Former Ilva steelworks sign agreement on decarbonization of plants

After a marathon meeting that began Tuesday morning, the national and local governments reached an agreement on the decarbonization process for the former Ilva steelworks in Taranto . The draft document signed by the parties at the Ministry of Mitigation (MIMIT) does not specify the timeframe for the site's ecological conversion . Nor does it specify where the plants for the pre-reduced DRI (direct reduced iron), needed to power the electric furnaces and with a lower environmental impact, will be located. The mayor of Taranto had opposed the idea of building them on site and relying on a regasification vessel to power the system. On this last point, the parties "undertake to convene a new meeting of the roundtable after September 15th —the deadline for submitting binding offers—to examine the initial findings of the procedure and evaluate the possible location of the plants."

The agreement reiterates that, as per the new tender for the sale of the steelworks, the buyer will have to honor the commitment to fully decarbonize the site "through the construction of electric furnaces to replace the blast furnaces, which will be gradually decommissioned over a specified period ," as established during the award process. The buyer will also commit to job protection as a "mandatory principle" and the "possibility of submitting bids for the entire business complex, business units, or the entire North or South business complex." A special commissioner will then be appointed for the reindustrialization of the vacant areas —those currently unused—and support will be given to increasing the Regional Health Fund and resources for strengthening environmental monitoring.

Intesa Ex Ilva, Urso: "A turning point"

"This is a turning point that could encourage investors to express their industrial plans for the revitalization of the steel industry, for reconversion, and for green conversion." This was stated by Minister of Enterprise, Adolfo Urso , regarding the draft agreement for the decarbonization of the former Ilva steelworks in Taranto. "Today we finally know," Urso said, "that the Italian team is united for the first time in the history of this issue, which has been going on for over 15 years . An agreement between all institutional players—the national government, the Region, and local authorities—to play this extraordinarily important game."

Confindustria also expressed satisfaction with the agreement reached between the parties at the MIMIT. "We acknowledge that an agreement has been reached with all stakeholders, and we are satisfied because today the decision was made not to close Ilva," stated President Emanuele Orsini. "We have already stated that Ilva is a strategic asset for the country, both for the region and for Italian industry. We appreciate the agreement and hope it will be respected and completed, while maintaining certain commitments."

Former Ilva, Bitetti: "No reference to a regasification vessel."

"Today we signed a document, not a program agreement ," I would like to point out, "that incorporates our requests." Piero Bitetti stated this regarding the former Ilva plant after the agreement was signed. The mayor was connected via video conference. "In particular," Bitetti said, "the text states 'the binding obligation to fully decarbonize the Taranto site, which requires the parties involved to shut down the coal-fired hot zones. ' Nowhere is there any mention of the possibility of gas supply via a tanker . Instead, reference is made to 'employment protection as a mandatory principle.' No less important is the reference to health protection and the planned strengthening of the local healthcare network. I attach due importance to this day," the mayor stated, "because, as publicly stated, it will be the solemn commitments made and the events that follow that will define the judgment that the Municipality of Taranto will express on this entire complex matter."

"Today, a concrete step is being taken toward the decarbonization of the former Ilva plant, which for too long remained just a promise. The signing of the document by local authorities at the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy represents an important political and institutional moment, finally translating into reality a principle that has always been central to us: reconverting without destroying, protecting health, jobs, and the environment. Along this path, I have strongly supported the expansion of the healthcare fund, including for preventive purposes and health screening, employment guarantees, and enhanced environmental monitoring." This was stated by Gianfranco Palmisano, President of the Province of Taranto, after the signing.

Former Ilva, meetings at Mimit

Minister Adolfo Urso organized the meeting at the MIMIT headquarters in Rome on the interinstitutional program agreement for the full decarbonization of the site, as well as meetings with trade unions and business associations. The meeting was attended by the President of the Puglia Region, Michele Emiliano , and a large institutional and technical delegation. Taranto Mayor Piero Bitetti, along with other local administrators, participated via video link.

The draft agreement lists the signatory institutions at the bottom: the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, the Ministry of Business and Made in Italy, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of the Interior, the Puglia Region, the Province of Taranto, the Municipality of Taranto, the Municipality of Statte, the Ionian Sea Port System Authority - Port of Taranto, ILVA SpA in Extraordinary Administration, Acciaierie d'Italia SpA in Extraordinary Administration, Taranto Energia Srl in Extraordinary Administration, ADI Energia Srl in Extraordinary Administration, DRI d'Italia SpA