Rosignano, Italy: To maximize the electrification and transitioning to renewable energies like solar cells and to stimulate the process innovation, Solvay entered into a joint partnership with Sapio to develop Europe's first hub for the production of green hydrogen peroxide with locally sourced green energy. The green hydrogen production plant will be built on a former industrial area within Solvay’s Rosignano facility by mid-2026. Also, by building a 9.5 MW photovoltaic array specifically for Solvay's Rosignano site, green electricity will be used there. It will be able to produce 756 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, which will be used for on-site peroxide manufacturing.

Further, Solvay has received a 17.13 million USD grant from the Tuscan Region as part of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) for the development of the hydrogen production facility in Rosignano. A new application development lab (ADL) has been formally inaugurated by Solvay, a world leader in specialty materials, in Shanghai in order to increase the reach of its research and innovation capabilities around the globe. Automotive, new energy, life solutions and pharmaceuticals, smart devices and semiconductors are some of the major local and international end markets predicted to profit from Solvay's Shanghai-based Application Development Lab.

According to the CEO of Solvay, “We are very proud of this project at our Rosignano facility. Hydrogen is a key enabler for a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, and we are proud to be one of the first players to take on this opportunity. It will help us reach our important ambition towards carbon neutrality before 2050.This project is the first example of green hydrogen peroxide production at such a scale in Europe. Moreover, this investment will be an important stimulus to the local and regional economy.” Further, the CEO of Sapio Group, stated that “We are very happy about the partnership with Solvay that is highlighting how key it is to join forces to make a decisive impact in decarbonization. The purpose of Sapio is to work with partners to contribute to a healthier, greener and more livable environment for our communities and our employees”.

According to TechSci Research, Green hydrogen, produced through the process of electrolysis, is widely regarded as a key enabler of the clean energy transition. It is generated by splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, using electricity derived from renewable sources such as wind or solar power. Unlike conventional hydrogen production methods, which rely on fossil fuels and emit greenhouse gases, green hydrogen offers a carbon-neutral alternative.

Collaboration with Sapio brings additional expertise and resources to the project. Sapio has a proven track record in the renewable energy sector and will provide the necessary knowledge and infrastructure for the successful implementation of the electrolysis plant. Together, Solvay and Sapio are pooling their strengths to accelerate the adoption of green hydrogen at the Rosignano site. The project also benefits from the support of the European Commission, which recognizes the importance of green hydrogen in achieving the objectives outlined in the European Green Deal. Through funding and regulatory backing, the European Commission is fostering innovation and driving the transition to a carbon-neutral economy.