Axpo and ABB to develop green hydrogen pilot project in Italy

09.06.2021 - Axpo and ABB are joining forces to explore a series of synergies for the development of green hydrogen in Italy. In a letter of intent (LOI), the two companies commit to combining their innovative, technological and visionary skills for several projects and initiatives related to green hydrogen in various industrial sectors.

Hydrogen generated from climate-friendly sources will play an important role in the reduction of CO2 emissions from industry and transport. Axpo is focusing on innovative partnerships in this field, the latest being an LOI signed by its subsidiary Axpo Italia and ABB.

The companies will work together to develop a pilot project in Italy which will research technologies along the entire green hydrogen supply chain and carry out production feasibility tests. The letter of intent also covers mutual involvement in research and development projects funded by the European Union and support for green financing.

The preliminary agreement with the Energy Industries Division of ABB marks an important step in Axpo Italia's strategy of expanding its activities in the hydrogen sector and follows the recent announcement of its collaboration with the Italian services and consulting company RINA, which specialises in energy, infrastructure, mobility and industry. In a memorandum of understanding (MOU), Axpo Italia and RINA are cooperating to develop a robust hydrogen supply chain that will bring together a number of key stakeholders in Italy.

Axpo Italia’s Head of Origination & Business Development, Simone Rodolfi, commented: "We are fully committed to exploring the potential of green hydrogen as part of our strategy to facilitate the energy transition. In line with the international activities of Axpo Group, in Italy we believe it is essential to work with those who share our innovative skills, medium to long-term technological vision, and great ambition. There has been much collaboration between Axpo and ABB in recent years and today's agreement reinforces that relationship, enabling both companies to become important players in this promising segment."

Head of ABB Energy Industries Italia, Sergio Durando, added: "Hydrogen offers a concrete solution for the decarbonisation of industrial processes and economic sectors where the reduction of CO2 emissions is both urgent and difficult to achieve. The initiation of this agreement with Axpo, with whom we have a long-standing collaboration, is a first step in exploring the potential of green hydrogen in Italy. We believe it is very important to collaborate with other players in the industry to make the transition to a clean energy future a reality."