Italian energy infrastructure company Snam has launched a programme to identify and support the development of promising new technologies in the hydrogen sector.

The programme, called HyAccelerator, opened today with a call for applications from startups working on technologies across the entire hydrogen value chain, from transportation to storage and end-uses.

“HyAccelerator is aimed at boosting the development of the hydrogen ecosystem by focusing on the most promising technologies and facilitating their entry into the market,” says Cosma Panzacchi, Snam’s executive vice president for hydrogen.

“Through this initiative, Snam will come into contact with the most innovative startups in the sector at a global level, strengthening its role as an enabler of the hydrogen supply chain and energy transition.”

$38mn – Snam investment in ITM Power

The startups selected for HyAccelerator will have access to a process lasting 4-6 months, with research and development support, as well as mentoring, networking and technology testing. They will also have access to the resources of a hydrogen innovation centre established by  Snam in partnership with universities and research centres.

At the end of the programme, the startups will conduct feasibility studies with Snam for future hydrogen pilot projects.

Snam recently invested €33mn ($38mn) in UK-based electrolyser manufacturer ITM Power and has signed an agreement with Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company to collaborate on hydrogen.

In April 2019, Snam was the first energy company in Europe to introduce of a mix of 5pc hydrogen by volume and natural gas into its transmission network.

The firm is also a member of the ‘Divina’ project to reduce emissions in the glass manufacturing industry, which accounts for around 3.5pc of the emissions of the manufacturing sector.

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Author: Stuart Penson