Snam, the Milan-based energy infrastructure company, has launched the Modena Hydrogen Valley. This project, considered one of Italy’s first and most crucial initiatives for renewable hydrogen development, aims to support the nation’s journey towards decarbonization.
The launch of Modena Hydrogen Valley is underpinned by a Memorandum of Understanding signed at the Modena City Hall. This agreement outlines the collaboration between key stakeholders, including the Municipality of Modena, Hera Group, Snam, and various organizations dedicated to energy and sustainable development. The primary goal is to establish a hydrogen production hub contributing to the decarbonization of the Emilia-Romagna region.
At the heart of Modena’s Hydrogen Valley lies IdrogeMO, a joint project by the Hera Group and Snam. This initiative aims to create a production hub capable of producing up to 400 tonnes of renewable hydrogen annually, with plans for future expansion. The investment for this ambitious project exceeds 20 million euros, emphasizing its significance in the context of energy transition.
The project’s technological centerpiece is a 6-megawatt photovoltaic park, featuring an innovative floating solar panel system. Located on the depleted landfill of the Municipality of Modena, this park, constructed by Hera subsidiary Herambiente, aligns with circular economy principles without utilizing additional land. The photovoltaic system powers an electrolyser, located in a disused industrial area, capable of extracting hydrogen from water through electrolysis. Snam, in its role, will build the hydrogen production plant.
The establishment of Modena’s Hydrogen Valley is expected to yield significant positive impacts on the environment, society, and the economy. Recognizing its potential, local public transport companies Seta and Tper plan to convert part of their fleets to hydrogen-powered vehicles. Moreover, industries in the automotive sector and the ceramics district, known for being hard-to-abate, have expressed interest in using green hydrogen to decarbonize production processes.
The strategic partnership between the Hera Group, Herambiente, and Snam received 19.5 million euros from the regional government of Emilia-Romagna in April, as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP). This financial backing emphasizes the regional and national commitment to sustainable energy initiatives. The project is in line with the Repower EU Plan, aligning with the European Union’s decarbonization objectives.
