Italy is currently in talks with Libya and Algeria about how to mobilise and develop renewable energy resources. The European country is attempting to diversify its energy mix by including renewable energy sources from northern African countries.

With Russian gas accounting for about half of Italy’s energy supply, diversification will be crucial if the country is to maintain energy security during and after the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Italy will promote clean energy advancements in Africa and advance the clean energy transition by leveraging both Libyan and Algerian renewable resources, while building supply chains from alternative sources to meet its own domestic need.

According to Italy’s Foreign Minister, H.E. Luigi Di Maio: “We are working to diversify energy sources, and we are negotiating a Memorandum of Understanding with Algeria and Libya on the development of renewable energy sources, and with Tunisia on green hydrogen.”

RUSSIA’S GAS TO EUROPE

According to the International Energy Agency, European gas imports from Russia via pipeline totalled more than 380 million cubic metres (mcm) per day in 2021, totalling over 140 bcm for the year. An additional 15 billion cubic metres of liquefied natural gas (LNG) was delivered.