Energy: ENEA - SGI agreement for decarbonisation projects of the energy system

ENEA and SGI (Società Gasdotti Italia) signed a framework agreement to carry out pilot projects using Power to Gas (P2G) technology, an innovative energy storage process for the production of alternative gases through surplus electricity from renewable sources.

"Our main objective is to demonstrate the applicability on an industrial-scale of the P2G system which, thanks to its flexibility, is one of the technologies that can contribute the most to 100% renewable electricity, for a progressive decarbonisation of the electrical system", Stefano Giammartini, Head of the ENEA Division " Efficient Production, Conversion and Use of Energy", said.

The collaboration between ENEA and SGI aims at promoting an innovative use of the network for the accumulation and distribution of non-natural gases, such as hydrogen and synthetic methane, produced in synergy with the reuse of carbon dioxide from industrial processes and / or natural sources. The synthetic methane produced, although being a gas with all the properties of methane of fossil origin, is 100% renewable.

"The technological solution of Power to Gas, with its high potential of application for an alternative use of existing infrastructures, where integrated with renewable sources is an accumulation technology in support to national energy networks" Giammartini said.

The analysis of the safety aspects related to production, transport and use of these fuels, the study of the technical legislation of the sector and the technical-economic investigation activities, are an integral part of the agreement.

ENEA, through the Department of "Energy Technologies", works in the energy sector with particular reference to renewable sources and associated technologies such as electrochemical storage, smart grids, sustainable mobility and Power to Gas.

Gasdotti Italia SpA is one of the leading operators of gas transportation systems in Italy. Under separation of ownership from ARERA and the European Union, it owns and manages approximately 1,600 kilometers of high-pressure gas pipelines in Central and Southern Italy. It has been working since the 1960s in the gas transportation sector in high and medium pressure pipelines with considerable technical experience and know-how related to the design, construction and management of complex gas transportation networks.