Driving Innovation in the Energy Transition
Interview with Pietro Fiorentini’s Leadership Team
Pietro Fiorentini, a key player in the Oil & Gas industry, has been at the forefront of the energy transition, reshaping its business strategy to focus on renewable gases, biomethane, and hydrogen.
Founded over 80 years ago and headquartered in Arcugnano (Vicenza), Italy, the company operates 30+ international locations with 2,400 employees. As a leader in pressure control, gas measurement, and odorization systems, Pietro Fiorentini is now pioneering solutions for hydrogen and other green gases.
Commitment to Energy Transition and Green Gas Technologies
How is Pietro Fiorentini integrating hydrogen and green gas into its strategy?
“Our strategy is fully aligned with the energy transition,” explains Giorgio Barbareschi, Marketing & Communication Manager.
The company is actively exploring Power-to-Gas technologies, renewable energy solutions like biomethane and hydrogen, and has already implemented working solutions in major UK hydrogen projects.
From Natural Gas to Green Gas: A Business Evolution
According to Max Ambrosi, Global Marketing Portfolio Leader (Downstream & Retail), Pietro Fiorentini has always prioritized natural gas as the cleanest fossil fuel, emphasizing efficient handling and transportation. However, growing regulatory and market interest in cleaner fuels has accelerated the company’s shift towards green energy sources like biomethane and hydrogen.
“The last 18 months have seen an unprecedented acceleration in hydrogen-related developments,” says Ambrosi, reinforcing the company’s dedication to staying ahead in this transformation.
Building the Hydrogen Infrastructure of the Future
What role does Pietro Fiorentini play in the hydrogen economy?
Matteo Cazzola, Hydrogen Project Coordinator, explains:
“We are paving the way for renewable energy by focusing on two key areas—green gas value chains and green gas networks.”
This strategy is reinforced by the company’s deep expertise in gas infrastructure, ensuring a seamless transition from natural gas to hydrogen and biomethane.
Green Gas Value Chains: Synergy Between Natural Gas, Biomethane, and Hydrogen
Stefano Lillia, Global Portfolio Manager for Green Gas Technologies, elaborates:
- Integrated Energy Systems: Pietro Fiorentini advocates for synergistic management of natural gas, biomethane, and hydrogen, rather than treating them as separate energy sources.
- Power-to-Methane: This process converts renewable electricity into green hydrogen, which is then transformed into renewable methane, allowing for efficient transportation via existing natural gas infrastructure.
- Carbon Capture & Utilization (CCU): The company also recognizes the growing importance of CO₂ capture, storage, and reuse technologies, which will play a crucial role in reducing emissions.
“We closely monitor market trends to identify promising opportunities and ensure that we are ready when they mature,” says Lillia.
Developing Hydrogen-Ready Gas Networks
Pietro Fiorentini is focusing on three key areas to prepare gas infrastructure for hydrogen integration:
1. Hydrogen-Compatible Gas Systems
The company is supplying hydrogen pressure reduction stations to the UK’s H21 project and is actively developing hydrogen injection stations for future grid expansion.
2. Grid Readiness and Hydrogen Compatibility Testing
Pietro Fiorentini is actively assessing how much hydrogen current gas networks can handle.
- The company is working across the entire gas supply chain, collaborating with infrastructure operators to safely and efficiently integrate hydrogen.
- Material Testing & Research: The team is studying the impact of hydrogen on metals, rubbers, gaskets, and measurement instruments to ensure compatibility.
- Collaborations with Leading Institutions: Pietro Fiorentini has conducted extensive testing with Politecnico di Milano and has participated in hydrogen-methane mix trials across Europe.
- Real-World Testing: The company’s gas regulators were used in hydrogen blend trials conducted by Snam in Italy, while their ultrasonic flow meters were tested in the Netherlands with hydrogen-methane blends (5%–30%).
Currently, Pietro Fiorentini’s gas regulation instruments are capable of handling 10% hydrogen blends at pressures up to 16 bar, which exceeds the typical distribution network range of 20 mbar to 12 bar. The company is now conducting higher-pressure tests to further expand hydrogen compatibility.
3. Enhancing Network Efficiency for Green Gas Integration
To optimize gas networks, Pietro Fiorentini is developing smart energy solutions that:
- Improve resource efficiency
- Reduce energy consumption
- Minimize environmental impact
Global Hydrogen Initiatives & Strategic Partnerships
Beyond Italy, Pietro Fiorentini is playing a key role in shaping hydrogen policy and innovation across Europe and beyond.
- Italy: The company contributed to the latest H2IT (Italian Hydrogen Association) report, helping to shape the country’s hydrogen strategy.
- Europe: Pietro Fiorentini is an active member of the Clean Hydrogen Alliance, a major EU initiative focused on hydrogen infrastructure development.
- Global Expansion: The company is targeting new markets worldwide, leveraging its existing presence in the hydrocarbon sector while identifying emerging opportunities in the hydrogen economy.
Conclusion: A Clear Vision for a Hydrogen-Powered Future
Pietro Fiorentini’s commitment to green gas innovation, hydrogen infrastructure, and sustainable energy solutions positions it as a key leader in the global energy transition.
With ongoing investments in hydrogen technology, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure development, the company is paving the way for a cleaner, more sustainable energy future.
