Modena Accelerates The Transition To A Green Economy: The Hydrogen Valley Is Born

The city of Emilia is getting a new renewable hydrogen plant to support the decarbonisation of transport.

Growing geopolitical tensions continue to highlight the vulnerability of traditional energy sources, leading to sharp increases in gas and electricity prices. The crisis has accelerated the search for safer and more sustainable solutions , pushing institutions and companies towards strategic alternatives.

Emilia-Romagna has decided to move in this direction with the construction of a new renewable hydrogen plant , planned for the city of Modena. An innovative project that marks a decisive step in the energy transition and in the promotion and valorization of renewable energy sources.

The procurement contract was officially signed between the Temporary Group of Companies (TGC), made up of Corporal Concordia (agent) and Techfem (principal), and the customer Snam for the construction of a plant that will use electrolysis technology. This initiative, called “Hydrogen Valley of Modena ” (“IdrogeMO”), will be developed in collaboration with Ivy in the relevant areas and will be a fundamental step towards strengthening the Italian hydrogen supply chain.

Self-sufficiency model: Emilia-Romagna produces and consumes its own clean energy

With the Modena Hydrogen Valley, Emilia-Romagna is taking a strategic step towards energy independence, becoming its own producer and consumer of clean energy. This system is based on an integrated system that combines photovoltaic systems , energy storage technologies and hydrogen technologies , ensuring a self-sufficient and sustainable model.

The hydrogen produced will be used primarily to power local public transport, but will also find further application in the industrial sector. To ensure efficient distribution across the region, the project includes a compression system for loading into high-pressure trailers. The plant will be equipped with a 2.5 MW electrolysis unit capable of producing up to 45 kg of hydrogen per hour.

Complementing the infrastructure, four loading ramps will allow direct refuelling of trailers, while a sophisticated gas chromatography-based analysis system will ensure hydrogen quality control and testing of empty wagons prior to loading.

With this initiative, Modena confirms itself as a centre of excellence in energy innovation, actively promoting the decarbonisation of transport and industry, and strengthening the role of Emilia-Romagna in the transition to a more sustainable future.

Towards a more sustainable, low-emission future for people and the planet

The creation of the Modena Hydrogen Valley is a fundamental step towards a low-emission future. A future in which hydrogen will play an increasingly important role in the decarbonisation of transport and industry. A project that combines innovation, sustainability and collaboration between leading companies in the sector. Paul Barbieri , President of Corporal Concordia , highlighted the importance of this initiative:

We are proud to be the main protagonists of such a strategic project for the energy transition in our country. The creation of the “Modena Hydrogen Valley” is an important step towards an increasingly sustainable future in which hydrogen will play a key role in the decarbonization of transport and industry.

The intervention falls under the scope of the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model and includes the development of executive projects in accordance with Legislative Decree No. 36/2023, procurement of materials, prefabrication, transport and assembly on site, construction, assembly, functional testing, commissioning, commissioning, start-up and factory operational testing.

The IdrogeMO project, which is part of the projects financed under Mission 2 – Component 2 – Investment 3.1 – Hydrogen Production in an Abandoned Industrial Area (Hydrogen Valley) of the PNRR, financed by the European Union’s Next Generation EU programme, aims to produce hydrogen through the electrolysis of water using electricity from renewable sources developed directly by the Hera Group within the project. The plant will be equipped with electrolysers with PEM (proton exchange membrane) technology, powered by photovoltaic fields and a BESS (battery energy storage system).

An important part of the European Union’s strategy to address future energy challenges

This commitment by the company is part of a broader path to develop advanced energy solutions that contribute to the ecological transition in Italy and Europe. This plant is therefore a further confirmation of CPL Concordia’s competence in the field of renewable energies and innovative infrastructure. Always Paolo Barbieri:

“This important milestone confirms CPL Concordia’s expertise in the renewable energy and innovative infrastructure sectors. Thanks to our experience and the synergies with our partners, we guarantee the construction of a high-tech, safe and efficient plant in accordance with the highest standards of quality and sustainability. We remain committed to actively contributing to the development of advanced energy solutions, strengthening CPL Concordia’s role as a benchmark in the national and European energy transition landscape.”

The project’s strategic partner Techfem also highlighted the value of collaboration in achieving Europe’s decarbonisation goals. CEO Federico Ferrini comments:

We are pleased to share our technical expertise and experience in building innovative businesses to strengthen synergies with our partners in this project. We consider the commitment to develop a European strategy for decarbonising transport and industry to be fundamental, a pillar of our Industrial Plan and a priority for addressing future energy challenges.

This project therefore not only accelerates the energy transition of Emilia-Romagna, but also fits perfectly into national and European strategies for a more sustainable future.