BOLZANO. Final rush for the A22 concession. A certain confidence filters through from the Autobrennero leaders for the tender which must be published by the end of the year,as the European Union wants. The publication by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport is thus awaited.
One step at a time, we have moved forward on the path to the new concession which would cover a period of 50 years. meanwhile, the A22 shareholders’ meeting, led by CEO Diego Cattoni, gave the green light the day before yesterday to the new 94 million installment for 2024, plus another 103 in total for the three-year period 2021-2022-2023 due to State that will end up in the Railway Fund.the assembly also gave the green light to the “green bond” activated by A22 for a total value of 25 million euros.
The meeting passed without any particular shocks, other than those of some private shareholders who did not agree on the payment which, however, it should be said, is obligatory by law and which, moreover, A22 carries out with the “reserve of repetition”, i.e. done,it puts its hands forward: it pays them,but than the State returns them if they were not due. A fund provided by the state which needs to raise cash, but with which A22 looks to the future of the concession, the tender for which was given the green light a few days ago by Art, the Transport Regulatory Authority.
All that is missing is the transition to Cipess, the inter-ministerial committee for economic planning and enduring development. So within the year the hypothesis becomes very concrete. The day before yesterday, therefore, A22 decided to pay the new installment of 94 million which is added to the others already paid and which together with the extra profits should ultimately amount to a total figure of around one billion euros.
If A22 does not obtain the renewal of the multi-decade concession, they will be passed on to the winner. A mechanism that obviously protects the Brenner motorway.
Autobrennero always said that these funds would be paid, but always disputed that they were owed. So whoever wins the tender will pay the fund. If its A22, this little treasure is already there, if it loses, the winner of the race will have to shoulder it.
and frankly it seems arduous to think that there is a company or a consortium that has the skills and strength to win.In this way, shareholders will also be protected.
A22 healthy despite economic fears.Meanwhile, A22 proves to be healthy, continuing to record intense traffic flows, with high profits, even if fears over the German recession remain. Another decision taken concerns the bonds which will be managed through banks as if they were bonds with yields between 3.5-4 percent.
The Brenner motorway remains a goose that lays golden eggs. From 1996 to 2023, total dividends to shareholders amounted to almost 655 million euros. 551 whent to public partners. On average something like 23 million euros per year. The provisions reserved by A22 for the so-called «Railway Fund» – to finance the Brenner railway axis – amounted to 860 million euros, with an average of 33 million euros per year from 1998 to 2023, i.e. over a period of 26 years old.
Future planning and enterprising investments. While waiting for the tender for the concession of the A22, Autobrennero spa has already started planning its future. The company thus addresses the issue of finding resources to support the ambitious 9.2 billion euro investment project which is the basis of the concession. One and a half billion will be used for the “dynamic” third lane from Bolzano south to Verona. The objective is to widen the emergency lane to the size of the other two, so as to use it as a transit “lane” in cases of necessity, i.e. when the threshold of 2,500 vehicles in transit per hour is exceeded. The first part of the “dynamic”, i.e. the one from Trento south to the city of Verona, will be completed – this is what Autobrennero promises - within a year of obtaining the concession.
What are the key factors influencing the A22 concession tender process and potential bidders?
Interview Between Time.News Editor and Infrastructure Expert on the A22 Concession
Time.News Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us. Today, we’re delving into the highly anticipated A22 concession tender process. With us is Dr. Elena Rossi, an expert in transport infrastructure and public-private partnerships. Elena,can you give us an overview of the current situation regarding the A22 concession?
Dr. Elena Rossi (ERR): Good afternoon! Absolutely. The A22, which runs through the picturesque regions of Italy, is currently in the final phases of its concession tender process, with anticipation building as it must be published before the end of the year, as mandated by the European Union. This concession is set to last for an extensive period of 50 years, reflecting its importance for transport and trade in the region.
TNE: That’s quite a long duration! What implications does this extended concession period have for stakeholders involved, notably concerning investments and infrastructure development?
ERR: A 50-year concession offers a stable environment for investment, allowing the winning bidder to recoup their costs and invest in upgrades and maintainance over a longer horizon. In this case, A22’s recent shareholders’ meeting approved a significant €94 million installment for 2024, alongside a €103 million total for the 2021-2023 period that will contribute to the Railway Fund. This kind of financial commitment demonstrates confidence in the long-term viability and growth of the project.
TNE: Speaking of financial commitments, the assembly also green-lighted a “green bond” worth €25 million. What does this signify for the A22 and its sustainability initiatives?
ERR: The approval of the “green bond” is a forward-thinking move that aligns with global sustainability trends. It indicates A22’s commitment to environmentally pleasant initiatives, which is crucial as transportation sectors face increasing pressure to reduce their carbon footprints. This bond can be used for projects aimed at enhancing energy efficiency, promoting electric transport solutions, or investing in lasting infrastructure, reinforcing the value of the A22 as a modern, responsible transport corridor.
TNE: It seems there are a few dissenting voices among private shareholders regarding payments. Can you explain this situation and its potential impact on the process?
ERR: Yes, there were some concerns among private shareholders regarding the obligatory payment structured under the “reserve of repetition.” This legal framework ensures that while A22 must initially cover certain costs, they have a mechanism in place to reclaim those funds if deemed unneeded by the state. While this could cause friction amongst stakeholders, it’s a necessary structure to ensure financial accountability and transparency in the long term. Having mentioned that, it’s vital for A22 to manage these relationships effectively to maintain investor confidence.
TNE: As we near the publication of the tender, what should we look out for in terms of bidders and the potential impact on regional connectivity and trade?
ERR: The tender process will attract a diverse range of bidders.We should expect to see a mix of domestic and international companies,many of which are likely to emphasize innovative solutions for traffic management and sustainability. The outcome will significantly impact regional connectivity, especially given the A22’s role as a critical artery for trade between northern and southern europe. Enhanced connectivity can boost the local economy,improve travel times,and reduce congestion,which is paramount for both passengers and freight transport.
TNE: thank you, Elena, for these insights. As the tender publication date approaches, it certainly promises to be an exciting time for the A22 and the regions it serves.
ERR: Thank you for having me! I look forward to continuing to watch the developments and their impact on infrastructure in italy and beyond.