The plan involves building an electric steelmaking facility with an indicated production capacity of more than 2.7 million metric tons per year. The project utilizes electric arc furnace technology to produce low-emission steel, a move consistent with Europe’s broader decarbonization targets and the ecological transition of heavy industry. Italy’s Council of Ministers had previously declared the project of pre-eminent national strategic interest, facilitating the appointment of a special commissioner to expedite administrative procedures.
Adolfo Urso, Italy’s Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, described Invitalia’s decision as “a decisive step for the relaunch of the Piombino steel hub and for the creation of a modern, competitive and sustainable steel supply chain.” Urso emphasized that the investment is “one of the most important industrial investments in Europe,” capable of combining technological innovation, environmental sustainability, and skilled employment creation. The Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy noted that the project strengthens the competitiveness of the Italian steel industry within the national industrial plan.
In support of the industrial investment, the Italian government has also allocated €92 million for the completion of the northern quay at the Port of Piombino. This infrastructure is considered strategic for the full implementation of the project, as it is essential for supporting the future operation of the site and the logistics required for the new steel plant. Metinvest Adria CEO Luca Villa expressed satisfaction with the decision, citing it as further confirmation of the project’s strategic importance for Italy and its focus on environmental impact. Piombino Mayor Francesco Ferrari also welcomed the state’s financial support, viewing it as a concrete step toward relaunching the local steel hub.
While the Metinvest proposal advances, the Piombino steel sector faces other ongoing developments. A preliminary agreement was recently reached between Liberty Steel and Trasteel for the transfer of the Liberty Magona plant. This transaction remains subject to approval by Greensill’s creditors’ committee. The Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy has scheduled an operational meeting for June 4 to define practical measures linked to the potential approval of this agreement, including wage payments and the extension of temporary layoff support. A subsequent meeting with the Ministry of Labor is set for June 9 to discuss the extension request, with legal representatives aiming to finalize the leasing procedure by July 3, the expiry date of the current temporary layoff scheme.
The approved incentives strengthen the institutional framework for the Metinvest Adria project, which remains dependent on the completion of relevant operational procedures and the full definition of implementation conditions. The dual progress on the new green steel plant and the restructuring of the Liberty Magona site underscores the Italian government’s renewed focus on reindustrializing the Piombino area.
