Numerous expressions of interest were received by the Department of Energy from major national energy competitors, including industrial companies operating in the region, creative start-ups, research institutions, and universities, including the four Sicilian universities.
The Region’s task will be to identify the sectors in which the energy vector in question will become competitive in a short period of time, as well as to verify the areas for interventions that are best suited to developing and implementing hydrogen use, with the technical and scientific contributions that each private partner will be able to transfer with their own projects in a synergistic public-private partnership.
The next step will be to take into account all of the project initiatives and technical ideas obtained in order to describe the current Sicilian “hydrogen economy,” which will be reflected in a “manifesto,” which will be shared with selected stakeholders and will include structure, goals, an action plan and work, as well as institutional form, and will be completed by May 2021.
“The National Hydrogen Center represents a tool to promote public-private investments for the construction of electrolysis plants, powered by renewable sources, and to support innovation in sustainable mobility chains. The great interest in the project by important companies and universities confirms Sicily’s potential as a green platform to experiment with decarbonisation strategies in line with European objectives. In the NRP, approximately 37% of resources will have to go to green investments in strategic sectors, including energy communities. I am sure that the hydrogen valley in Sicily will bring tangible results not only in terms of the environment and protection of biodiversity, but also in terms of research and innovation capable of generating new business and employment opportunities for our young people.“.
Regional Energy Councilor Daniela Baglieri
