In order to transform the Brenner axis into a Green Corridor, the regional government has made a preliminary decision on a hydrogen production, storage, and distribution project.
South Tyrol has already approved a master plan for hydrogen for 2020. By 2030, its implementation is anticipated to cut fossil fuel imports by approximately 550 million euros annually. This would lower CO2 emissions by around 45%. The proposal envisions, among other things, transforming the Brenner corridor into a “green corridor,” or an emission-free corridor with filling stations for emission-free automobiles along the route.
In this regard, on August 30, the regional government adopted a fundamental decision for the “Brenner Green Corridor” project for the production of hydrogen for transportation and tasked the Regional Mobility Council with developing the project further. Following the discussion, the Regional Mobility Council stressed, “When it comes to the potential of hydrogen, it is essential that it be produced from renewable sources on a long-term basis.”
In addition, he stated that the primary purpose is to offer projects in order to obtain funding from European funds (LiveAlps) and the PNRR state rebuilding fund. In this regard, the project’s documentation will be submitted in Rome on September 2.
Production and utilization of hydrogen are crucial
The paper adopted today outlines the technical parameters of the project for the generation, storage, and distribution of hydrogen for transportation and other civil and industrial applications. The project will be executed by the public corporations STA, SASA, Alperia, and Ecocenter.
According to the regional mobility council, the production and usage of hydrogen play a key part in achieving the “green corridor” on the Brenner route. It is of paramount importance to promote decarbonization on this vital transalpine and cross-border transport route and, above all, to advance the development of sustainable and emission-free mobility with neighboring nations. In order for emission-free vehicles to function on the route, it is necessary to provide the necessary conditions.
Thus, the state government-approved initiative envisions the establishment of a hydrogen supply chain based on concrete demand and centered on the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier. For the time being, it is planned to construct two facilities for the electrolysis and renewable supply of hydrogen.
Currently, Bolzano South and Bolzano North are being investigated as potential locations. A pipeline and specially prepared vehicles will facilitate the transport. 14 tank facilities will be constructed as part of the project. In addition to the procurement of hydrogen-powered buses and other vehicles, the initiative also calls for the conversion of diesel-powered vehicles.
