The European Commission has recognized the Hydrogen Valley in Puglia as a key component in the advancement of green energy infrastructure, incorporating it into the IPCEI (Important Projects of Common European Interest) on hydrogen. This endorsement came on February 15th, as part of the Hy2Infra wave, marking a significant milestone in the development of hydrogen technology across Europe.
This latest initiative, following the Hy2Tech and Hy2Use waves, focuses on hydrogen technology for end-users and industrial applications, respectively. The Hy2Infra wave involves 32 companies across Europe, undertaking 33 innovative projects. These projects are part of a collaborative effort by seven Member States: France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and Slovakia, with plans to mobilize up to 6.9 billion euros in public funding. This financial injection is expected to trigger an additional 5.4 billion euros in private investments towards strategic sectors of the European industry.
Snam’s initiative, set to operationalize by 2028, is at the forefront of this endeavor in Puglia, involving a substantial investment of around 100 million euros. This investment will focus on repurposing 85 kilometers of existing pipelines and installing an additional 110 kilometers of new pipelines, integral to the region’s hydrogen supply chain development. This project not only involves Snam but also brings together various leading industrial players in Puglia, signifying a collaborative push towards establishing a sustainable energy ecosystem.
Collectively, the IPCEI Hy2Infra aims to bolster the European green energy landscape by supporting the deployment of 3.2 GW worth of electrolysers, developing and converting around 2,700 kilometers of hydrogen transport and distribution pipelines, creating hydrogen storage facilities capable of holding at least 370 GWh, and constructing infrastructure for handling 6,000 tonnes of hydrogen per year through terminals and port facilities for liquid organic hydrogen carriers. This comprehensive approach underlines Europe’s commitment to transitioning towards a more sustainable and hydrogen-fueled future.
