Green gas: biomethane and hydrogen

These are the main allies of decarbonisation, which will enable Italy to achieve carbon neutrality targets by 2050.

Biomethane and hydrogen are the main renewable energy sources at the heart of European energy developments.

Decarbonisation targets for 2050 can be achieved with a mix of environmentally neutral solutions. Green gases are the key players in the energy transition and their development, in terms of use and distribution, takes place thanks to gas infrastructure. Our networks are ready: they are widely spread throughout the territory and are digitised. 

In their ‘yellow tubes’ where natural gas flows today, renewable gases can also be injected.

Biomethane is a concrete reality and an already available source. The new frontier, however, will be green hydrogen, which is estimated to become affordable by 2030. We will be ready to distribute it through our networks, enabling reduced and responsible consumption by end customers.

According to recent European study, it is estimated that gas produced from renewable sources (both renewable hydrogen and biomethane), used in existing infrastructure, can play a key role in cutting emissions in Europe by 2050, reaching, on an annual basis, a production of more than 120 billion cubic metres with a saving of around 140 billion euros.

as for Climate Consortium, composed of Snam, Enagás, Fluxys, Gasunie, GRTgaz, Open Grid Europe and TIGF and two associations active in the renewable gas sector (Consorzio Italiano Biogas and European Biogas Association).

Biomethane: a virtuous circle

What is biomethane?

Today, it is possible to produce methane gas from biological waste and to feed it into the distribution network, after appropriate treatment, by mixing it with natural gas. This is called biomethane, a mixture of 97% methane, a gas that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere through the natural decomposition of food and agricultural waste. In fact, the virtuous circle of biomethane is generated closer to us than we imagine: it comes from the recovery of waste from vegetable fields, such as tomatoes, vineyards or even oil mills. In this context, providing biogas plants close to agricultural and food facilities would be a further opportunity for the area, as it would increase the positive impacts on the economy and the environment.

infografica biometano

Its development scenario

In the current decade (2020-2030) we will see a significant increase in biomethane production and feed-in, which may facilitate the decarbonisation pathway. In Italy, for example, the number of requests for connection is increasing dramatically and more than 30 injection points have already been connected to the transmission and distribution network. In Europe, however, this energy source is even more mature and already accounts for 5% of gas demand.

Benefits for you and the territory

Together with zero-emission energy sources such as solar and wind power, biomethane is a sustainable energy source capable of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In concrete terms, from the agricultural or agro-industrial by-product and after a production process, we are able to generate and feed biomethane into the grid. As well as making active use of waste, we also respond sustainably to your everyday needs, including:

  • Allow industrial uses.
  • Powering private and public transport.
  • Using it at home for cooking and heating.

It is a solution close to us and full of opportunities to reduce our costs and emissions and meet national and European decarbonisation targets.

Biomethane plants

Gas produced from renewable sources such as biomethane can be fed into existing infrastructures and used like other sources to support growing energy needs.

Green Hydrogen verde: the future is near

What is hydrogen.

Hydrogen is a highly energy-dense but zero-emission carrier that can be used for heat and power generation and also as a fuel for commercial vehicles. Its use produces noCO2 emissions, making it a key element in the energy transition and the path to carbon neutrality.

Its development scenario

Green hydrogen, i.e. hydrogen produced through the use of renewable energy, will be the renewable source of the 2030s decade with tangible benefits by 2050. Over the next few years it is expected to become more widespread as its cost becomes competitive and its use economically viable. Indeed, green hydrogen today has a much higher production cost than gas, but it is estimated that it can become sustainable within 10 years.

Its advantages

In Europe, the benefits of using hydrogen will be tangible by 2050 and will positively impact the labour market, our economy and, above all, our planet. In the near future it could be used for our mobility, for heating rooms and homes and, of course, also for industrial purposes.

24%
DEMAND
of final energy demand.
5,4
MILLIONS
of jobs generated.
-560
MILLION TONNES
of CO2.
-15%
EMISSIONS
of nitrogen oxides in the transport sector.
820
BILLION
euro of annual revenues.

Fonte: Hydrogen Roadmap Europe: A SUSTAINABLE PATHWAY FOR THE EUROPEAN ENERGY TRANSITION. The Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Joint Undertaking

Green hydrogen is coming for us

We are active in Sardinia with a hydrogen testing project. We will use renewable energy to produce green hydrogen, allowing the storage of excess energy production from renewable sources.

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