Axpo joins major green hydrogen project in Italy

Axpo is joining a large-scale green hydrogen project in the Abruzzo region of Italy, it was announced today. Using existing industrial facilities in Corfinio, Axpo is partnering with Infinite Green Energy (IGE), which initiated the project, to deliver up to 12 tonnes of hydrogen a day to help decarbonise customers’ operations in so-called ‘hard-to-abate’ industrial and transportation sectors. The project includes a 30MW electrolyser powered by a 45MWp solar plant, making it one of the largest hydrogen plants in Italy.

Axpo and Australian renewable hydrogen company Infinite Green Energy have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) for the Valle Peligna Hydrogen Project in Abruzzo. The JDA outlines the strategic partnership, advanced design and investment in the plant, which will contribute to the decarbonisation of industries in the Corfinio municipality. As one of the biggest commercial-scale green hydrogen facilities in Italy, the plant will supply green hydrogen to customers in the industrial and transportation sectors. The facility will also provide green electricity to the local grid by the second half of 2025.

Supporting ‘hard-to-abate’ industry and transportation sectors

Head of Hydrogen at Axpo, Guy Bühler, said, “We are delighted to be collaborating with IGE on this exciting project. The production of green hydrogen will play an important role in accelerating the energy transition, which is at the heart of Axpo’s business strategy, creating opportunities for people and businesses.” 

IGE CEO, Stephen Gauld said, “Partnering with an international energy company like Axpo will continue to build the confidence of our shareholders and strategic partners. The partnership highlights IGE’s commitment not just to fighting climate change, but also delivering a sustainable energy future, creating new jobs in our local communities which will benefit from green energy production.” 

IGE is already in discussion with hydrogen truck manufacturers regarding the fuel’s transportation applications. The Valle Peligna project will see an initial offtake by Etex, one of Europe’s leading suppliers of gypsum products. The delivery of green electricity to power the production lines in its factories will also help the manufacturer achieve its goal of replacing the use of natural gas with hydrogen. Overall, IGE estimates an annual CO2 emissions saving from the project of around 67,000 tonnes a year, including those from hard-to-abate industries.

Italy’s ‘Hydrogen Valley’

The Valle Peligna Hydrogen Project's 30 MW electrolyser can produce up to 4,200 tonnes of hydrogen annually, representing a saving of around 18 million litres of diesel fuel. Since IGE launched the project 18 months ago, local authorities have named the area ‘Hydrogen Valley’. 

The development could also include a hydrogen refuelling station. Future expansion across the European Union’s Trans-European Transport Network, on which hydrogen stations must be located every 200 kilometres by 2030, is also a possibility.