Steps forward and open issues on the reduction of the risks related to hydrocarbon production and gas storage: the Italian experience from the viewpoint of two governmental administrations

Abstract

This paper shows how mature and consolidated scientific outcomes and the increased awareness on the risks related to the hydrocarbon production and gas storage have brought European and national governments to develop new regulations, decrees, and guidelines informed by high-level scientific contents. To do this, the Italian experience from 2012 to present is described from the viewpoint of two governmental administrations, i.e., the Ministry of the Economic Development and the National Civil Protection Department. A fruitful interaction among research institutes, universities, and public administrations has accompanied this long activity phase. It includes, among other things, the constitution of working groups, the development of regulatory guidelines, their testing in pilot case studies, the constitution of a technical–scientific network for the offshore safety (CLYPEA). Within this collaboration, common goals are pursued with a coordinated approach by the ministry and the department, optimizing therefore the achievement of common goals.