Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) has announced substantial investments in the hydrogen sector, with figures reportedly reaching 100 million euros from regional resources, the PNRR, and community funds.
The regional councilor for Work, Training and Research, Alessia Rosolen, emphasizes a broad-vision policy focused on sustainability and energy transition, highlighted during an Info Day in Trieste dedicated to a 10 million euro call for proposals aimed at creating or modernizing research infrastructures in renewable hydrogen.
While the financial commitment appears impressive, it’s crucial to critically assess whether these investments align with industry benchmarks and standards. The 100 million euros cited by Rosolen represents a significant regional effort, but it’s essential to question how this figure compares to similar investments in other regions or countries that are also pursuing hydrogen technology.
Rosolen points to FVG’s strategic geopolitical position as a gateway to Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean, arguing that this enhances the region’s role in hydrogen development. The collaboration with Slovenia and Croatia to create a Hydrogen Valley is presented as a key initiative. However, the effectiveness of this geopolitical strategy hinges on the ability to foster meaningful research and innovation partnerships that deliver concrete benefits. The historical and economic contexts of such collaborations must be considered to gauge their potential impact.
The call for proposals aims to bolster research infrastructures for green hydrogen production, storage, transport, and transformation into derivatives and electrofuels. It also targets the development of fuel cells for both stationary and mobility applications and integrated management systems for smart hydrogen-based infrastructures. These objectives align well with the broader goals of the European Green Deal. Yet, the success of these initiatives will depend on the quality and innovation of the projects funded, as well as their ability to integrate into existing and future energy frameworks.
