The Venice Hydrogen Forum was held at the Hilton Molino Stucky in Venice, an international event involving experts in decarbonized hydrogen for two days. The aim was to analyze the prospects for developing a distribution infrastructure connecting Europe and the Mediterranean, passing through Venice and Veneto, with benefits in terms of economic decarbonization and greater energy security. Hydrogen is considered a key resource for the energy transition. Thanks to its strategic position between Europe and the Mediterranean, Italy, with Venice as one of the main access points, can play an important role in future energy networks. The event, organized by the Green Hydrogen Organisation (GH2) and the Venice Sustainability Foundation (VSF), sponsored by Mase and the Veneto Region, with support from VSF members Snam, Eni, and Edison, falls within the activities of attracting investments and promoting technological development by VSF.
The event began with greetings from the Minister of Environment and Energy Security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin and VSF president Renato Brunetta. Among the various sessions of the day, a particular focus was dedicated to collaboration between Europe and the Middle East for hydrogen-related projects. Francesco La Camera, Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and Adair Turner, a member of the UK House of Lords, explored the latest market prospects for hydrogen in the Mediterranean.
The panel organized by VSF titled “H2 in Venice for Regional Value Creation” explored Venice’s role in developing the hydrogen value chain and the economic and industrial revival of the region. Participants included Rita Stefanutto for the Veneto Region, Venice City Councilor Massimiliano De Martin, Paolo Menegazzo for the North Adriatic Sea Port Authority, Andrea Bos of Hydrogen Park, Gabriele Lucchesi of Edison Next, Michela Capoccia of Sapio, Thierry Lepercq of HyDeal Ambition, moderated by Fabio Cancarè of BCG.
