Outside Ravenna, Italy, a sprawling industrial complex hums with activity. But beneath the surface, a transformation is underway. Eni, the Italian energy giant, is betting big on a future beyond fossil fuels, and its latest sustainability report, “Eni for 2024 – A Just Transition,” offers a glimpse into that vision. The report, the company’s 19th edition, details how Eni aims to intertwine industrial growth with environmental protection and social advancement. CEO Claudio Descalzi frames this as a crucial adaptation, highlighting Eni’s commitment to achieving tangible results through an industrial model deeply rooted in ESG principles. The report arrives as companies worldwide, especially those in Europe, grapple with the demands of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), pushing for greater transparency and accountability.
This article examines the core themes of Eni’s sustainability efforts, focusing on its progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, managing methane, stewarding water resources, and advancing the technologies needed for a large-scale energy transition. The report underscores how the company is integrating sustainability into its core operations, aiming for a future where energy production and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. A central theme is Eni’s dedication to a “just transition,” ensuring that the shift to cleaner energy sources benefits all stakeholders, including workers and communities.
One of the most significant achievements highlighted in the report is Eni’s success in curbing greenhouse gas emissions. The company states it achieved a 55% reduction in net Scope 1 and 2 emissions within its Upstream operations compared to 2018 levels. Looking at the company as a whole, Eni reports a 37% overall reduction in emissions. These figures represent substantial progress toward its long-term climate goals. Eni’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint are central to its energy transition strategy.
Beyond carbon dioxide, Eni is also sharpening its focus on methane, a potent greenhouse gas. The company has reaffirmed its commitment to near-zero methane emissions by 2030. While the report details Eni’s commitment, further information on specific strategies and technologies employed to reach this goal is needed to fully understand the scope of this undertaking. The company is likely investing in advanced leak detection technologies, infrastructure upgrades, and operational best practices to minimize methane releases across its value chain. Tackling methane emissions represents a crucial step in mitigating the short-term impacts of climate change, complementing Eni’s broader decarbonization efforts.
Water stewardship is another key pillar of Eni’s sustainability strategy. The company has committed to achieving water positivity by 2035 at 30% of its sites with significant freshwater withdrawals located in water-stressed areas. This ambitious target necessitates a multifaceted approach, including optimizing water usage in operations, implementing water recycling technologies, and supporting community-based water conservation projects. Details on the specific measures Eni is taking to improve water management and conservation would further illustrate the company’s commitment to this critical area. Initiatives might include investing in closed-loop water systems, reducing water consumption in cooling processes, and partnering with local stakeholders to promote responsible water use.
The energy transition is not just about reducing emissions; it also requires developing and scaling up new energy technologies. Eni is actively pursuing this through its Plenitude and Enilive business units.
Plenitude and the Expansion of Renewables
Plenitude, Eni’s renewable energy arm, has surpassed 4 GW of installed renewable capacity and is targeting 15 GW by 2030. This rapid expansion reflects Eni’s commitment to diversifying its energy portfolio and harnessing the power of solar, wind, and other renewable sources. Plenitude is also expanding its electric mobility infrastructure, with 21,000 charging points serving 10 million customers. This integrated approach, combining renewable energy generation with electric vehicle charging solutions, positions Plenitude as a key player in the evolving transportation landscape.
Enilive and the Biorefining Revolution
Enilive is focused on biorefining and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The company has increased its biorefining capacity to 1.65 million tonnes and aims to exceed 5 million tonnes annually by 2030, including expanded production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). This commitment to SAF is particularly noteworthy, as the aviation industry faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. Eni’s investments in biorefining technology and SAF production could play a significant role in decarbonizing air travel.
Beyond its environmental initiatives, Eni is also emphasizing its commitment to social responsibility and ethical business practices. The company has reinforced its focus on human rights protections, workplace safety, and gender-based violence prevention. Eni is also deepening its partnerships with international organizations such as the ILO and IFC to improve conditions along its agri-feedstock supply chains. These partnerships demonstrate Eni’s commitment to responsible sourcing and ensuring fair labor practices throughout its operations.
Eni is also involved in numerous local development projects. In 2024, the company ran over 100 such projects across 21 countries, supporting access to energy, water, healthcare, and education—efforts closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These initiatives reflect Eni’s commitment to creating positive social impact in the communities where it operates, contributing to sustainable development and improving the quality of life for local populations.
Eni’s “Eni for 2024” sustainability report paints a picture of a company in transition, actively working to reduce its environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable energy future. CEO Claudio Descalzi’s emphasis on adapting to complex changes and driving concrete results through an environmentally and socially conscious industrial model underscores the company’s long-term vision. Eni’s ongoing commitment to a just energy transition positions it as a key player in shaping a more responsible and sustainable energy landscape. Further exploration of the full report would provide an even more detailed understanding of Eni’s multifaceted sustainability initiatives and their potential impact on the future of energy.
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