Snam has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with porcelain maker Iris Ceramica Group for the study and construction of a green hydrogen-powered ceramics plant.

In a statement, Snam Chief Executive Marco Alvera stated, “Green hydrogen is the appropriate energy vector for decarbonising an energy-intensive business like the ceramics industry.”

From 2022, the plant, which will be situated in Castellarano, northern Italy, will be able to design and create ceramic surfaces using a combination of green hydrogen produced by solar energy and natural gas.

Hydrogen is commonly seen as having a key role to play in lowering emissions in energy-intensive industrial sectors, but costs must first come down.

Snam, which makes the majority of its money in Italy from gas transportation, has promised to invest more in new green business lines like hydrogen to assist the firm prepare for the shift to cleaner energy.