Frost. The reconversion of the Eni refinery, which has now entered its most advanced phase, convinces the Uil union leader Nicola Calabrese who, however, believes that management of the local crisis involving regional and national institutions is essential. “The conversion of the Eni refinery represents a project of great importance for the Italian and European energy industry, oriented towards sustainability and the circular economy. This process, which began in 2014, has transformed one of the historic oil refineries into one of the most advanced biorefineries in Europe. The Gela biorefinery was designed to produce high quality biofuels, such as HVO, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil, using raw materials of biological origin. The technology used, Eni’s Ecofining, allows the transformation of used cooking oils, animal fats and other agri-food residues into biofuels. The refinery has the capacity to use up to one hundred percent second generation raw materials, thus reducing the dependence on conventional vegetable oils such as palm oil,” explains Calabrese. For the trade unionist this is a profound transformation not without contradictions that have been faced. “The environmental benefits of the conversion also meant a strong commitment to decarbonisation and reducing emissions. The production of biofuels from food waste not only reduces the environmental impact linked to the disposal of this waste but also contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions in the transport sector. In these complex, difficult and uphill years for the workers’ union, starting from the metalworkers, there have been moments of tension for an adequate relocation of personnel in the awareness that attention must never be lowered with respect to contractual protection and of qualifications and duties. The refinery is expanding its capabilities with the introduction of a plant for the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Saf, an aviation biofuel that can be blended with traditional fuels. This development is an integral part of Eni’s strategy to double the production capacity of its biorefineries by 2024, reaching approximately 2 million tonnes,” adds Calabrese.
