The Sirius project led by Hyter is among the winners of the MiTE call for proposals on hydrogen research

The grant exceeds two million Euro (the exact figure is 2,128,891.25 €), covering approximately half the budget set by the project’s partners. Hyter will deal with the design, engineering and construction of the modular stacks and of the electrolyser. The Department of Chemical Sciences of the University of Padua and MatRes will carry out the research activities aimed at improving the performance of specific components (the catalyst cells), exploiting new nanostructured materials that are also conducive to a lower environmental impact compared to those currently in use. The project will be completed by INRETE Distribuzione Energia with the construction of the experimental industrial site for hydrogen utilisation.

“The electrolyser based on AEMWE technology – as pointed out by Emanuele Castioni, Hyter’s CEO – will produce so-called green hydrogen, i.e. generated without resorting to fossil sources. Today, the AEMWE technology is a cornerstone of the solutions that the Pietro Fiorentini Group offers in the field of renewable energies. Among them, one of the most significant roles in the current context is played precisely by hydrogen, a resource at the core of the investments of industrialised countries aiming to secure ever greater energy independence while respecting the decarbonisation objectives promoted by the European Union.”

“For several years now, the strategies of the Hera Group and its subsidiary INRETE Distribuzione Energia have been focusing on the issue of energy transition, as evidenced by several experimental projects included in the 2025 Industrial Plan that covers all the key aspects for an energy distributor: electrification, sector coupling, blending and public hydrogen uses – claims Federico Bronzini, CEO of INRETE Distribuzione Energia. – The goal is to have a presence in the chemical energy distribution sector, steering it towards a new phase, whose time frames are consistent with the objectives set by international guidelines. Fully consistent with these guidelines, we are more than happy to support our partners in the development of this innovative technology, which we believe is well suited to our production cycles with a view to industrial symbiosis and an eye to circularity.”

“The solutions to the technological challenges posed by the size and by the innovative AEMWE technology call for rethinking and reviewing the design of all the materials used in the stack – adds Alberto Colella, CEO of MatRes. – In order to produce ‘truly green’ hydrogen, the design of the materials used must take into account the properties, the economic and environmental cost, as well as their availability in an increasingly complicated market. Specifically, MatRes will deal with the development of new porous screens that catalyse efficient hydrogen recombination and can also be constructed with effective technologies even in the larger size that Hyter is developing.”

“The Sirius project will make it possible to capitalise on the skillsets of the research groups of the University of Padua’s Department of Chemical Sciences in the development of advanced catalysts, –  says Prof. Stefano Agnoli of the INCAT research group of UniPd – skills that range from innovative syntheses and advanced characterisation to validation of prototype systems. Specifically, the electrode materials developed in the project will be based on easily available, low-cost elements that are not harmful to the environment, thus making it possible to manufacture a final device that is sustainable from all points of view and can really embody the first step of a hydrogen-based energy infrastructure.”

Go to this link to see the rankings of the MITE call for proposals.

Project financed under the PNRR, co-financed by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.