Energy and Mining Resources

With a few exceptions the geological characteristics of Italian territory do not comprise high deposits of industrially useful mineral resources, and only four regions (Sardinia, Tuscany, Sicily and Trentino-Alto Adige) have a mineral content of any in terest. The only fuel found in any quantity particularly in the Po Valley, is natural gas (methane) though there is consistent exploitation of geothermal resources. There is widespread extraction of lithoids and incohesive sediments (clay, gravel and sand ) from alluvional plains; numerous quarries are scattered thoughout the country, frequently responsible for ruining the landscape and disturbing the stability of sloping ground. Considerable use is also made of underground waters, both thermal and mineral .

The lack of fossil coal had already forced the country to build a number of hydroelectric power stations last century, mainly in alpine valleys, though also in several sites in the Apennines. More power stations were later built in various other regions. After the last war, however, industrial expansion had to utilize power generated by coal or hydrocarbon power stations. At present a quarter of the electricity produced is obtained from water resources and three quarters from thermal sources.

It should be observed that the small number of nuclear power stations (utilized in many other European countries) is a result of hesitant government guidance on the subject of energy policy, caused also by pressure of public opinion which suggests that tr aditional (water, geothermal) or alternative sources of energy (windpower, solar) be preferred. What is certain, however, is that present energy production cannot cover domestic requirements, and it is frequently necessary to import electricity directly f rom transalpine countries.

For energy purposes, Italy is obliged to supplement its shortage of hydrocarbons by large-scale importation to supply the numerous refining centres sited generally close to the principal ports. Hydrocarbon supplies are also channelled by oil and gas pipel ines from Europe, Russia and Africa.