Enel and Eni are working together to produce green hydrogen through electrolyzers powered by renewable energy. 

The electrolyzers will be located near two of the Eni refineries where green hydrogen appears to be the best decarbonisation method. Each of the two pilot projects will have an electrolyzer of about 10 MW and is expected to start producing green hydrogen by 2022-2023.

“We are interested in exploring with Eni the promising green hydrogen sector. Together, we identified a couple of sites where we can start with the first projects. The overall system we have in mind will be working as a closed loop whereby the electrolyzer fed by renewable energy and the refinery will be at the same location, therefore avoiding the construction of complex transport infrastructure to move hydrogen around.

“We are looking forward to seeing green hydrogen supplying Eni’s refinery and biorefinery processes, and are working to have the first operating system in place before the end of our current three-year plan.“

Francesco Starace, Enel Group CEO and general manager.

“This partnership in green hydrogen is part of Eni’s broader energy transition strategy. Our goal is to accelerate the reduction of our carbon footprint by implementing the best applicable low carbon solution, either green or blue, to reduce our direct emissions as well as switching to bio products to supply our clients.”

Claudio Descalzi, Eni CEO.

In the segment of green hydrogen, the Enel Group is also developing projects in Spain, Chile and the United States. If the projected economic improvement of the green hydrogen industry is confirmed, the Group aims to increase its green hydrogen ability to more than 2 GW by 2030.