Advancing Renewable Energy Infrastructure in Italy
A new biomethane injection plant is set to revolutionize the energy distribution network in Finale Emilia, Modena (Italy). Expected to be operational by the end of 2024, this innovative facility will enable the efficient capture and distribution of biomethane from local production plants into the national gas transport network.
The project is a result of a strategic collaboration between Pietro Fiorentini and AS Retigas (the gas distribution company of AIMAG Group). The initiative was officially launched on January 19, 2024, by Riccardo Castorri, President of AS Retigas, and Francesco Fortuna, Italy Country Manager of Pietro Fiorentini.
A Bi-Directional Network for Biomethane Integration
The core of the project is the installation of a BiRemi™ plant at the existing REMI Polo Industriale cabin, allowing the creation of a bi-directional gas network in Finale Emilia. This initiative was developed in response to ARERA resolution 404/2022/R/gas, which supports pilot projects for optimizing gas infrastructure management. The project has secured over €1 million in funding under ARERA resolution 590/2023/R/gas.
Two-Year Experimental Phase for Biomethane Optimization
Following commissioning in December 2024, the project will enter a two-year experimental phase (2024-2026), during which Pietro Fiorentini and AS Retigas will collaborate closely to refine and optimize the system.
This initiative will directly benefit biogas production plants in the region, including those operating in agriculture and waste management. Currently, most biogas plants convert their output into electricity and heat, but with the new biomethane infrastructure, more facilities will be able to upgrade their production and inject biomethane directly into the local gas distribution network.
Enhancing Italy’s Renewable Energy Supply Chain
With the support of ARERA, AS Retigas will now be able to integrate all locally produced biomethane into the gas distribution network, providing significant technical and economic advantages for biomethane producers. This will:
- Reduce technical barriers and operational costs for biomethane injection
- Prioritize locally produced renewable gas over fossil fuel imports
- Accelerate Italy’s progress toward energy independence
Additionally, collaboration with SNAM, Italy’s leading gas infrastructure operator, will play a key role in developing regulatory frameworks for reverse compression operations, allowing biomethane to move from local to national grids—a groundbreaking innovation set to become a nationwide standard.
Pietro Fiorentini’s Role in Biomethane Infrastructure
As the technological partner, Pietro Fiorentini will oversee:
- Design and supply of the BiRemi™ plant
- Project management and operational maintenance
- Data collection and analysis during the experimental phase
Industry Experts on the Project’s Impact
Francesco Fortuna, Italy Country Manager of Pietro Fiorentini, emphasized the importance of this milestone:
“The agreement marks a turning point: biomethane producers will now have easier access to gas distribution networks, significantly reducing time and operational costs. Pietro Fiorentini and AS Retigas are setting a precedent to promote local energy production over imports, reinforcing national energy independence. This project contributes decisively to Italy’s goal of injecting 2.3 billion cubic meters of biomethane into the grid by December 2026.”
Riccardo Castorri, President and CEO of AS Retigas, highlighted the regulatory shift that enabled the project:
“The recent ARERA resolution has opened doors to new and innovative solutions in gas distribution. Even before this resolution, AS Retigas had envisioned a dedicated local biomethane network, given the strong interest from biogas producers in our municipalities. Partnering with Pietro Fiorentini ensures a solid foundation for a replicable distribution model that can be expanded across Italy.”
