From 2013 to 2023, the length of operated pipelines in Italy experienced a general downward trend, declining from 4.3 thousand kilometers to 3.94 thousand kilometers, indicating a continual decrease over the observed period. Notably, the year-on-year variations showed mixed movements, with the steepest decline of 6.64% occurring between 2014 and 2015. Over the last two years, the pipeline length slightly decreased by 0.23% each year. Calculating the Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the last five years shows an average annual reduction of approximately 0.41%, signaling a steady but gradual decline.
Moving ahead, the forecasted data from 2024 to 2028 continues the trend of decreasing pipeline length, with a forecasted CAGR of -0.17%. This equates to a total forecasted decrease of 0.87% by 2028. This suggests a consistent, albeit slow, reduction in pipeline infrastructure within the upcoming years.
Future trends to watch for include potential shifts in energy policies, investments in alternative transportation methods, and advancements in technology that may impact the requirement for extensive pipelines. Additionally, environmental regulations and the transition towards renewable energy sources may further reduce the need for operated pipelines.
