ENI CEO Claudio Descalzi on
Friday said the key challenge currently faced by the energy
sector is maximizing access to energy while fighting climate
change.
Addressing a meeting with the financial community in Paris
to present ENI's 'Environment Social and Governance Model' to
promote the sustainable development of energy resources,
Descalzi said "changing (the) energy mix" is key.
ENI, the CEO said during the presentation, aims to promote
cooperation and development in the countries where it operates
and is aiming for a "clear and defined path towards
decarbonization".
Descalzi told the gathering in Paris that ENI has supported
the development of local populations, investing some 600 million
dollars between 2010 and 2015.
In that timeframe, the energy giant supported a reported
four million people through agricultural projects, as well as
projects to grant access to water, healthcare and education.
Descalzi said the company will keep the same level of
investment over the next four years.
He added that over the 2010-2019 period ENI's investment in
development programs will reach one billion euros, citing
projects across 11 countries to grant water access to 130,000
people and education projects for 90,000 students, mainly in
Mozambique, Kazakhstan, Nigeria and Congo.
ENI's objectives to promote sustainability will include
cutting CO2 emissions and further boosting operational
efficiency, Descalazi said.
ENI has reportedly cut down 28% of direct emissions and
plans to completely eliminate routine flaring by 2025.
The company also plans to maintain a portfolio of projects
with a low potential of carbon emissions and promote the
development of renewable sources by boosting technological
research.
According to data provided by the International Energy
Agency quoted in ENI's report, global demand for energy will
have increased by 21% in 2030 with coal playing a major role in
the energy mix, satisfying an estimated 20% of the total demand
compared to the 4% of renewable energy.
Descalzi also said a meeting of OPEC member countries in
Algiers this week which led to an informal agreement to cut oil
production quotas was "very important", a sign that "something
has changed".
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