ERG’s strategic plan includes increasing its market share in the wind energy sector from 5% in 2005 to 20% in 2010. The plan also aims to consolidate ERG’s ‘multi-energy’ positioning, through entry into the gas market, maintenance of the company’s position in the refining sector, and growth of its presence in the fuel distribution sector via both agreements and joint ventures.
In the renewables segment, ERG is also making investments in its thermoelectric plants in Syracuse, Sicily, aimed at increasing the output capacity and efficiency of the site. These investments in electricity generation are being made in the hope that the group’s overall share in the electricity generation market will increase from the present 2% to 4% in 2010.
In addition, the group’s Petroli unit, which manages marketing, supply and logistics activities, is currently involved in strengthening its brand to differentiate itself from the competition. Petroli is currently restyling its fuel service stations throughout Italy; a project that ERG said will be concluded by the end of 2008. The company will also strengthen its network through opening new service stations and revamping existing ones.
ERG commented that Petroli will continue to strengthen its presence in the fuel distribution sector, through possible agreements or acquisitions that will enable it to achieve a market share in the range of 10% to 15%.
In the gas market, ERG said that it anticipates beginning the import and marketing of natural gas through the construction of an LNG re-gasification terminal in partnership with oil giant Shell.
