- NextChem received a €194 million grant for a waste-to-hydrogen plant in Rome.
- The plant aims to start operations in the first half of 2027.
- Initial production targets are 1,500 tons/year of hydrogen and 55,000 tons/year of ethanol.
- The plant will use 200,000 tons/year of non-recyclable solid waste.
Grant and Project Overview
Maire Tecnimont S.p.A. announced that its subsidiary NextChem has been awarded a €194 million grant for developing a waste-to-hydrogen plant in Rome. This initiative is part of the "IPCEI Hy2Use" EU project, aimed at establishing the Hydrogen Valley, the first industrial-scale hub for hydrogen production, transport, storage, and use in Italy.
Project Timeline and Production Goals
The grant will be disbursed during the plant's construction phases, with the project activities and necessary permits set to begin soon. The plant is expected to start operations in the first half of 2027. Initially, it will produce 1,500 tons of hydrogen and 55,000 tons of ethanol per year. Hydrogen production will scale up to 20,000 tons annually, reducing ethanol volumes proportionally.
Technological and Environmental Impact
NextChem's proprietary technology, developed by its subsidiary MyRechemical, will utilize 200,000 tons of non-recyclable solid waste annually as raw material. This process will significantly reduce CO2 emissions and optimize Rome's waste treatment cycle.
Research and Development
The European project also includes approximately €4 million for additional research and development in waste-to-hydrogen technology. This effort will involve scientific partners such as Enea, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, and La Sapienza University of Rome.
Funding and Support
The non-repayable IPCEI grant supports activities under Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI). Backed by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, this funding aims to make Maire Tecnimont Group's industrial model a global best practice for waste valorization and hydrogen production, while significantly reducing CO2 emissions.
