The energy transition also passes through a correct dialogue between the companies responsible for the infrastructures and a correct synergy of the networks, for example, of gas and electricity. They know it well Snam and Terna, who have just extended their partnership on coordinated research, development and innovation activities and on the possible convergences between the electricity system and the gas system.
With the signing of the renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding by the managing directors of Snam, Marco Alverà, and of Terna, Luigi Ferraris, the two companies therefore intend to continue collaborating to identify, define and implement common initiatives, also sharing their respective know-how and best practices, with the aim of further strengthening their commitment as protagonists of the current energy transition. Specifically, the agreement aimed at enhancing the potential synergies between the gas system and the electricity system is divided into three areas of interest:
- Dual fuel power plants, in the context of which Snam plans to convert its compression and storage plants to gas-electric power, with significant environmental benefits with a view to reducing CO2 emissions for the national system and developing new flexibility resources for the electricity system ;
- Research and development, in which initiatives related to the so-called "sector coupling" will be developed with particular reference to the dynamics of flexibility and the integration of renewable energy sources;
- Co-innovation, to continue experimenting and developing innovative initiatives and technological solutions for the sustainability of energy networks through infrastructure monitoring activities with the use of drones, satellites and IoT sensors and for the safety of workers and the environment.
“An ever stronger collaboration – he commented Marco Alverà, Chief Executive Officer of Snam – on the new frontiers of energy it is crucial to make Italy a protagonist of the energy transition at an international level and to accelerate investments in the restart phase after the health emergency, creating opportunities for technological leadership and economic development. The growing synergies between gas and electricity – starting from our project for 'dual fuel' plants, from possible joint sector coupling initiatives such as power-to-gas and from the partnership on innovation and occupational safety issues – represent a further demonstration of the central role of energy infrastructures in achieving climate objectives and guaranteeing ever greater security and flexibility to the system”.
“The renewal of this important collaboration – he added Terna CEO Luigi Ferraris -, focused on innovation and on the development of convergences between electricity and gas, allows us to strengthen our commitment to support a sustainable energy transition. Together with Snam we continue on the profitable path of sharing the best skills and to jointly develop further new technological solutions to support an increasingly articulated and complex energy system".
