Hydrogen: Outstanding Evolution from 2022 to 2024
Between 2022 and 2024, hydrogen experienced an extraordinary leap, transitioning from a promising opportunity to a true protagonist of the energy transition. A wave of public and private investments, supported by ambitious national and European plans, has accelerated the rise of this clean energy source. For instance, in 2023, the European Commission approved over €10 billion in funding through the Important Projects of Common European Interest (IPCEI), program dedicated to the hydrogen sector.
On the infrastructure front, Europe has witnessed a rapid expansion of refueling stations, with over 60 new installations operational by 2024, aligning with the goal of reaching 650 stations by 2030. This progress has been accompanied by the growing adoption of advanced compression technologies, essential for managing a market that demands efficiency and sustainability.
In Italy, the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) allocated €3.64 billion to the hydrogen value chain, focusing on research, production, and distribution. The year 2024 marked a turning point for hydrogen mobility as well, with the introduction of new heavy-duty vehicles powered by this energy source and the development of green corridors along major European transport routes.
The European Green Deal
The acceleration in the hydrogen sector is closely linked to the objectives of the European Green Deal, which aims to reduce net carbon emissions by 55% by 2030. The plan includes the creation of an integrated hydrogen ecosystem, targeting the production of 10 million tons of green hydrogen by the end of the decade.
This political and economic framework is shaping a dynamic market where companies like SAFE play a crucial role by offering innovative technological solutions to support the growth of hydrogen.
Focus on Compressors, Infrastructure, and Mobility
At the heart of the hydrogen economy are compressors, essential devices for compressing hydrogen during storage and distribution phases, whether via pipelines or road transport. Thanks to technological advancements, compressors are becoming increasingly efficient and sustainable, reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO) and improving energy efficiency.In parallel, infrastructure is evolving with innovative solutions like “grid injection”, which enables the integration of hydrogen into existing networks. Hydrogen mobility is also expanding with trains, buses, trucks, and cars, supported by the rapid growth of refueling stations, many of which are co-funded by European programs.
SAFE S.p.a. Headquarter in San Giovanni in Persiceto (BO), Italy
SAFE and Hydrogen
SAFE is a key player in the evolution of the hydrogen market, providing integrated solutions for compression, storage, and distribution. The acquisition of Idromeccanica in 2022 has enhanced its product portfolio with cutting-edge technologies.Among the most recent innovations are:
SW100% Hydrogen: A solution designed for pure hydrogen compression, ideal for industrial applications and refueling stations.
Hydrus: A compact, efficient, and highly flexible hydraulic system designed to operate across a wide range of pressures, up to 1,000 bar.
SAFE has already successfully deployed over 300 hydrogen units worldwide, including projects for refueling stations serving school bus fleets and forklifts. Thanks to its advanced compression technologies, these solutions deliver outstanding performance in terms of energy efficiency and sustainability, minimizing environmental impact.
