Italy

The strategy builds upon the National Energy and Climate Plan, outlining the priorities for the hydrogen sector:

• decarbonisation of end-uses that cannot be electrified;
• system integration;
• competitive supply chain for manufacturing;
• increased energy security;
• creation of energy hubs;
• certification and R&I.

The strategy focuses primarily on value-chain development for hydrogen from renewable energy sources but does not the use of exclude hydrogen produced via reforming with CCS or from nuclear energy. On the latter point, significant emphasis is placed on the development of hydrogen with new generations of nuclear reactors.

For imports, two scenarios are envisaged, one with 70% national hydrogen production and one with 20%. The remaining being covered by imports.

PRODUCTION

The focus is on incentivise RFNBO and bio-hydrogen production, promoting production on best-available locations. Emphasis is on creating demand for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen through competitive supply mechanisms and the creation of double-sided auction mechanisms for imports (similar to H2Global) for renewable hydrogen and derivatives.

TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION

Action points focus on blending in the natural gas grid, with a view to increase blending percentages from current 2% to 10%. The development of ammonia imports and regasification projects will be supported and support for converting ports into hubs for renewable energy. Implementation of legal and regulatory framework to develop Southern Hydrogen Corridor. Development of specific legislation for liquid hydrogen. Clear framework for private hydrogen networks. Further action points focus on development of distribution for HRS, geological storage and reduction of infrastructure costs.

CROSS-CUTTING

Development of comprehensive regulatory framework on safety and sustainability for hydrogen: simplified authorization procedures, reduction of connection times for electrolysis, fire safety, liquid hydrogen and guarantee of origins. Standardization and homologation to enable scale-up of supply chain will be supported. The strategic importance of Hydrogen Valleys, especially in ports and airports, will be enhanced. Focus on strengthening international partnerships and cooperations. New technical and training initiatives will be launched with support for national competence and research centres. 

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Research priorities include hydrogen production (electrolysers and new emerging technologies), hydrogen blending, HRS, storage at high pressures, fuel cells, interoperability and intelligent systems applications. Overarching priorities are cost-reduction, sector-coupling, hydrogen in circular economy context, regulatory aspects, energy system resilience.

END-USES

Mobility

Priority sectors are freight transport, railway, maritime and aviation, with special focus also on manufacturing of vehicles and technologies. National HRS development plan to be ready in line with AFIR requirements. Purchase incentives for replacement of freight fleets and HRS will be provided. Improvement of pure hydrogen distribution logistics for HRS. Support of infrastructure for maritime bunkering. Development of hydrogen transition in airports, focusing first on intra-airport logistics and subsequent use in aircraft. Creation of ecosystem favourable to development of e-fuels.

Industry

Competitive-supply mechanism for hydrogen use in industry and support for change in industrial processes to include hydrogen. Application of specific requirements on end-products (e.g. steel, glass ceramics, cement) made with reduced CO2 emissions. Support of scale-up of decarbonisation pilot projects and change of industrial processes. Focus on creating demand for hydrogen in industry. 

Energy

Implementation of EU regulations, including Electricity Market Directive to create liquid hydrogen market and reduce electricity costs. Promote sector-coupling initiatives and power-to-gas pilot projects and adaptations of market and balancing rules.