Energy: Enea signs pact with Confindustria to promote hydrogen

Industry and research collaborate to develop a national supply chain

FEB 18, 2021 -

Roma, 18 feb. (askanews) – Identifying the potential of industrial hydrogen chains, innovative solutions and possible operational scenarios by strengthening the collaboration between research and industry. These are the goals of a strategic alliance -an actual “hydrogen pact”- signed by Confindustria and ENEA as part of the initiatives to reduce industrial energy supply costs, promote sustainability and develop frontier technologies . “Confindustria considers the National Hydrogen Strategy to be a potential game changer for sustainability” – Aurelio Regina, delegate of Confindustria for energy, said. “Ensuring sustainable industrial development that meets the European targets of climate neutrality is a priority project. The agreement with ENEA, a leading research body, will allow us to make the most of the technological leadership position of the Italian industry, as part of a systemic project for our Country “. “The agreement with Confindustria enables us to put our consolidated know-how, expertise and infrastructures in the hydrogen field at the service of companies. We believe -ENEA President Federico Testa pointed out- in the importance of increasing efforts of research and technology transfer to create a strong industrial chain for our country, to take on a strategic and competitive role at the European level. Just recently European Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen indicated hydrogen as a priority area in Next Generation Eu “. The collaboration agreement foresees mapping of technologies, know-how, hard to abate sectors, technological evolution, hydrogen-based processes and potential of consumption and production capacity in the short, medium and long term. An in-depth supply and demand analysis is envisaged, also concerning potential production and use in Italy of clean hydrogen and the investments needed to create a dedicated supply chain. More generally, the alliance between Confindustria and ENEA aims at fostering a closer and continuous relationship between research and industry for the development of innovative technological solutions, projects and studies, in a wider perspective of a paradigm shift in energy systems, also through new project models and re-engineering of products and production plants.