Hydrogen is increasingly recognised as a key solution for decarbonising energy intensive industries and heavy transport, even though its large scale application is still expected in the longer term. According to a recent Rai News article, widespread hydrogen use is likely to become viable in approximately twenty years.
Friuli Venezia Giulia is already positioning itself for this transition. Thanks to its strategic port infrastructure and strong research ecosystem, the region is emerging as a natural hub for hydrogen development. Experts from the University of Trieste highlight that the region already has both the researchers and the infrastructure working on new materials, technologies and systems needed to make the hydrogen value chain competitive and efficient.
Hydrogen offers several advantages, including flexibility, the ability to store energy and zero emissions at the point of use when combined with fuel cells. At the same time, significant challenges remain, particularly the current lack of infrastructure and safety concerns linked to hydrogen’s high explosivity. In this context, the cross border hydrogen valley connected to the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley represents a strategic long term investment that supports regional readiness for hydrogen’s future role in the energy system.
Hydrogen refueling station