Funded Projects

Hy4Heat is a pioneering initiative exploring the feasibility, safety, and benefits of substituting natural gas with hydrogen in domestic and commercial buildings, as well as in gas appliances. The project seeks to advance sustainable energy solutions and support the transition towards lower carbon emissions.

Pietro Fiorentini played a crucial role by designing and developing the H2-SSM smart meter, equipped with advanced ultrasonic technology to measure both natural gas, pure hydrogen and blending with hydrogen up to 20% in natural gas. The meter, intended for residential low-pressure networks, is internationally certified for safety and accuracy. Additionally, the company engineered and validated various components—such as pressure regulators, emergency control valves, excess flow valves, and flexible hoses—specifically for 100% hydrogen applications. These technologies were rigorously tested and shown to meet global standards, demonstrating that commercially available materials are suitable for hydrogen use without major cost implications.

PiPe4.0 establishes a new measurement paradigm based on the application of photonic technologies and nanotechnologies for the realisation of sensors capable of measuring the composition and the calorific value of the gas inside the pipes, including hydrogen-enriched natural gas, biomethane and biogas.

Within the project, Pietro Fiorentini has developed GEDRA (Gas Energy Density Raman Analyser), a new solution for real time gas analysis, tailored for natural gas and hydrogen. GEDRA patented measurement technology is based on optical Raman spectroscopy, which leverages light’s interaction with matter. The primary function of GEDRA is to measure the heating value of the gas mixture. As secondary function, the system provides natural gas main components, including hydrogen, density, Z-factor and many other parameters with high accuracy.

The Sirius project is focused on scaling up Hyter’s proprietary AEMWE technology for deployment in MW and multi-MW scale plants. Its objectives are to enhance chemical performance, develop advanced electrolyte stacks, boost electrode and membrane manufacturing, and engineer a more efficient electrolyser system.

As the consortium coordinator, Hyter collaborates closely with research centres and supply chain partners. Notably, Sirius has reached important milestones, including the optimised design of a 1 MW electrolyser that reduces complexity and material usage, with installation planned at the Hera Group’s waste-to-energy facility. Multiple innovations, for which patent applications have been submitted, demonstrate the significant technological progress achieved.

The MA.CO.RE.FE. project has led to the development of a testing machine for the two-stage low-pressure gas regulators, the FE, widely used in distribution networks for residential and commercial users.

With the new testing machine, Pietro Fiorentini is now able to automate the control processes ensuring greater accuracy, productivity and adding the possibility to collect data for analysis. The machine has been developed in collaboration with MADE – Competence Center Industry 4.0 and MetalWork Automation.

The MA.PRE.FRA. project aims to automate and optimize the internal and external sealing tests of AEMWE electrolyzer frames, essential for green hydrogen production.

Developed by Pietro Fiorentini with support from MADE – Competence Center Industry 4.0 and MetalWork Automation, the new machine is meant to improve cycle time, reduce waste and ergonomic risks, ensure higher quality and data traceability through MES integration. This innovative solution enables precise cell-by-cell testing, accelerating production and enhancing process sustainability. With its original testing approach and LEAN methodology, MapreFra strengthens the company’s competitiveness in the energy transition sector.

SEMPRE-BIO seeks to demonstrate cost-effective biomethane production and extend production potential through new waste valorization routes with the aim of increasing sustainability, fostering circular economy models and promote the use of biomethane as a substitute for fossil fuels.

To achieve its objectives, SEMPRE-BIO has developed three innovation ecosystems in Spain, France and Belgium, in which five different advanced biomethane production technologies will be tested.

Cryo Inox is involved in the Belgian demo-site with the development and installation of an innovative cryogenic technology called “Cryoupgrading”, which enables the production of liquid biomethane (bio-LNG) for use in heavy transport and liquefied CO₂. The goal is to assess the economic viability of small-scale biogas plants (under 100 m³/h capacity) that operate without government subsidies. If successful, this initiative could significantly improve the profitability of such plants across Europe and contribute to carbon neutrality in agriculture.

The ELECTROLIFE project aims to enhance the sustainability and competitiveness of green hydrogen by addressing one of the sector’s main technological challenges: the progressive degradation of electrolysers. Limited knowledge of the deterioration phenomena affecting electrochemical cells leads to reduced operational efficiency over time and increased maintenance costs, hindering the large-scale adoption of this technology. The project is structured around three key areas: analysis of degradation mechanisms, development of new solutions to minimize degradation and improve operational stability, implementation of large-scale testing to validate the performance of the introduced innovations.

Pietro Fiorentini and Hyter are contributing to the project by advancing Hyter’s proprietary AEMWE technology, with goals to develop a new stack design, enhance electrolysis cell performance, create improved materials for longer stack life, and reduce both the use of critical raw materials and overall costs.

The PUSH2Green project is dedicated to establishing a multidisciplinary approach to address production, utilisation, and safety challenges, whilst exploring cost reductions, economic improvements and integration with existing industrial systems. It aims to design and test advanced electrolysis technologies, powered by solar energy and using treated seawater.

Pietro Fiorentini, in collaboration with Hyter, plays a central role in developing a complete system for the production and use of hydrogen, intended for installation at the end user’s industrial site. The package consists of an anion exchange membrane electrolyzer (AEMWE), a blending unit, and an injection system, enabling hydrogen to be mixed with methane for direct industrial use. Through these contributions, Pietro Fiorentini Group pioneers the integration of green hydrogen into hard-to-abate sectors, turning cutting-edge technology into practical and sustainable energy solutions.

The SPIRIT project aims to develop a pilot plant to validate, at pre‑industrial scale, pyrolysis technology for the efficient production of turquoise hydrogen and solid carbon. In a second phase, the project foresees the design of an industrial version, modelled on the needs of end users and potential use in district heating networks. Pyrolysis technology is based on a high‑temperature process that enables the decomposition of natural gas into gaseous hydrogen and solid carbon. Its distinctive feature lies precisely in transforming carbon into solid rather than carbon dioxide, thereby reducing polluting emissions while simultaneously valorising carbon as a strategic resource. This carbon, refined into high value-added materials such as graphite for lithium-ion batteries, becomes a strategic resource, fuelling the electric mobility revolution and strengthening critical supply chains.

Within the project, X-nano contributes its high‑efficiency pyrolysis technology to the development of the Pyro‑2 prototype reactor. As project coordinator, Pietro Fiorentini is responsible for engineering the prototype and developing the needs and specifications of end users to prepare the design of an integrated industrial plant at a typical installation.

The MEAEM project is part of the development of anion exchange membrane water electrolyzers (AEMWE) by Hyter, a company of the Pietro Fiorentini Group, with the aim of improving energy efficiency and reducing investment costs.

The activities focus on the optimization of materials, design, manufacturing processes, operating conditions, and scalability across different plant sizes. The project aims to broaden the operating range of electrolyzers, enhancing their suitability for use with intermittent renewable energy sources and reducing hydrogen losses.

A further objective is to extend the service life of the components. Attention is also given to reducing environmental impact throughout the entire life cycle using safer, more sustainable materials free of critical substances.

The LEONE project aims to apply Lean Production principles to electrolyzers to reduce the number of components, standardize and streamline production, and increase flexibility in response to future demand. The project addresses several key challenges, including sealing systems, flow of stack assembly, improvement of water quality and purification systems, and the development of components better aligned with environmental sustainability goals.

The ultimate objective is to reduce costs, increase reliability, and support the industrialization of electrolyzers, thereby enhancing competitiveness and contributing to decarbonization through green hydrogen, while also strengthening a Veneto-based value chain of knowledge and expertise between companies and universities.