Enrico Mattei's pioneering role in oil resource management

The role of the Mattei Plan in the construction of the control room

The Mattei plan, also known as the 'oil plan'was an ambitious project conceived by the then Minister of Industry Enrico Mattei in the 1950s. The main objective of this plan was to reduce Italy's dependence on foreign oil suppliespromoting the exploration and exploitation of oil resources in the country and in Africa.

Enrico Mattei's initiatives in Africa

Enrico Mattei was a visionary in his field and immediately understood the importance of establishing trade relations with African countries in order to ensure a stable supply of oil for Italy. To this end, he promoted agreements and partnerships with several African countries, contributing significantly to the development of the oil industry in those territories.

One of the most significant results of Mattei's initiatives in Africa was the creation of the AGIP (Azienda Generale Italiana Petroli) company, which obtained important oil concessions in Libya and Nigeria. These operations not only ensured a steady flow of oil to Italy, but also contributed to the economic and infrastructural development of the countries involved.

The construction of the control room

The control cabin, as part of the Mattei Plan, was the centrepiece of operations for the management and control of national and international oil resources. Its construction and organisation required considerable effort on the part of the Italian government and companies in the sector.

The control room was responsible for coordinating oil exploration, extraction, transport and refining activitiesensuring efficient and rational management of resources. Furthermore, it had to ensure the safety of facilities and transport, and promote the diversification of energy sources to reduce dependence on a single resource.

The creation of the control room required collaboration between the government, oil companies and research organisations to ensure that the system was fully operational. Furthermore, it was necessary to develop and implement new technologies and infrastructures to better exploit oil resources, both in Italy and Africa.

The construction of the control room was a significant step towards the goal of reducing Italy's energy dependency and ensuring a stable oil supply. Thanks to the Mattei Plan and the initiatives undertaken in Africa, Italy was able to consolidate its position in the international oil sector and contribute to the economic development of its partner countries.

The Cabina di Regia: the coordinating body of the Mattei Plan

To effectively implement the Mattei Plan, Enrico Mattei realised the importance of creating a coordinating body that could supervise and manage all activities related to oil exploration, production and distribution. Thus was born the 'Cabina di Regia', a strategic committee that brought together the main players involved in the Italian energy sector.

The Cabina di Regia was composed of representatives from AGIP, ENI (Ente Nazionale Idrocarburi), the Ministry of Industry and other key government bodies. This body had the task of setting priorities, allocating resources, monitoring the progress of projects and making decisions crucial to the success of the Mattei Plan.

Thanks to the Cabina di Regia, the Mattei Plan could be implemented in a coordinated and synergetic manner, overcoming possible friction and overlapping between the various actors involved. This centralised and integrated governance approach proved to be crucial in achieving the ambitious goals of the plan, ensuring a stable and independent energy supply for Italy.

Technological innovation at the service of the Mattei Plan

Mattei's Plan was not only limited to the expansion of the oil industry in Italy and abroad, but also included a strong drive for technological innovation. Enrico Mattei was aware that to achieve energy independence for the country, it was necessary to invest in new technologies for the extraction, refining and distribution of oil.

One of the most emblematic examples of this innovative approach was the introduction of the 'frac' technique, i.e. hydraulic fracturing of the subsoil. This technology, which was not widespread at the time, significantly increased the productivity of oil wells, allowing higher quantities of crude oil to be extracted compared to traditional methods.

Furthermore, ENI, under Mattei's leadership, invested heavily in the research and development of new refining processes to improve the efficiency and quality of oil products. These technological innovations, combined with the geographical expansion of activities, allowed Italy to reduce its dependence on foreign imports, strengthening the country's energy sovereignty.

The geopolitical impact of the Mattei Plan

The Mattei Plan not only had economic and industrial significance for Italy, but also had an important geopolitical impact, especially in relations with oil-producing countries.

Mattei was a skilful diplomat he managed to establish partnerships with numerous countries in the Middle East and Africa, offering them more advantageous contractual conditions than those proposed by the big international oil companies. This strategy, based on profit-sharing and respect for the national sovereignty of the producing countries, earned him the nickname 'the man who did not want oil'.

The Mattei Plan therefore had a dual significance: on the one hand, it guaranteed Italy a more stable and independent energy supply; on the other, it helped to strengthen the country's position on the international stage, projecting it as an influential player in the global energy sector.

The end of the Mattei Plan and its consequences

Despite its many successes and positive impact on the Italian and international reality, the Mattei Plan came to a tragic and mysterious end. In 1962, Enrico Mattei died in a plane crash whose circumstances have never been clarified. Many believe that his disappearance was the result of a plot hatched by the big international oil companies, worried by the rise of an independent and influential player like ENI.

Without Mattei's visionary leadership, the Plan gradually lost momentum and vigour. Although ENI continued to operate, it could no longer maintain the same negotiating and innovative capacity that had characterised its founding years. Gradually, Italy became more dependent again on foreign oil imports, losing part of its energy sovereignty.

Despite its tragic ending, the Mattei Plan remains one of the most significant examples of how a national industry can play a key role in strengthening a country's independence and geopolitical projection. His legacy continues to inspire scholars, politicians and energy experts, demonstrating the importance of a long-term strategic vision and an innovative approach to managing energy resources.