Italian Green Energy Surge: 5.5 GW in New Renewables Projects
The Italian Ministry of the Environment has seen a surge in green energy projects. The Pnrr Pniec commission, under Massimiliano Atelli’s leadership, has received 68 applications for a total of 5,559 MW in new renewable energy installations. Among these applications are offshore wind projects in Apulia and Sardinia. Notably, the German firm IB Vogt has proposed a large-scale photovoltaic project in Sicily. Additionally, the request for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Ottana bi-fuel power plant is pending. This includes roughly 1.4 GW of agro voltaic projects, marking a significant expansion in Italy’s green energy sector.
Germany Urged to Expand Energy Infrastructure for Hydrogen Transition
The German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK) emphasizes the urgent need for an extensive energy infrastructure expansion to support the energy transition. Besides enhancing transport and storage capacities for electricity, a comprehensive hydrogen pathway network is essential for a successful transition, as stated by DIHK President Peter Adrian. Companies require a clear vision of hydrogen’s future availability, a factor that significantly influences investment decisions. Adrian highlights that Germany fell significantly short of its target to reach 10 gigawatts of hydrogen by 2030, which remains below one percent of that goal. The majority of this hydrogen supply must be secured from other nations, but infrastructure limitations hinder its import. To address this, DIHK recommends government investments and relief for companies from high network fees to incentivize the connection to new hydrogen networks. The German government aims to produce at least ten gigawatts of hydrogen capacity by 2030, with around one-third generated domestically and two-thirds sourced internationally, according to Economics Minister Robert Habeck.
China’s Maiden Voyage of Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ship Marks Technological Breakthrough
China’s maiden voyage of the hydrogen fuel cell-powered ship, Sanxia Qingzhou 1, signifies a major milestone in the application of hydrogen fuel cell technology within domestic shipping. Hosted by China Three Gorges Corporation and the Yichang Municipal People’s Government, the event also witnessed the issuance of the first classification certificate to China Yangtze Power Co., Ltd., and the Three Gorges Navigation Authority by the China Classification Society. This cutting-edge ship, developed collaboratively by multiple entities, boasts a hydrogen fuel cell with a 500kW rated output power, reaching a maximum speed of 28 km/h, a cruise speed of 20 km/h, and an impressive endurance mileage of 200 km. It conforms to various environmental and efficiency standards, including FC-POWER 1, Green Ship-3, I-ship (M), and EEDI-3. The successful maiden voyage marks a significant step towards a “hydrogenated Yangtze River,” advancing green and low-carbon developments in domestic navigation and aligning with the goals of reducing carbon emissions.
ITM Power Sells Motive Fuels to Vedra Partners for Hydrogen Focus
ITM Power PLC has completed the sale of Motive Fuels Ltd to hydrogen-focused investment firm Vedra Partners Ltd’s business unit, HYCAP. The sale of Motive Fuels, a hydrogen refueling network operator, is set to generate a marginal cash contribution for ITM Power. The move will allow ITM Power to redirect £28 million of pre-committed ringfenced capital to its core business. The sale aligns with Vedra Partners’ goal to invest in hydrogen as a clean fuel source.
