Exploration | LNG | Power | Operations Map
BG Group has been active in Italy since 1992. Italy is a major net importer of gas, a commodity upon which it is becoming increasingly dependent as the government focuses on environmentally friendly energy sources. BG Group seeks to position itself within the Italian market to supply this rising demand.
Current activity in Italy includes: E&P, where
BG Group holds one exploration permit in the
Po Valley; LNG, where BG Group is developing a LNG import terminal on the south-eastern coast; and Power, where BG Group owns and operates five co-generation plants.
Key dates
1998
Serene S.p.A. power stations began operation
2005
Construction of Brindisi LNG began
2007
Now own 100% of Serene S.p.A. power plants (now BG Italia Power S.p.A.) after acquiring remaining 66.32% equity
BG Group has focused recent exploration activity in the Po Valley, where the Group holds one exploration permit. Five exploration permits and two exploration permit applications were sold in 2007.
BG Group is developing an 8 bcma (6 mtpa) LNG import terminal in the outer harbour of the port of Brindisi (BG Group 100%). The EPC contract was awarded in 2004. Offsite works began in early 2005, followed by onsite works in second half 2005.
BG Group will have the rights to 80% of the capacity in the terminal on a priority basis, whilst the remainder will be subject to regulated third-party access. The terminal is strategically located to receive LNG from the Mediterranean and Atlantic Basins and the Gulf States.
In February 2007, the Brindisi LNG site was seized in connection with a criminal investigation by Italian authorities into allegations of improper conduct related to the authorisation process. Construction work has been suspended since this date.
In October 2007, the Italian Government notified BG Group of the suspension of the Authorisation, granted in January 2003, for the construction and operation of the terminal, pending a new requirement to complete an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Brindisi LNG filed the EIA with the Minister for the Environment in January 2008.
In 2007, BG Italia acquired the remaining 66.32% of Serene S.p.A. shares from Edison for €98 million, which increased BG Group’s interest in Serene S.p.A. (now BG Italia Power S.p.A.) to 100%.
BG Italia Power S.p.A. owns and operates approximately 400 MW of co-generation at five locations. 100 MW power stations are located at Melfi, Termoli and Cassino, with 50 MW stations at Sulmona and Rivalta. The plants have been in operation for ten years and are located to supply steam to Fiat Auto plants and other adjacent steam offtakers.
BG Italia S.p.A. supplies around 2 600 GWh per year of electricity to the grid operator, GRTN, and 400 000 tonnes of steam, primarily to Fiat.