Prepared by Energy Team
On January 19, 2021 the H2IT – Italian Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Association published a study entitled “Support tools for the hydrogen sector. Priorities for the development of the hydrogen supply chain in Italy”.
The study aims at identifying certain strategic priorities in order to develop the hydrogen industry. In particular, the following seven priorities have been identified:
- Definition of the strategic role of hydrogen in Italy and of specific measures, objectives and investments.
- Development of a legislative and technical-regulatory framework with well-defined rules in order to help companies operating in the hydrogen supply chain to be able to compete on the international market.
- Setting-up of a procedure for the certification of renewable and low-emission hydrogen in Italy.
- Support for research and innovation within the hydrogen sector.
- Development of a refuelling infrastructure for sustainable mobility.
- Strategic collaboration between projects for the synergistic development of multiple uses and applications of hydrogen.
- Public awareness and information.
In such regard, the Italian Recovery Plan allocates about 2 billion Euro in order to support the growth of hydrogen. In particular, the Italian Recovery Plan aims at straightening the hydrogen supply chain, focusing on the production of hydrogen in abandoned industrial areas, in order to create from 5 to 10 Hydrogen Valleys for the diffusion of hydrogen on a local scale, with integrated projects for the production of hydrogen from renewable sources and with dedicated networks and local use for public transport, as well as developing an industrial pole for the production of electrolysers.
Moreover, the Italian Recovery Plan also encourages investments in the hydrogen filed in the so-called “hard to abate” sectors, such as the steel industry. In such regard the implementation of projects for the experimental use of hydrogen in the industrial sector will be of major importance.
In any case, the Italian Recovery Plan seeks to increase research and technological development in the field of hydrogen, being also aimed at the development of sustainable mobility through the strengthening of infrastructures for public transportation and a massive renewal of the fleet of local public transportation vehicles.
Lastly the importance of hydrogen is also addressed by the European Union that considers hydrogen as a solution to facilitate the energy transition and decarbonisation process through the creation of Hydrogen Valleys and Hydrogen Islands, the establishment of a solid distribution network and the creation of a European H2 market with prices in Euro.
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