The gas meter turns green. NexMeter, the smart gas meter 4.0 of Hera Group it will be made with recycled plastic and can already be used for the distribution of hydrogen on the network (up to a maximum of 20% compatibility), with field trials expected in the coming months. Fruit of the collaboration with the Japanese multinational Panasonic and Pietro Fiorentini, operating in the creation of products and services for the entire natural gas supply chain.
The new NexMeter obtained the compatibility "sticker" for green gas blends, thanks to the metrological certification carried out by Tifernogas and the constructive nature analysis on the compatibility of materials with hydrogen and methane blending, performed by RINA, an engineering company and consulting, inspection, quality assurance and world-class quality control in the energy sector
As far as field testing is concerned, the injection of a mixture of natural gas and hydrogen into a portion of the distribution network managed by the multi-utility is envisaged, involving around thirty families in Castelfranco Emilia, with the aim of studying innovative solutions to contribute to the needs of decarbonization of the territory, with benefits also for the environment.
There are numerous benefits for the environment: highly polluting methane dispersions will be reduced, while the entire process of optimizing the management of the gas network has a positive effect on the performance and emissions of user appliances, starting with the boilers. Furthermore, the new NexMeter model will be the first meter on the market with most of the components in recycled plastic, up to over 68%.
The previous model of NexMeter was a cutting-edge "small computer" with features of absolute precision and safety, capable of intercepting even minimal leaks or tremors in real time in the event of seismic events. Started in 2019, the installation of these devices is also continuing, with 70 devices already in operation. The goal is to reach the 300 meters by 2023, of which 200 thousand in recycled plastic. The areas concerned are those served by the distribution companies of the Hera Group, starting from areas classified as being at seismic risk or where telluric phenomena have recently occurred, such as Emilia-Romagna and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
Stefano Venier, Chief Executive Officer of the Hera Group, declared: “With this new version of the device, ready for hydrogen and in recycled plastic, we are going one step further. In fact, actions and investments for the circular economy and innovation guide the strategies of our Business Plan, in line with the European guidelines and the objectives of the UN 2030 Agenda. As a local multi-utility, moreover, we also have the task to grow by accompanying, in parallel, the sustainable development of the communities in which we operate, with cutting-edge solutions that respect the environment and which respond to the safety and quality needs of citizens".
"We are honored to have contributed to the development of NexMeter, which today has added the use of green gases, especially hydrogen, to the safety functions, meeting the needs that the ecological transition imposes", he added Motokazu Nishii, Head of Meter Device Business, Smart Energy System Business Division, Electric Works Company of Panasonic.
“The NexMeter, already extremely innovative in its first version, is evolving in this new phase towards the sustainability of the components and compatibility with hydrogen – he declared Christian Nardi, Executive Chairman of the Pietro Fiorentini Group –. The success of the project bears witness to Pietro Fiorentini's commitment to establishing a continuous and constructive dialogue with our partners Hera and Panasonic, to jointly create technologically advanced, competitive and fully environmentally friendly solutions, very important issues for our Group ”.
