Green hydrogen as the key to a sustainable future

Translated by Michela Scappaticci

In the periodic table of elements, hydrogen occupies a primary position and is classified as an energy carrier, i.e. a substance that can only be found in nature bound to other elements, and an energy source is required to separate it.

Depending on its production (splitting), hydrogen can vary in origin and environmental impacts, identified by different colours. The colour pink, for instance, is associated with hydrogen generated by nuclear energy, while brown and grey are typical of production related to fossil fuel industries, representing the most polluting options. On the other hand, blue and green hydrogen are characterised by lower carbon emissions, ranking as more sustainable alternatives.

Green, carbon-free hydrogen is obtained through the electrolysis of water, a process involving the decomposition of the water molecule into hydrogen and oxygen, fuelled by renewable energies such as solar or wind power. This method can be implemented using simple, decentralised plants, avoiding negative impacts on health and the environment. In addition, it contributes significantly to achieving the global targets of zero emissions by 2050 (Net Zero Emissions).

The use of green hydrogen is proposed as an effective substitute for fossil fuels in so-called Hard to Abate industries, i.e. energy-intensive, high-emission sectors that face difficulties in switching to renewable energy. This includes areas such as the chemical, cement, steel and glass industries, where the introduction of hydrogen can offer a sustainable alternative in areas where renewable energies cannot reach.

The international community is gradually embracing the new hydrogen market, with major players such as the United States, China, India, Oman and the European Union already active in the development of dedicated technologies and infrastructure.

The reason why hydrogen has not yet claimed its role in the energy mix lies in the need for a specific network of infrastructure, logistics and storage, areas in which governments have so far not invested significantly. However, with the upcoming energy transition, we see the beginning of a redevelopment of pipelines to adapt them to hydrogen transport.

However, the low uptake of hydrogen plants is also due to the fear of inadvertent gas release, accidents and explosions as hydrogen is an easily flammable element, which is why safety regulations in this regard are still very slow and unclear.

European Union leads the way on green hydrogen

Following the COP28 (Conference of the Parties) in early December and the increasing urgency to tackle climate change, Executive Vice President for the Green Deal, Frans Timmermans, emphasised the need for Europe to rapidly move away from fossil fuels and adopt renewable energy sources. Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson announced the expansion of the hydrogen market, creating a favourable investment environment, developing dedicated infrastructure and proposing Europe as a hub for hydrogen exports to third countries.

This will be pursued within the EU Hydrogen Strategy, adopted in 2020, together with the RepowerEU 2022 Plan and the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance. This will be facilitated through the creation of a new European entity, ENNOH (Hydrogen Network Operators), and the European Hydrogen Bank. The latter will be the first bank in the world dedicated to financing and supporting companies in transition, focusing on the construction of renewable energy networks and providing financial support of approximately €4.5 per kg of hydrogen. This initiative aims to stimulate the production and adoption of hydrogen on a European level, with a higher subsidy than that currently available in the US, which stands at €3 per kg.

European initiatives include the Public Hydrogen Partnership, aimed at accelerating research and deployment of facilities known as Hydrogen Valleys. In addition, the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance was established, which aims to coordinate hydrogen production with its distribution among EU member states. Finally, the Compass for Public Hydrogen Financing was designed as a guide to identify available funding sources for dedicated projects and programmes.

Germany emerges as a leading state in the new European energy market, taking first place with a EUR 9 billion investment to convert its industries from coal to hydrogen and areas dedicated to fossil energy production that will be redeveloped, such as the Ruhr area in the west of the country.

Green hydrogen in Italy

With a financial commitment of EUR 450 million from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), Italy has placed an emphasis on supporting hydrogen-related projects in the country. The Ministerial Decree of 21 July 2023 was signed, bringing into force the necessary safety regulations to minimise the risk of hydrogen-related accidents.

Thus, a call for tenders was launched for the construction of Hydrogen Valleys in various Italian regions, including Abruzzo, Basilicata, Calabria, Emilia Romagna, Liguria, Piedmont, Apulia, Tuscany, Trento and Valle d'Aosta.

Last December, two important plants were launched: Helios, the largest green hydrogen production hub in Central Italy, located on the edge of the city of Frosinone, with the aim of providing power to the surrounding industrial area, under the direction of the French energy company ENGIE and Società Gasdotti Italia (SGI).

At the same time, IdrogeMO, a green hydrogen production project in the province of Modena, was inaugurated. This initiative is led by Hera, which is responsible for the construction of the solar plant, and SNAM, which is responsible for the hydrogen production plant.

Both plants represent important steps forward in the promotion of green hydrogen as a sustainable energy resource in Italy.

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