Energia, the quarterly magazine directed by Alberto Clò, has published in its September issue an article by Stefano Cao, Chairman of Assomineraria and Eni's Director General, Exploration & Production Division. During the last months Brent prices have steadily remained above 40$/bbl, even approaching the 50$/bbl level. According to Mr. Cao given the structural oil and gas import dependence it is important to wonder if Italy is doing all it is possible to reduce the effects of the increased cost of energy on its economy. In particular, in this complex historical phase, it is useful to consider the following question: could the Italian oil and gas resources be exploited better than now? Among the different aspects that it is needed to consider, Mr.Cao mentions the development of the exploitation of deep and ultra deep offshore reservoirs (from 1.000 and 3.000 meters), an opportunity currently waiting for decisions from the Ministry for Productive Activities. For this reason, since the beginning of 2003 a working group organised by Assomineraria was set up to work on this issue. Another opportunity is linked to the exploitation of marginal fields, those deposits with a low level of reserves and which, to have an economic value, need the use of low-cost technologies and a more favourable contractual status.

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