Italy’s Snam is entering the Israeli market with the launch of new collaborations in small-scale LNG, biomethane, and hydrogen.
Snam said it signed three memorandums of understanding with Israeli companies on Thursday as part of an official visit of Italy’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Luigi Di Maio in Tel Aviv.
The Italian firm signed the first deal with energy company Delek Drilling, and Dan, the main national public transport firm.
This pact will include activities aimed at developing the LNG supply chain for sustainable mobility, in particular for buses and heavy vehicles.
Under the MOU, the three companies will launch feasibility studies relating to the possible construction of a pilot plant for small scale liquefaction and refueling infrastructure.
Biomethane and hydrogen
At the same time, Snam signed a memorandum of understanding with Dan to evaluate sustainable mobility projects.
These will based on renewable gas such as biomethane, and electricity, as well as possible joint initiatives for the development of hydrogen.
The activities could concern the possible conversion of part of the fleet and the development of refueling and recharging infrastructure, also through pilot projects.
H2Pro deal
In addition, Snam has signed a collaboration and research agreement with Israeli start-up H2Pro.
The latter has developed a technology called E-TAC (Electrochemical, Thermal Activated Chemical) to produce 30% more green hydrogen from water splitting compared to traditional electrolysis.
The partnership envisages joint research activities, possible applications of H2Pro technologies and participation in tenders both in Israel and in Europe.
H2Pro was formed last year by hydrogen experts from Technion (Israel Institute of Technology) in collaboration with the founders of Viber and Juno.
Snam added that the three deals may be subject to subsequent binding agreements, with which the parties will define the terms and conditions for implementing the projects.