Italy is taking bold steps to drive its transition towards renewable energy and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, marking a significant move in the fight against global warming. The Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security recently issued a call for investments in green hydrogen, a clean energy source that holds the promise of a greener, more sustainable future.
Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources, stands out as a key player in the quest to cut carbon emissions and conserve our planet’s finite resources. Unlike its grey counterpart, green hydrogen is generated without harmful emissions and doesn’t deplete valuable natural resources. Italy’s decision to promote green hydrogen is a substantial stride toward a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.
The Italian government has allocated a substantial sum of 100 million euros within the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNNR). These funds are earmarked to nurture and bolster the green hydrogen supply chain. They will support projects involving the creation or expansion of electrolyser component production units, the development of hydrogen compression and storage devices, and the integration of hydrogen with renewable energy production systems. Additionally, the allocation will cover research initiatives and training programs aimed at building a skilled workforce in the sector.
The responsibility of managing this green hydrogen initiative falls to Invitalia, the Italian government agency that promotes economic development. Invitalia will oversee the submission of project proposals from interested companies. The window for proposal submission opens on November 29, 2023, and runs until January 12, 2024. This period offers a critical opportunity for companies with innovative ideas and strategies to shape the future of green hydrogen in Italy.