean hydrogen, and retrain the workforce. With the help of EU resources, in particular, they intend to support the retraining of 4,300 workers with the aim of re-employment in green workplaces related to the transition to clean energy and the circular economy.

The JTF will also support the construction of wind turbines, the development of hydrogen technologies and geothermal installations for facilities and buildings in the province to ensure the availability of renewable energy, particularly for economic activities.

As GMK Center reported earlier, the steel company Acciaierie d’Italia (Adi, formerly Ilva) has serious financial problems and a severe reduction in production. This was announced by the Minister of Economic Development of Italy, Adolfo Urso. In particular, the company owes several million euros to various companies, including energy companies Snam and Eni. In 2021, the enterprise produced 3 million tons of steel, while the plan was 6 million tons.