by InTrieste
In a significant push towards sustainable energy, the Friuli Venezia Giulia region is investing nearly 100 million euros into the development of a hydrogen economy. This substantial commitment comes as part of a broader strategy to foster both local and international advancements in renewable hydrogen technology.
Regional Assessor for Labor, Training, and Research Alessia Rosolen announced the initiative during an Info Day held in Trieste. The event spotlighted a new funding opportunity worth 10 million euros aimed at creating or modernizing research infrastructures in the hydrogen sector. This investment is part of the region’s wider vision for the future, aligning with the European Green Deal and broader decarbonization goals.
Rosolen emphasized the dual focus of this initiative: “Hydrogen enables us to concentrate on sustainability and social innovation—elements that are sometimes overlooked in discussions about renewable energy. It also enhances our competitiveness, a core value for Friuli Venezia Giulia.”
The region’s investment strategy includes not only funding from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (Pnrr) and European sources but also substantial regional resources. This financial backing underscores Friuli Venezia Giulia’s strategic role as a geopolitical gateway between Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean basin.
The Hydrogen Valley project, a collaborative effort with Slovenia and Croatia, reflects this regional ambition. The project aims to harness the collective strengths of neighboring countries in research and innovation to stimulate economic growth and technological advancement across a broader area.
The new funding call, targeting research institutions and businesses, seeks to enhance or establish research infrastructures focused on various aspects of the hydrogen economy. These include green hydrogen production, advanced storage and transport technologies, and innovative applications in fuel cells and smart management systems. The goal is to bolster the region’s capabilities in producing and utilizing hydrogen, thereby supporting both local industries and global energy transitions.
As Europe intensifies its efforts to meet climate targets, Friuli Venezia Giulia’s proactive approach highlights its commitment to leading the charge in renewable energy development, positioning itself as a key player in the global hydrogen economy.
