Italgas and Cadent renew their collaboration agreement: innovation, digitalization, decarbonization and renewable gases at the core

Rome, 17 July 2025 – Italgas and Cadent reaffirm their strategic cooperation: the two companies have renewed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2023, sharing a mutual commitment to strengthening collaboration in the fields of technological innovation, digitalization, and the sustainability of gas distribution networks, guided by a common vision of the goals of the energy transition.

Italgas is the leading gas distribution operator in Europe, serving nearly 13 million gas users and managing a distribution network of over 154,000 kilometers.

Cadent is a UK regional gas distribution company that operates largest natural gas distribution network in the United Kingdom. Every day, it delivers gas to 11 million homes and businesses.

The new agreement was signed at Italas headquarters in Rome by Paolo Gallo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Italgas, and Howard Forster, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Cadent Gas Limited, in the presence of Alessandro Cattaneo MP, President of the UK-Italy Friendship Group in the Italian Parliament.

The renewal of the agreement consolidates a collaboration that began several years ago and has been enriched by numerous exchanges of experience and technical expertise between the two leading sector operators. Italgas and Cadent intend to intensify cooperation in key areas for the transformation of European energy infrastructures.

“Combining expertise, experience and vision with a partner of absolute excellence like Cadent - commented Paolo Gallo, Chief Executive Officer of Italgas - allows us to double our ability to innovate and to lead the transformation of gas networks in a sustainable and digital way. The renewal of the Memorandum confirms our shared intent to make energy infrastructures increasingly resilient and safe, while also accelerating the path toward decarbonization, encouraging the development of renewable gas production and its contribution to meeting energy needs”. “We are delighted to continue our relationship with Italgas as part of our strategy to stay at the forefront of the energy transition. By actively engaging with system operators across Europe, we can share insights, learn from diverse experiences, and co-develop more efficient and resilient gas networks for the future” - stated Howard Forster, COO of Cadent.

Hon. Alessandro Cattaneo, President of the Italy–UK Parliamentary Friendship Group and Co-Chair of the Pontignano Conference, commented: “I am honoured to attend the renewal of the agreement between Italgas and the UK-based company Cadent, which represents a tangible step forward in the collaboration between two leading industrial players from our respective countries. At a time like this, diversifying energy strategies and fostering new synergies is the right path to take. This agreement is a clear example of how strengthening ties between Italy and the United Kingdom can actively support the energy transition—by promoting innovation, digitalization, and the use of renewable sources in gas distribution systems. I warmly welcome initiatives like this, which place international cooperation at the heart of building a more sustainable, secure, and resilient energy future.”

The MoU will expand the areas of collaboration in line with the strategic priorities of the two companies, jointly promoting technical, regulatory, and legislative developments in international contexts for a further three years:

• Decarbonization and renewable gases: joint development of strategies for the integration of biomethane, hydrogen, and low-carbon synthetic methane. The goal is to transform the networks into infrastructures capable of accommodating these key energy carriers on a large scale for a sustainable transition.
• Network digitalization: sharing of advanced digital solutions, including remote monitoring tools, predictive maintenance, and operational automation.
• Cybersecurity: strengthening the resilience of systems for monitoring and managing gas distribution networks, encouraging the exchange of best practices, approaches, and prevention tools.
• Artificial intelligence and skills development: sharing of respective technological transformation initiatives supported by the adoption of artificial intelligence, and promotion of joint initiatives for the development of new skills.

The agreement also includes the establishment of thematic working groups that will meet regularly to monitor the progress of activities and identify new opportunities for cooperation. Italgas and Cadent thus reaffirm their commitment to building strong international collaborations for a sustainable energy future, with smart networks capable of supporting decarbonization and ensuring energy that is secure, reliable, and accessible.