Italy may be forced to reactivate coal-fired power plants if gas prices rise above 70 euros (about 82 dollars) per megawatt-hour, Italian Minister of Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin said today.
Speaking on the sidelines of the "Holy Grail of Energy" meeting in Milan, Pichetto said current gas prices remain well below that threshold, ANSA reported.
"It is a high figure. Today, we are around 40 euros while initial estimates were between 28 and 30 euros," he said.
However, in an emergency scenario, he said "coal remains a residual solution, but if necessary, we must be ready."
Pichetto also ruled out any return to Russian gas imports.
"My personal stance aligns with that of the Italian government, which is in full agreement with the European Union. Any assessment will be made at the European level later, but as of today, I rule out the return of Russian gas," he said.
Commenting on tensions affecting global energy markets, Pichetto said he hopes the Strait of Hormuz will reopen and that talks between the U.S. and Iran will resume.
"Here we are facing surprises day after day, and it is difficult to predict what will happen in the coming days," the Italian minister concluded.