Italy’s gas infrastructure operator Snam has presented its 2026–2030 strategic plan, under which it plans to invest EUR14bn, focusing on projects related to gas transport (EUR9.2bn), the upgrading of storage sites (EUR2.1bn), the expansion of the Panigaglia regasification terminal and consolidation of OLT (EUR1bn), the launch of the Ravenna CCS project (EUR800m), as well as biomethane projects (EUR140m), and hydrogen projects development (EUR200m).
Snam will indeed invest EUR200m to begin development of a national hydrogen backbone by repurposing a large portion of the company’s existing natural gas pipeline network. Snam said the hydrogen backbone would leverage its current infrastructure by converting about 60% of its existing gas transport pipelines to carry hydrogen, allowing large-scale transport while limiting the need for new pipeline construction. The project is included on the European Union’s Projects of Common Interest (PCI) list and has already secured EUR24m in support from the EU’s Connecting Europe Facility to fund part of the early engineering work.
A final investment decision on the hydrogen backbone is expected by early 2030, subject to regulatory support and sufficient commercial demand, the company said.