Italian Steel Plant Begins Hydrogen Trial to Reduce Emissions

On July 3, 2024, Italy launched its first trial using hydrogen at a steel plant for steel product processing.

The collaboration between Snam, a leading European energy infrastructure operator, TenarisDalmine, a Tenaris company specializing in pipe manufacturing and related services for the energy industry, and Tenova, a prominent developer of sustainable solutions for the metallurgical industry's green transition, will span six months. The goal is to evaluate the performance and reliability of using hydrogen in the steel industry and other hard-to-abate sectors that are the most challenging to decarbonize.

The goal is to use on-site produced hydrogen to fuel a newly developed burner by Tenova (100% H2 ready) installed in a reheating furnace for hot rolling seamless pipes at the TenarisDalmine plant in Dalmine (Bergamo), Italy. The test will also help establish and implement safety guidelines and plant management procedures, paving the way for integrated solutions that can significantly reduce CO2 emissions in hard-to-abate industrial manufacturing processes.

TenarisDalmine will serve as the site host for the reheating furnace, utilizing its experience in installing, operating, and monitoring performance in steel manufacturing. Snam, drawing on its proficiency in hydrogen technologies and molecule transport, will provide an alkaline electrolysis system to TenarisDalmine for hydrogen production during the test. Tenova completes the process value chain by applying its expertise in combustion systems, supplying specially designed burners capable of hydrogen fuel. The project also benefits from significant contributions by Techint Engineering & Construction, which offers design, project management, and expanding energy transition services. Their involvement includes general and detailed engineering for installation, risk analysis, and ensuring compliance with legal and safety standards.

Through this initial collaboration at the TenarisDalmine plant, Snam is assisting a key industry player in adopting the "Hydrogen as a Service" model. This tailored service facilitates the deployment of decarbonized hydrogen in industrial production plants and other applications. Under this arrangement, Snam leases the electrolysis system to the end user, who operates it independently. This initiative aligns with Snam’s broader role as a system operator, guiding industrial companies in decarbonizing processes that require testing before scaling up to future large-scale infrastructure solutions.

Consequently, the Techint Group companies (TenarisDalmine, Tenova, and Techint Engineering & Construction) strengthen their expertise in developing, implementing, and validating technologies aimed at decarbonizing challenging industrial sectors. This involves progressively substituting fossil fuels with green hydrogen.

Snam constructs energy infrastructure and provides comprehensive services. Its mission is to lead the transformation of the energy sector by developing the most advanced sustainable energy network, ensuring reliable supply to Europe.