Sustainable mobility, three giants join forces to decarbonise the motorway network. Autostrade, Eni and Cdp reach an agreement for sustainable mobility.
The goal, decidedly ambitious, is to decarbonise the Italian motorway network. Through the development of new energy carriers, the installation of charging points for electric vehicles and the construction of renewable energy production facilities. Autostrade per l'Italia, Eni and Cassa depositi e prestiti are joining forces under the banner of sustainable mobility: the partnership signed in recent days aims to develop joint initiatives to encourage the circulation of low-environmental-impact vehicles, the creation of energy communities and the launch of circular economy projects.
The collaboration encompasses the development of new energy carriers for cars and heavy vehicles alike, beginning with biofuels from sustainable raw materials, hydrogen, biomethane and charging points for electric vehicles. Refuelling areas will accommodate an ever-growing number of charging stations, while Eni biofuels will also be available in pure form as early as next January. Energy transition and circular economy are two of the ten areas of intervention that Cassa depositi e prestiti has identified as priorities in its 2022–2024 strategic plan. "Our intention," explained the Chief Executive Officer and Director General of Cdp, Dario Scannapieco, "is to support interventions and projects, including in partnership with qualified industrial operators, aimed at combating climate change and fostering sustainable development, while at the same time ensuring a significant socio-economic impact for the country."
In addition to green fuels, the agreement also covers the construction of renewable energy production facilities through the installation of photovoltaic parks in Autostrade per l'Italia's areas or in the vicinity of the motorway network. "In a context in which sustainability has become an absolute and no-longer-deferrable priority," said Roberto Tomasi, Chief Executive Officer of Autostrade per l'Italia, "it is a fact that the motorway network and road transport continue to be an indispensable driver of development and an engine for the national economy. This alliance will be able to make a difference in the name of an ever greener mobility, looking to the future of new generations, in the right balance between respect for the environment and the country's growth." On the subject of the future, in the areas where renewable energy production facilities are built it will be possible to establish energy communities, to encourage collective self-consumption initiatives.
For Giuseppe Ricci, Director of Energy Evolution at Eni, "an effective energy transition pathway requires not only a long-term vision and new technologies, but also teamwork with major Italian players. We have pooled various solutions for decarbonising long-distance transport, including for heavy vehicles." The circular economy also forms part of the partnership, with the definition of programmes for the development of sustainable products to improve motorway surfacing. The focus will be on used tyres which, once collected, can be transformed into sustainable chemical and energy products, starting with the road surface itself.