Solvay and Sapio sign decade-long agreement to supply renewable hydrogen at Rosignano – Energies Media

Report on the Rosignano Renewable Hydrogen Project and its Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals

A strategic initiative in Rosignano, Italy, marks a significant advancement in the European energy transition. A decade-long agreement between Solvay and Sapio to supply renewable hydrogen underscores a commitment to achieving key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of clean energy, climate action, and industrial innovation.

Project Framework: Aligning with SDG 7 and SDG 13

The Hydrogen Valley Rosignano Project is a critical component of Italy’s strategy to decarbonize its energy market and combat climate change, directly addressing SDG 13 (Climate Action). The project’s core infrastructure is designed to promote SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) by leveraging renewable resources for industrial-scale hydrogen production.

Key Project Components and Objectives

• Infrastructure Development: Solvay will construct a new 5 MW electrolysis plant for hydrogen production.
• Renewable Power Source: Sapio will install a 10 MW solar photovoltaic system, ensuring the energy for electrolysis is clean and sustainable.
• Timeline: The project is scheduled for completion by mid-2026.

Projected Environmental Impact

1. Renewable Hydrogen Output: The facility is expected to produce approximately 756 tonnes of green hydrogen annually.
2. Emission Reduction: This production level will result in a 15% reduction in CO₂ emissions at the Solvay industrial site, a tangible outcome for SDG 13.

Strategic Collaboration for Sustainable Innovation: Fostering SDG 9 and SDG 17

The partnership between Solvay and Sapio, supported by Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), exemplifies the collaborative approach advocated by SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). This public-private cooperation is instrumental in developing the resilient and sustainable infrastructure central to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Impact on Responsible Production and Consumption (SDG 12)

The green hydrogen produced will be utilized directly in Solvay’s peroxide manufacturing operations. This integration promotes SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by decarbonizing the production process of essential materials used in diverse sectors, including:

• Electronics
• Water treatment
• Energy
• Food safety

By substituting fossil fuel-based inputs with renewable hydrogen, the project establishes a more sustainable industrial production model.

European Context and Future Implications

The Rosignano project is indicative of a broader European trend towards embracing the hydrogen sector to accelerate the clean energy transition. This regional focus on developing green hydrogen capacity contributes to a collective effort to meet climate targets and enhance energy security. Such initiatives are fundamental to building more sustainable industrial zones and communities, aligning with the long-term vision of SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by reducing industrial pollution and fostering a green economy.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

  The article focuses on the “global energy transition” towards renewable sources, specifically a “renewable hydrogen project” in Italy powered by a “solar photovoltaic system.” This directly aligns with the goal of ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The project involves building new, sustainable infrastructure, including a “new 5 MW electrolysis plant” and a “10 MW solar photovoltaic system.” This initiative supports Solvay’s industrial operations (“peroxide manufacturing”) with clean technology, reflecting the goal of building resilient infrastructure and promoting sustainable industrialization.

• SDG 13: Climate Action

  A primary motivation for the project is to “combat climate change” and “decarbonize their energy markets.” The article explicitly states the project will result in a “15% reduction in CO₂ emissions at the site,” which is a direct measure to take urgent action against climate change and its impacts.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The project is a “decade-long agreement between the two companies” (Solvay and Sapio). The article highlights this collaboration, noting that “The partnership exemplifies the cooperative nature of the global energy market.” Furthermore, it is funded by the “National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP),” indicating a public-private partnership to achieve sustainable goals.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.2: By 2030, increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. The article describes Italy’s effort to “increase renewable energy production” through the development of a solar-powered green hydrogen facility, directly contributing to this target.

2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

   • Target 9.4: By 2030, upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies and industrial processes. The project upgrades Solvay’s peroxide manufacturing operations by supplying it with green hydrogen, making the industrial process more sustainable and reducing its carbon footprint.

3. SDG 13: Climate Action

   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies and planning. The project is part of Italy’s “clean energy transition and emission reduction ambitions” and is funded by the “National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP),” demonstrating the integration of climate action into national strategy.

4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships. The collaboration between Solvay and Sapio, supported by a national government plan (NRRP), is a clear example of a public-private partnership designed to advance sustainable energy goals.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For SDG 7 (Target 7.2):

   • The article provides specific metrics that can serve as indicators of increased renewable energy capacity and production. These include the installation of a “10 MW solar photovoltaic system” and the expected annual production of “approximately 756 tonnes of renewable hydrogen.” These figures directly measure the project’s contribution to the renewable energy supply.

2. For SDG 9 (Target 9.4) and SDG 13 (Target 13.2):

   • A key performance indicator mentioned is the “15% reduction in CO₂ emissions at the site.” This is a direct, quantifiable measure of progress in making industrial processes cleaner (Indicator 9.4.1: CO₂ emission per unit of value added) and in taking concrete climate action (related to national emission reduction goals).

3. For SDG 17 (Target 17.17):

   • While not a quantitative metric, the article points to qualitative indicators of a successful partnership. These include the establishment of a “decade-long agreement” between Solvay and Sapio and the securing of funding from the “National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP),” which demonstrate the formation and financial backing of a public-private partnership for sustainability.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: energiesmedia.com