Infinite Green Energy (IGE), an Australian renewable hydrogen producer, has announced plans to bolster Italy’s green hydrogen capabilities, aiming to produce 12 tonnes of green hydrogen per day by 2026.
IGE’s first European plant, located on a brownfield site at Valle Peligna in Abruzzo, central Italy, is set to become Southern Europe’s largest green hydrogen project. This plant aims to provide local heavy industries with clean energy, supporting Italy’s broader energy transition goals. According to IGE, this project exemplifies how Australian hydrogen expertise can synergize with European industry leaders to drive decarbonization.
IGE’s expansion into Italy reflects broader trends in the global hydrogen market. The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that Australia will become the world’s second-largest net exporter of low-emissions hydrogen by 2030. IGE, based in Perth, Western Australia, is strategically leveraging its renewable resources to advance hydrogen production. Projects like Arrowsmith and Northam in Western Australia illustrate IGE’s commitment to both domestic and international markets, providing hydrogen for transport and industrial uses.
Italy has set ambitious targets for renewable energy, aiming to cover 40% of its energy consumption with renewable sources by 2030. This includes significant contributions from the electricity, thermal, and transport sectors, with green hydrogen playing a crucial role in industrial applications. IGE’s project in Abruzzo aligns with these national objectives, offering a potential boost to Italy’s renewable energy landscape.
Further strengthening this initiative, IGE partnered with Axpo Holding AG, a major European operator. This partnership brings valuable European experience in technical standards, renewables, and power purchase agreements, complementing IGE’s Australian project expertise.
One of the primary obstacles in the green hydrogen sector is the high cost of production compared to traditional fossil fuels and even other forms of hydrogen such as grey and blue hydrogen. The development of a robust infrastructure for production, storage, and distribution is critical for making green hydrogen competitive. Italy’s commitment to renewable energy and the development of new hydrogen hubs, as indicated by IGE’s project, could address some of these infrastructure challenges.
The project also promises economic benefits for regions like Valle Peligna, which have seen industries close. The development of green hydrogen plants could create new employment opportunities and drive regional economic growth.
IGE’s experience in Europe is expected to provide valuable insights for future projects in Australia and beyond. Yolanda Zhao, IGE’s co-founder and COO, emphasizes that each project builds on the learnings of previous ones, enhancing the company’s global expertise in green hydrogen production.
As the global energy transition accelerates, the exchange of knowledge and expertise between regions will be crucial. IGE’s venture in Italy is not just a step towards achieving its production targets but also a learning curve that will inform future developments in Australia and potentially other markets such as Asia.
