Energy, international geopolitical scenarios and local contexts: the case of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP)

This research work considers the path followed for the implementation of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) which starting from the Shah Deniz field in Azerbaijan after a journey of 870 kilometers through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, in the last part of its route involves 8 kilometers of the territory of the municipality of Melendugno (Lecce), landing point at the beach of San Foca, and therefore site of the depressurization plant Although considered as a Project of Common Interest (PIC) by the European Union, this infrastructure has had to contend with the contrary opinion of local administrators and environmental associations convinced that the road to take to ensure sustainable development in the Salento area is that of tourism and quality agriculture. The analysis of the news disseminated by the 'new media' highlights the existence of two opposing representations (No Tap and pro Tap) of the Salento area which by now seems reduced to a simple stake that sells opposing 'native against allochthonous' risking block the start of a shared and supportive valorisation process