Italy: Federbeton, Italy’s cement association, has presented proposals to the government at a Senate hearing during the review of a bill that will enable the development of CO2 capture, transport, utilisation and storage. The association welcomed the start of the review process for a measure that establishes, for the first time, a comprehensive regulatory framework to develop carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technology in Italy, which is seen as essential to the decarbonisation of the cement sector.
Developing a national CCUS supply chain is a prerequisite to decarbonise our sector," said Federbeton president Stefano Gallini. "The bill could mark a decisive step forward, provided the implementation framework ensures regulatory certainty, coordinated procedures and defined permitting timelines. Only then will it be possible to attract the massive investments required for the transition, while maintaining the competitiveness of a supply chain that is strategic for the country."
According to the latest decarbonisation strategy for the cement sector, the estimated total cost for the entire Italian cement industry's transition is in the region of €4.9 – 5.3bn by 2050. It is recommended that these investments be accompanied by the development of adequate infrastructure for CO2 transport and storage, following the hub model already being developed in various European countries. In Italy, a hub project has been launched in Ravenna.
Federbeton has highlighted several key enabling factors for the development of the CCUS value chain in Italy. These include streamlining of certain permitting processes, including financial support mechanisms commensurate with the required investments, local community engagement, market development for captured CO2 and the adaptation of the electricity grid to meet the plants' increased energy needs.