Language
Country/Area
No result found
How amazing is Snam's natural gas pipeline network? Why is it 32,862 kilometers long?
In the global energy landscape, natural gas plays an increasingly important role. As energy transition progresses, Snam S.p.A., an Italian energy infrastructure company, has attracted widespread attention for its huge natural gas pipeline network. As of December 31, 2023, Snam will have 32,862 kilometers of operating pipelines, a figure that fully demonstrates its key position in the field of natural gas transportation and storage.
"Natural gas will play an indispensable role in future energy supply, and Snam is an important promoter of this process."
Snam's history began in 1941, and since its inception it has been committed to the transportation of natural gas and the construction of related infrastructure. After decades of development, the company gradually transformed from an initial subsidiary into an independent enterprise, and its largest shareholder is the Italian state-owned holding company CDP Reti. Today, Snam not only owns more than 94% of the natural gas transportation infrastructure in Italy, but has also expanded to Austria, France, Greece and other international markets.
Currently, Snam has the largest natural gas storage capacity in Europe, with approximately 17 billion cubic meters of storage space. This capacity enables it to respond effectively to changes in market demand and provide timely supply guarantees when necessary.
"As global energy demand grows, Snam's pipeline network and storage capacity will be a key factor in supporting energy security."
In addition to transmitting and storing natural gas, Snam also has a presence in the regasification sector, having launched a commercial pilot in 2019 to blend hydrogen with natural gas, the first attempt in Europe to inject a mixture of hydrogen into a high-pressure network. This is not only a technological breakthrough, but also paves the way for its future transformation. Aiming to reduce environmental impact and promote decarbonization, Snam is currently focusing on the development of sustainable mobility and renewable gases, including biomethane and hydrogen.
While pursuing sustainable development, Snam has also set clear emission reduction targets: it plans to reduce direct greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2027 and hopes to achieve a 64% reduction rate by 2027. By 2040, Snam has set a goal of achieving carbon neutrality, which will involve all its subsidiaries and suppliers. Such a decarbonization strategy demonstrates the important role Snam plays in the current energy transition.
"The future of energy requires innovation and responsibility, and Snam is an excellent example of combining the two."
Looking back at the development history of Snam, it has undergone many structural adjustments and expansions since its establishment in 1941. In 2016, Snam divested a portion of its stake in Italgas and re-listed it, opening up further growth opportunities. In addition, the company continues to update its brand image to maintain its competitive advantage as market conditions change and demand grows.
In terms of future goals, Snam plans to invest 23 billion euros in energy networks, storage capacity and green energy projects between 2021 and 2030. The company will help rebuild the Ravenna-Chieti natural gas pipeline in 2024 and convert it into a hydrogen-compatible transport corridor, an action that signals its commitment to improving energy security.
What is more noteworthy is that Snam has also spared no effort in social responsibility and established a public welfare company with urban tree planting projects as its core to promote urban greening and sustainable development. Against the backdrop of the global response to climate change, these activities demonstrate how Snam is continuously expanding its social and environmental impact within the scope of its own operations.
As the demand for natural gas continues to grow, Snam’s energy transmission is not only a technical challenge, but also a testament to its corporate philosophy and sustainable development goals. The company is committed to providing safe, reliable energy while reducing impact on the environment. As we look to the future, how will the changes and improvements brought about by Snam affect the diversity and sustainability of global energy?
