Snam goes ahead with hydrogen. The clean energy of the future is already part of the present and the agreement signed by the company that manages the gas network with the Milan Polytechnic also goes in this direction: a wide-ranging collaboration agreement to launch joint research activities on role of the gas system in the energy transition, with a specific focus on the potential of hydrogen and other green gases (if produced with renewable sources) in the fight against climate change. On hydrogen, analyzes will be carried out jointly for the re-engineering of production, storage and use technologies, as well as insights into the impact of hydrogen and natural gas mixtures on existing transport infrastructures.
But they are also expected joint studies on sustainable mobility, biomethane, liquefaction and LNG (liquefied natural gas) small scale, as well as on carbon dioxide capture, transport, storage and reuse projects. Lastly, the parties will be able to jointly participate in international tenders in the various areas of collaboration and the Polytechnic and the Polytechnic Foundation will be able to report startups and innovative technologies of interest to Snam, with an eye to equal opportunities through the specific initiative “Girls@Polimi”, which provides for the donation of three three-year scholarships aimed at encouraging the study of STEM disciplines (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) by girls.
“This agreement – he comments the Chief Executive Officer of Snam, Marco Alverà – lays the foundations for close collaboration between Snam and the Polytechnic on the new frontiers of energy, starting with hydrogen and biomethane, and on training, in particular by bringing young female students closer to STEM disciplines. The synergies between businesses and the academic world will be decisive in the restart phase, especially in a sector like ours which will be characterized by very strong innovation in the coming years. This is why we launched the SnamTec project two years ago, with investments aimed at building the energy society of the future, increasingly sustainable, digital and connected with the territories".
Meanwhile, Snam has also announced the acquisition, through the 100% subsidiary Snam4Efficiency, from Gemma Srl and Fen Energia SpA of 70% of Mieci SpA and Evolve Srl, companies active in Italy in the energy efficiency sector. The operation, announced on 10 June, has a total value of approximately 50 million euros. "Through these acquisitions - specifies a note -, Snam substantially improves its competitive positioning in the business, integrating new skills in energy efficiency relating to both the public and residential sectors thanks to the partnership with the other shareholders Gemma and Fen Energia, among the main national operators in energy and technological services for public bodies and private customers".
