Italgas and Tokyo Gas Network: agreement to develop the future gas distribution network

Tokyo, December 4^th, 2023 - Italgas and Tokyo Gas Network have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the Italian Embassy in Tokyo to initiate a collaboration in strategic areas of gas distribution aimed at developing joint projects. Italgas is a leader in the industry in Italy, Greece, and ranks third in Europe; Tokyo Gas Network is a subsidiary of Tokyo Gas, the primary natural gas utility in Japan.

The agreement was signed in Tokyo by Paolo Gallo, CEO of Italgas, and Kunio Nohata, Director and Chairperson of the Board of Tokyo Gas Network.

Gianluigi Benedetti, the Ambassador of Italy to Japan stated: “The signature of this MoU holds great significance for the further development of the economic cooperation between Italy and Japan in the field of energy, a strategic area for the prosperity of our economies and the future of our societies. The MoU lays the ground for Italgas and Tokyo Gas Network - two major player in their respective energy distribution national markets - to join forces, cooperate and share technologies to bring about new and innovative industrial projects. This new partnership perfectly interprets the spirit and serves the economic and industrial goals of the bilateral “Strategic Partnership” - launched last January by Heads of Government Giorgia Meloni and Fumio Kishida - which were reaffirmed during the 33rd General Assembly of the Italy-Japan Business Group held in Tokyo on November 7”

“TGNW is very honored to sign this MoU - stated Satoru Sawada, CEO of Tokyo Gas Network -. Based on this MoU, we would like to build a cooperative relationship in various fields, including carbon neutral and earthquake disaster management, and work together to develop the gas distribution business of both companies. Toward the goal of achieving both stable energy supply and decarbonization, as stated in the group's mid-term management plan "Compass Transformation 23-25," Tokyo Gas Network will work on enhancing the operation and resilience of its supply network.”

"We strongly believe in global engagement and cooperation - stated Paolo Gallo, CEO of Italgas. - Especially with organizations that, like us, believe that technological innovation is the driving force behind their growth trajectory. In this regard, our collaboration with Tokyo Gas Network is strategic as it will further strengthen our pursuit of new solutions and the scouting of technologies capable of making our service increasingly efficient, resilient, and sustainable, bringing us closer to the goal of achieving net zero."

With this MoU, the two companies share their expertise and resources to promote resilience, innovation, and sustainable development of gas distribution networks. Specifically, the Memorandum immediately facilitates the exchange of technological knowledge and best practices in the following areas

• Innovation and digitalization. Italgas will share with Tokyo Gas Network the outcomes, approaches, and innovative digital solutions developed by the Digital Factory to enhance network management, boost operational efficiency, and ensure the sustainability of gas distribution.
• Seismic resilience. The technology developed by Tokyo Gas Network in a highly seismic region like Japan will also be implemented in certain sections of Italgas' network to further enhance its resilience and assess its widespread application.
• Green gases. The companies will exchange their respective experiences gained in experimenting with new solutions to enable networks for the distribution and management of green gases such as biomethane, hydrogen, and synthetic methane.