Italgas and Naturgy strengthen cooperation on gas networks, innovation and the energy transition
Milan, July 9, 2026 – Italgas, Italy's and Europe's leading gas distribution operator, and Nedgia (Naturgy Group), Spain's leading natural gas distribution company, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at strengthening cooperation in strategic areas for the evolution of energy infrastructure: renewable gases, technological and digital innovation, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and procurement.
The agreement was signed by Paolo Gallo, Chief Executive Officer of Italgas, and Raúl Suárez Álvarez, Chief Executive Officer of Nedgia, confirming the two companies' commitment to establishing a structured framework for dialogue and knowledge sharing on some of the key challenges facing the European gas sector.
Against a backdrop of accelerating decarbonisation targets and the growing importance of energy infrastructure for the security and competitiveness of the energy system, cooperation among industrial operators represents a key lever to enhance the value of existing networks, foster the integration of renewable gases, and develop technological solutions capable of making gas distribution increasingly digital, efficient, and sustainable.
"International dialogue and collaboration with leading partners are essential elements of our growth and innovation journey," said Paolo Gallo, Italgas CEO. "Together with Nedgia, we share a common vision of the strategic role that gas distribution networks play in the energy transition. These infrastructures must become increasingly digital, resilient, and capable of accommodating growing volumes of renewable gases. This agreement further strengthens our commitment to developing innovative solutions that support decarbonisation and enhance the competitiveness of the European energy system."
"This agreement provides a valuable framework for strengthening knowledge sharing, innovation, and cooperation between two of Europe's leading gas distribution
operators. Gas networks have a decisive role to play in the energy transition, particularly by enabling the integration of renewable gases such as biomethane into existing infrastructure. Together with Italgas, we aim to accelerate solutions that support decarbonisation and contribute to a more sustainable, secure, and efficient European energy system," said Raúl Suárez Álvarez, Chief Executive Officer of Nedgia.
"Italy and Spain share common challenges in ensuring energy security and advancing the transition towards a more sustainable energy system, and addressing them requires commitment at multiple levels. Agreements between companies from our two countries give concrete substance to the bilateral relationship that, at parliamentary level, we work every day to strengthen through dialogue on the issues that most directly affect our citizens, foremost among them, the finalisation of the agreement on dual citizenship. Companies, parliaments, and communities, each within their own sphere, are working together towards the same goal," said Federica Onori, Chair of the Italy–Spain Inter-Parliamentary Union.
Through the Memorandum of Understanding, Italgas and Nedgia intend to develop their cooperation across four priority areas: the evolution of the regulatory framework and renewable gas markets; technological and digital innovation, including artificial intelligence applied to network management; sustainability and the strengthening of emissions measurement and management systems; and the evolution of sustainable procurement models throughout the value chain.
The new agreement forms part of Italgas' broader international cooperation strategy with leading industry players, aimed at pooling expertise, technologies, and industrial vision to contribute to the sustainable and digital transformation of energy infrastructure.