Revolutionizing Clean Energy with Power-to-Gas Technology
The Hera Group, one of Italy’s largest multi-utility companies, has unveiled SynBioS (Syngas Biological Storage)—a pioneering power-to-gas plant designed to convert renewable electricity and wastewater into green hydrogen and biomethane. Presented at Gastech Milan, a premier global energy exhibition, this first-of-its-kind project highlights a breakthrough in carbon reduction and clean energy storage.
Located in Bologna Corticella, inside the largest wastewater treatment facility managed by Hera, the €10 million investment is expected to be operational by 2023. The initiative is backed by Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) and aims to integrate energy decarbonization with water purification, reinforcing Hera Group’s position as a leader in sustainable innovation.
Pietro Fiorentini: A Key Partner in Clean Energy Advancement
Hera Group has partnered with Pietro Fiorentini, a global leader in gas technology and renewable energy solutions, to develop SynBioS. This collaboration continues their commitment to hydrogen, biomethane, and green gas technologies that align with Europe’s ambitious energy transition goals.
How SynBioS Works: Converting Renewable Energy into Biomethane
The SynBioS plant leverages power-to-gas technology to transform excess renewable electricity into synthetic natural gas, reducing pollutants and enabling long-term energy storage. The process involves:
- Green Hydrogen Production – Wastewater and renewable electricity generate hydrogen and oxygen through electrolysis.
- CO₂ Utilization – Hydrogen reacts with CO₂ from biogas (produced by sewage sludge digestion) to form biomethane, which is injected directly into the city’s gas distribution network.
- Oxygen Reuse – The generated oxygen enhances the wastewater treatment process, improving efficiency and environmental impact.
By integrating biomethane into the existing infrastructure, SynBioS promotes circular economy principles and energy diversification, making the urban gas network a renewable energy storage hub.
Key Environmental and Energy Benefits
At full capacity (1 MW), the plant will produce:
- 190 Nm³/h of green gas, offsetting 50 Nm³/h of CO₂ emissions, equivalent to removing 400 cars from the road annually.
- Enough biomethane to supply 1,200 households per year.
- Utilization of wastewater from 50 people daily, contributing to a more sustainable purification process.
Industry Leaders on the Future of Power-to-Gas
Alessandro Baroncini, Central Director for Networks at Hera Group, emphasized:
“This plant is a major step in integrating our state-of-the-art facilities with power-to-gas technology. It strengthens the electricity and gas infrastructure symbiosis within a perfectly circular system. Hera Group remains a forerunner in sustainable energy solutions, actively contributing to Italy’s industrial decarbonization strategy.”
Cristiano Nardi, Executive Chairman of Pietro Fiorentini Group, added:
“Hera Group’s strategic vision aligns perfectly with our commitment to energy transition technologies. The SynBioS plant marks a fundamental milestone in the evolution of the energy sector, reinforcing Italy’s leadership in green gas innovation.”
A Model for Europe’s Energy Transition
SynBioS sets a precedent for scalable, power-to-gas projects across Europe. By demonstrating how wastewater and renewable electricity can generate biomethane, the initiative provides valuable insights for governments and energy regulators supporting the industrial-scale development of green gas applications.
As Italy accelerates its decarbonization efforts, SynBioS represents a blueprint for sustainable energy transformation, reinforcing biomethane’s role in achieving a carbon-neutral future.
