Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy)
Mapping of the regional hydrogen supply chain 

Overview

The Emilia-Romagna region, located in the north of Italy, sees hydrogen, particularly when produced from renewable sources, as a strategic vector for the decarbonization of energy-intensive sectors and for the diversification of the regional energy mix. This vision is expressed both in the Pact for Work and Climate and in the 2020-2027 Smart Specialization Strategy.

With the aim to promote the development of the hydrogen supply chain at a regional level, the Emilia-Romagna Region has carried out extensive mapping of the current state of play. The initiative, led by ART-ER Attractiveness Research Territory in collaboration with Clust-ER Greentech, provides an updated picture of a rapidly evolving system, two years after the first regional report on green hydrogen, with the aim of examining how the potential interest identified has since led to demonstration activities, industrial projects and collaborations between research and industry.

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Implementation and Key Activities

The study was carried out using a methodology that combined statistical analysis of the available data, mapping of relevant organizations and the development of forecast scenarios. There were four types of hydrogen supply chain organizations that the study was interested in:

• Companies, namely producers and users, component designers and manufacturers, operators specialized in infrastructure and transport

• applied research laboratories and innovation centres

• associations

• institutions

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The work was divided into four phases:

• Definition of the relevant macro-categories and preparation of a guiding questionnaire

• Mapping of active companies, research laboratories and innovation centres, including the research projects they are involved in

• Administering the questionnaire through interviews and meetings

• Analysis and integration of publicly available information

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The mapping identified 62 companies, 20 laboratories and 33 research and innovation projects, providing a comprehensive understanding of the productive and innovative ecosystem of hydrogen in the region and enabling to make forecasts about future developments.

 

Results and Policy Impact

The regional mapping identified the need to revisit the hydrogen deployment scenarios proposed in the previous report “Scenarios and prospects for green hydrogen in Emilia-Romagna” produced in 2022. Indeed, it emerged that any analysis of the regional hydrogen supply chain should not exceed 5-10 year forecast period, as it is difficult to identify any potential developments beyond that timeframe. However, the mapping confirms that the regional hydrogen system is expanding, both in terms of actors involved and technical areas covered, with a consolidation of expertise across the entire value chain. The potential is noticeable above all in the mobility sector, characterized by keen interest in pilot testing, which would amply exceed the forecast of the 2022 report regarding 2030 if the planned projects were to be successfully implemented.

The study is a helpful tool for regional policy makers as it gives an overview of actors involved, opportunities to be seized but also obstacles to be addressed in terms of resources, technology and legislation. By revealing where supply and demand are mismatched and where investments in infrastructure are needed, the study supports the design of targeted strategies, funding mechanisms and incentives that align with both real market conditions and regional priorities of energy transition. Furthermore, the mapping establishes a valuable baseline for monitoring progress and assessing the effectiveness of hydrogen policies over time.

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Transferability and Lessons Learned

The Emilia-Romagna approach demonstrates how a regionally driven strategy can accelerate the hydrogen transition by aligning industrial capacity, research expertise, and targeted public investment. The methodology, based on data analysis, mapping and stakeholder engagement is replicable in other contexts, as long as there is communication between public and private sector. Indeed, the main factor contributing to successfully carrying out the study was close collaboration between the regional administration, ART-ER and Clust-ER Greentech and the readiness of stakeholders to participate.

The mapping highlighted the importance of European and national funding instruments in the development of hydrogen sector, especially at this initial stage. Emilia-Romagna has the industrial, scientific and infrastructure prerequisites to become a strategic hub in the hydrogen value chain. However, this potential needs to be supported by carefully planned policy instruments to guarantee scalability, economic sustainability and competitiveness in the long term.

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More information:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16kaR6OKmn6LngT7PXgVSq50px10ZK8li/view