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Renewable Gases

Towards the energy transition for a sustainable future.

The Net-Zero target for 2050, set by the European Union as part of the Green Deal, and the further boost to the fight against climate change, the reduction of emissions of climate-changing gases and the diversification of energy sources – determined by the REPowerEU plan of the European Commission and, even earlier, by the Fit-for-55 package – mean today to accelerate the energy transition. To achieve these goals, an energy transition is needed that consists of the transition from an energy mix based on fossil sources to one that uses low- or zero-carbon sources, mainly renewable.

Biometano

Biomethane is currently the most viable carbon-neutral option. In fact, it is a renewable energy source already available, capable of guaranteeing energy security, decarbonisation of consumption, competitiveness especially in medium-long term costs, triggering a circular economy system.
We are committed to unlocking the great potential of biomethane, promoting connections, developing digital networks and acting on regulation so that conditions can be introduced that facilitate the development of the resource.

Italgas biomethane plant, renewable energy for sustainability and circular economy.

Green Hydrogen

Green hydrogen, obtained through the use of renewable energy, is expected to become the main energy source by the 2030s, offering concrete benefits by 2050.
In the long term, hydrogen will be able to unlock the full potential of renewable energy sources, thanks to its programmability, storage potential and compatibility with existing infrastructure. For this reason, we at Italgas are introducing the concept of Power to Gas, through its pilot project located in Sardinia, near Cagliari, aimed at experimenting with the entire green hydrogen value chain:

Italgas green hydrogen plant with technicians and van, on a sunny day, with mountains in the background.

Discover green hydrogen

  • Biomethane: what is it?

    Biomethane is a renewable gas obtained from the purification of biogas, produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic, agricultural and industrial waste. The purification process essentially consists in the elimination from the biogas of carbon dioxide, water vapour and other substances including ammonia and sulphur compounds. Biomethane has chemical characteristics completely similar to normal natural gas of fossil origin. Unlike biogas, it can be fed into distribution networks and used in normal industrial or civil heating processes.

  • The development scenario

    In the current decade (2020-2030), a significant increase in the production and introduction of biomethane into the network is expected, thus facilitating the decarbonisation process. In Italy, the demand for connections is growing steadily, with over 133 injection points already connected to the transport and distribution network. The current production capacity at European level is 6.4 billion cubic meters, these plants avoid the emission of 29 million tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. (European Biogas Association 2024 data).

  • Its benefits

    Biomethane is a sustainable "carbon neutral" energy source, that is, it does not increase the emission of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Being able to be introduced into the transport and distribution networks can be consumed where there is demand: in cities and industries. Wastes from the production process of this gas are used as agricultural fertilisers. Biomethane therefore contributes to a virtuous process that not only enhances the territory by supporting the local economy of agricultural and food companies, but allows a correct balance of energy demand without any impact on the environment.

  • Green hydrogen: what is it?

    Hydrogen is a high-density energy carrier, but with zero emissions if it is produced by the electrolysis of water with renewable electricity (green hydrogen), or with low emissions if it is produced by natural gas combining a carbon dioxide sequestration process (blue hydrogen). Hydrogen can be used for the production of heat and electricity. Its use, free of CO2 emissions, makes it essential for the energy transition and the achievement of carbon neutrality.

  • The development scenario

    Green hydrogen will be the dominant renewable source of the 2030s. In the coming years, thanks to a reduction in costs and a more economically sustainable use, it is expected to become more widespread. Currently, the high costs of electricity from renewable sources still make it uneconomical to use hydrogen both as an energy carrier and in industrial chemical processes.

Our key projects for the energy transition