Hydrogen is an essential element in the fight against climate change, and its use is becoming increasingly important in many industrial sectors.
Italy is among the countries that have chosen to invest in hydrogen, with a significant number of companies increasing their investments in this area in 2022. The H2IT Observatory’s second edition sheds light on the current state of the Italian hydrogen sector, revealing the goals, technology, and potential impact of this investment.
According to the H2IT Observatory’s study, 65% of Italian companies increased their investments in hydrogen in 2022. Of these, 70% are financed through their own funds, while 22% are covered by European, national, or regional funds. The companies involved in the study represent the entire hydrogen value chain, from production to end uses.
The study also found that one in three Italian companies involved in the hydrogen sector has at least one patent. Additionally, 71% of companies surveyed indicate research and development as a priority investment strategy, with 71% of companies having an internal research centre dedicated to hydrogen. More than half (56%) have participated in European tenders, obtaining funding in 65% of cases.
The mobility sector is expected to grow the most between now and 2030, according to 85% of respondents, followed by hard-to-abate (67%) and renewable electricity storage (55%). Lombardy alone hosts the companies that make 60% of the turnover from Italian hydrogen.
The potential impact of this investment is enormous, not only in terms of economic growth but also in terms of sustainability. Hydrogen is a clean fuel that produces only water and heat as by-products, making it a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuels. The investments made by Italian companies, along with the government’s allocation of 3.64 billion euros in the PNRR to develop the hydrogen supply chain in Italy, show a commitment to building a more sustainable future.
However, there are still challenges to overcome. The cost of producing hydrogen is still relatively high, and the infrastructure for distributing it is not yet fully developed. Nevertheless, the increasing investments and patents obtained by Italian companies indicate that the hydrogen sector is growing rapidly and could be a game-changer in the future of the Italian industry.
In conclusion, the Italian hydrogen sector is growing rapidly, with companies increasing their investments and obtaining patents. The mobility sector is expected to lead this growth, with Lombardy hosting the companies that make the most significant turnover from Italian hydrogen. The potential impact of this investment is enormous, both in terms of economic growth and sustainability. With the government’s allocation of funds and the commitment of Italian companies, the hydrogen sector is poised to be a crucial player in the future of Italian industry.
