Description
The methane gas distribution network of the Oristano Provincial Industrial Consortium (CIPOR) has entered into operation in the industrial area as well.
On Friday evening, the final technical tests were successfully conducted in the presence of technicians from the Consortium, Tecnogas - responsible for network maintenance -, HIGAS - operator of the coastal LNG terminal - and MEDEA, responsible for the Oristano urban network. Simultaneously, the connection to the urban network was completed, while from today companies in the Industrial Agglomeration can request activation of the service for their energy needs.
The entry into operation represents a particularly significant milestone: this is the first gas distribution network in Sardinia directly connected to a coastal terminal and the first operational network within an industrial area on the Island.
An infrastructure that marks a decisive step towards a more efficient, competitive and sustainable energy model, and that makes the territory attractive also for companies with high energy requirements.
The project, financed by the Regional Department of Industry with 3,500,000 euros, extends for approximately 18 kilometers (17.5 km of medium pressure pipelines - 4th category) and covers almost entirely the Central Body and the North Body of the Industrial Agglomeration, then connecting to the Oristano distribution network at the intersection between via del Porto and via Cagliari.
From an operational standpoint, the Oristano Provincial Industrial Consortium will handle the technical management of the network, the so-called gas distribution and measurement service, while gas sales to companies will take place in a free market regime, with open access to all operators possessing the regulatory requirements.
To date, HIGAS Srl has submitted a formal expression of interest for sales activities.
The works, started in 2024, required significant technical commitment also due to delays in the delivery of regulation and measurement equipment. Despite these challenges, the Consortium managed to complete an infrastructure of great strategic value for the development of the territory.
During the last meeting of the Consortium's Board of Directors, President Gianluigi Carta and the members of the executive body examined the methods for starting network management and the difficulties encountered during the tender process, which extended beyond the scheduled timeframe, and congratulated the Entity's technical structure for managing to overcome all obstacles and achieve the objective of starting operations.