The global energy transition is reaching new heights in recent months as the world aims to develop the renewable energy sector to overtake the conventional oil and gas sectors. Italy has long been at the forefront of the renewable energy ambitions of Europe, and now, the nation is breaking ground on a new coastal hydrogen hub that will feature a 5 MW electrolyzer, marking a new era for the European energy market. Italy’s clear and ever-present need to adapt its energy market is reaching new heights.
Solvay and Sapio have agreed terms to develop a new hydrogen facility in Italy
The pair of energy majors recently came together and agreed on terms to develop Solvay’s Rosignano facility, part of the Hydrogen Valley Rosignano Project. The companies have entered into a 10-year agreement to develop the site, and will lean on each other’s vast expertise in the hydrogen sector.
Under the new agreement, Sapio will build and manage a new 5 MW electrolysis system powered by Solvay’s 10 MW photovoltaic installation. The project is slated for a mid-2026 start-up and will produce approximately 756 tons of renewable hydrogen every year. The aim is for the project to cut CO2 emissions from Solvay’s peroxides operations.
“Our partnership with Sapio represents a good example in how we enhance our global peroxide operations. This project is a key part of our broader strategy to support essential industries – from electronics and water treatment to energy and food safety – with more sustainable solutions.” – Carlos Silveira, President of Solvay Peroxides’ business
The regional government has identified the project as an important driver in Italy’s clean energy ambitions, and has been granted €16 million in funding from the Tuscan Region under Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan.
“We are extremely proud of our collaboration with Solvay: this project, funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), is concrete proof that companies can truly contribute to the decarbonization of the planet and the growth of our country. In a world of great uncertainty like the current one, it is essential to join forces and be a point of reference for the entire ecosystem.” – Mario Paterlini, CEO of the Sapio Group
Another milestone has been achieved as part of Italy’s hydrogen dream
Trieste, another energy-rich city in the region, has launched the official start of construction on the Hydrogen Hub, a project spearheaded by AcegasApsAmga. The aim of this project will be to develop an energy ecosystem based on the untapped potential of green hydrogen.
The Trieste Hydrogen Hub forms part of a broader initiative undertaken by the Italian government that aims to develop the nation’s hydrogen generation capacity amid calls to diversify the international energy market in the near future.
The project also forms part of the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley, which will become Europe’s first cross-border hydrogen project that includes other nations such as Slovenia and Croatia. As other European nations approve expansions to upcoming hydrogen projects, Italy has taken a major step forward in developing its hydrogen infrastructure.
Italy is not alone in its proclivity for the hydrogen sector
Italy’s ambitions for the hydrogen sector have been a step in the right direction; however, it is not the only European nation that is developing its hydrogen sector, as Spain has recently broken ground on what will become its largest hydrogen project to date, exemplifying the European sentiment towards the sector. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the known universe and has the potential to reshape the global energy market and possibly become the dominant energy resource across the world. And Italy is planning to lead the hydrogen charge with its new hydrogen hub.
