'New energy mix to fight climate change'

(ANSA) - Paris, September 30 - 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".