Social Innovation from now into the future
In carrying out its industrial mission, Snam entwined its history with that of Italy. The spread of natural gas was a fundamental innovation in the country’s economic and social development. The Company currently stretches beyond its national borders, with the same commitment and same responsibility with which it developed forward-thinking strategies, skills, know-how over the course of more than 75 years, always caring about local communities and stakeholders.
Business activity is inseparably related to the social and territorial context in which it is performed, and acting responsibly results in the sharing of values which is the basis of our freedom to operate. Snam, tasked with continuing to guarantee access to efficient and sustainable energy sources, recognizes this great responsibility and looks forward to maintaining it also in the future, facing the new challenges that await it.
Over the next few years, businesses will have a fundamental role in promoting sustainable development. The Agenda 2030 indicates this same focus, published by the United Nations in 2015 and signed by 193 countries around the world.
With its 17 Sustainable Development Goals, it seeks “to ensure that all human beings can enjoy prosperous and fulfilling lives and that economic, social and technological progress can occur in harmony with nature”. Everyone is asked to help achieve these ambitious goals: governments, businesses, civil organizations, even individual citizens.
Within this context, Snam has a well-known tradition of corporate citizenship, demonstrated with projects and initiatives that positively impact on the territories and communities, associated with fostering legality, culture and education, and promoting social inclusion and environment. The Snam Foundation, established during the year, represents the evolution of this commitment and a further means to attain closer relations with the territory and to meet, with innovative methods and solutions, the needs of the communities hosting its infrastructures, always with the aim of contributing to civil, cultural and economic development in priority areas of public interest.
The development of the Country and the spread of natural gas in Italy
1941-1949
Gas becomes the fundamental energy source in Italy, especially with the discovery of the Caviaga (1944) and Cortemaggiore (1949) fields.
Snam was founded with the purpose of delivering methane to the Po Valley businesses. Within a few years, Snam’s pipeline network exceeds 250 km.
1950-1960
Italy’s economic miracle begins and the country recovers in the post-war period. Gas is delivered to Italian homes and businesses: new professions, trades and skills develop.
Methane pipelines quickly expand and the Snam network grows to 4600 km in 1960
1960-1990
Energy market expansion continues: gas consumption in Italy quadrupled.
Construction begins on the Transmed pipeline, one of the first and longest pipeline in the world to transport gas from Algeria to Italy.
1990-2000
Italy, thanks to large capital expenditures in strategic infrastructure, becomes one of the gas market’s most important crossroads.
Snam network extends to Northern Europe, allowing gas from the North Sea wells to arrive in Italy.
2001-2011
In 2000, the Letta Decree allows market deregulation, separating transport and dispatching activities from other supply chain activities.
In 2001 Snam is listed in the Italian Stock Market. It gradually integrates also all other regulated gas activities (storage and distribution). The Snam Group is made up of four operating (Snam Rete Gas, GNL Italia, Italgas, Stogit).
2012-2017
Methane becomes the leading source of energy for the country, covering more than one third of all national energy consumption.
In 2012 Snam separates from ENI and becomes independent. A strategy of strong international growth starts and Snam buys large shares of European gas transportation companies. In 2016 Snam separates from gas distribution activities
Today
Italy is the most interconnected European country in natural gas sector with 8 entry points for imports. Gas satisfies approximately the 36% of energy demand in Italy, playing an important role in the decarbonisation process.
Italy’s strategic position makes it a potential energy hub for the Mediterranean area.
Snam is the largest gas infrastructure operator in Europe with over 32,500 km of gas pipelines in Italy. To ensure energy security to the country, Snam upgraded its sources of supply and strengthened the Italian and European infrastructure network. In addition to national production, the Italian system receives gas from five sources of import via pipeline and three regasification terminals. Snam is also working to ensure that from 2020 Italy can have a new gas source from the Caspian area through the construction of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline.
With the capital expenditures planned in the next years, Snam pledges to develop and promote the use of gas in its various forms to help fight climate change and air pollution. From the use of liquefied natural gas and compressed natural gas for maritime and ground transportation, to biomethane, a renewable and sustainable energy source, to new technologies for exploiting energy from renewable sources.