Snam signs declaration for the development of hydrogen in favour of decarbonisation in Europe

San Donato Milanese, 19 September 2018 - Snam has signed, together with other European companies in the energy sector, a declaration aimed at supporting hydrogen and its vast potential as a sustainable technology for the decarbonisation and long-term energy security of the European Union. Hydrogen is a form of renewable gas that, like biomethane already in circulation in the Italian network, can be injected into existing natural gas infrastructure.

The signing took place in the context of an informal meeting of energy ministers convened by the Austrian Presidency of the EU in Linz.

The signatory companies are committed to gradually integrating hydrogen into the gas transport network and favoring its use as a solution for energy storage, as well as supporting the development of hydrogen produced by electrolysis, allowing more efficient use of intermittent renewable energy.

According to the petitioners, this technological solution is able to create synergies between the electricity, heating and mobility sectors, allowing Europe to reduce its dependence on imports and to strengthen its security of supply, especially in light of efforts to keep the increase of global warming well below 2°C, as set out in the Paris Agreement.

Interesting prospects recognised for hydrogen are also in relation to its use in the transport sector and to replace polluting energy sources in some particularly carbon intensive industrial sectors.