Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi has confirmed his country's plans to achieve independence from Russian gas in the second half of 2024, Report informs via RIA Novosti.
"According to government estimates, we will be able to become independent of Russian gas in the second half of 2024. The first traces of this process will be visible at the end of this year," he said during a briefing in the Senate of the Italian Parliament.
According to Draghi, gas is a "transitional fuel" on the way to increased energy production from renewable sources. The agreement signed in April with Algeria, the Italian prime minister emphasized, provides for the development of alternative and renewable sources and energy transmission networks to Italy.
The Italian Government's energy supply program foresees an increase in imports through the southern and eastern gas pipelines, particularly from Algeria and Azerbaijan. Then Italy intends to ensure the supply of liquefied natural gas, as well as increase the use of renewable energy sources. According to government officials, Italy has set a goal to replace the Russian gas supplies of 29 billion cubic meters per year.