Italy
Wednesday reduced by almost half the offshore areas where companies can explore
and pump out hydrocarbons, despite having to spend billions of euros to import
energy sources.
Industry Minister Flavio Zanonato signed a decree that reduces to 139,000
square kilometres from 255,000 open to offshore oil and natural gas exploration
and production activities, the ministry said in a statement.
The areas that aren't off limits are away from
Italy
's
coasts and are mainly concentrated where neighbouring countries have allowed
such activities, it added.
All new activities are forbidden on the
Tyrrhenian Sea
,
which is on the west side of the peninsula, and within 12 miles of all coast
lines and natural sea parks.
The new measures "focus hydrocarbon exploration and development activities
in a limited number of marine areas with higher potential and lower
environmental impact," said Mr. Zanonato in the statement.
A new area that has been opened up is the one next to the
Balearic
Islands
, adjacent to where there are ongoing Spanish and French activities, the
Italian ministry said.
About 90% of
Italy
's gas
needs are imported, mainly from
Russia
,
Algeria
and
Libya
. A similar percentage of oil is
imported too.