As 2023 comes to a close, Italian industries are gearing up for a transformative journey into the realm of hydrogen, signaling a promising end to the year and setting the stage for a sustainable future.
With four ambitious initiatives announced within a week, spanning from the North to the South of the country, Italy is poised to embrace hydrogen as a key player in its industrial landscape.
The primary goal of these initiatives is to transition Italian industries towards the use of hydrogen for their processes. The strategic use of public funds in the coming three years will play a pivotal role in establishing territorial centers, particularly in abandoned industrial areas. These centers will become the epicenters for large-scale hydrogen production, fostering innovation, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
In Abruzzo’s Goriano Sicoli, an agreement between the municipal administration and Infinite Green Energy (IGE Italia) marks the beginning of large-scale green hydrogen production in the Peligna Valley. In Friuli Venezia Giulia, a 14-million-euro investment is allocated to introduce renewable hydrogen in abandoned industrial areas. Down South in Basilicata, 12 applications have been submitted for renewable hydrogen production, leveraging the region’s substantial renewable energy production.
The surge in interest from small and medium-sized Italian industries aligns seamlessly with the European decarbonization objectives for 2030 and 2050. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized this alignment, stating, “We have authorized over 17 billion euros in state aid for 80 hydrogen projects across the EU.” Italy’s commitment to these objectives not only fulfills environmental responsibilities but also aims to enhance the competitiveness of local enterprises.
As these projects unfold, Italy is shaping a hydrogen-driven 2023. With the support of the University of Cassino’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, green hydrogen will be produced through advanced electrolysis of water using renewable energy. The Frosinone-Latina area is also set to witness the establishment of a new gas pipeline, facilitating the transportation of hydrogen and methane to further bolster industrial activities.
