Taranto, the future of the former Ilva depends on the regasification vessel: the story of the long debate in Rome.

There's no agreement, but there is a commitment to sign the agreement on the future of the former Ilva plant next week. And that's already something, given the circumstances and the start of the summit convened yesterday at Palazzo Piacentini by Minister Adolfo Urso with the Puglia Region, the Municipality of Statte, and the Municipality and Province of Taranto.

After eight hours of heated debate, the crucial point has been reached, undoubtedly with clearer ideas than before: a regasification vessel, yes, or no. To kick-start the Taranto steelworks' ecological, energy, and industrial transition, gas is needed—lots of it, while awaiting the coveted hydrogen. This gas can arrive either via a regasification vessel or by implementing the Snam network. Taranto's mayor, Piero Bitetti, does not want the vessel in port, which is already crowded with industrial operations from Ilva and Eni. The political "no," moreover, would be accompanied by a technical "no" due to the risk of a major accident, so the vessel would, at best, be positioned offshore, beyond the breakwater. This, however, worries the ministry's technicians, because an offshore regasification vessel would cost more and would pose day-to-day management challenges, not guaranteeing a 365-day energy supply.

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