The companies signed an agreement to launch a feasibility study for green hydrogen production, or blue hydrogen with the use of natural gas, from which the CO₂ produced is captured, with the intention of replacing a portion of natural gas as fuel for the new Edison plant in Porto Marghera. The plant, which will enter commercial operation within the second half of this year, is a latest generation combined cycle with a total power of 780 MW and will use a high-efficiency turbine equipped using technology designed to be powered by hydrogen.

The agreement stems from the need to develop the skills and technologies needed to contribute to the decarbonization of the electricity sector, in line with the European Green Deal.

"Edison is in an optimal position to become an important player in the hydrogen sector as it is synergetic with its core business and at the heart of the strategic development plan,” said Giovanni Brianza, Executive VP of Edison's energy and environmental services.

“Hydrogen is a vector under development that will play an important role in the decarbonization process of the country. In this context, Edison is developing several integrated projects for the production and use of hydrogen for the benefit of all end uses, from electricity generation to industry and sustainable mobility. To further reduce the environmental impact of its thermoelectric production fleet, Edison has already planned its adoption of gas turbines fueled by mixtures of hydrogen and natural gas in its new generation combined cycle plants, which will allow a significant reduction of CO₂ emissions," said Brianza.