Solvay and Sapio have signed a ten-year agreement to collaborate on renewable hydrogen production at Solvay’s Rosignano facility, reinforcing both companies’ plans to develop Europe’s first renewable hydrogen hub by mid-2026. The initiative forms part of the Hydrogen Valley Rosignano Project, designed to reduce CO? emissions from Solvay’s peroxides operations.

Under the agreement, Sapio will build and operate a 5 MW electrolysis system, which will be powered by a 10 MW photovoltaic installation constructed by Solvay. The project is expected to be operational by mid-2026 and will produce up to 756 tons of renewable hydrogen annually. This output is projected to reduce the site’s CO? emissions by up to 15%. The initiative has received €16 million in funding from the Tuscan Region through Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR).

The renewable hydrogen produced will be used to support Solvay’s peroxide production, which supplies sectors ranging from electronics and water treatment to solar panel manufacturing.

Carlos Silveira, President of Solvay Peroxides, highlighted the strategic importance of the collaboration: “Our partnership with Sapio represents a good example in how we enhance our global peroxide operations. This project is a key part of our broader strategy to support essential industries – from electronics and water treatment to energy and food safety – with more sustainable solutions.”

Alberto Dossi, President of the Sapio Group and H2IT, emphasized the broader impact on Italy’s hydrogen value chain: “The launch of this important project for the production of renewable hydrogen represents a major step forward in the development of the entire hydrogen value chain. With H2IT, we have set ourselves the goal of creating a collaborative ecosystem in which industry, research, policy, and local communities work together for a cleaner and more sustainable future.”

Mario Paterlini, CEO of the Sapio Group, added: “We are extremely proud of our collaboration with Solvay: this project, funded by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), is concrete proof that companies can truly contribute to the decarbonization of the planet and the growth of our country. In a world of great uncertainty like the current one, it is essential to join forces and be a point of reference for the entire ecosystem.”

The construction phase of the project was formally launched during a groundbreaking ceremony held on November 18, 2025, at the Rosignano site. Company leaders and representatives from national, regional and local institutions attended the event, underscoring the strategic importance of the initiative for Italy’s sustainable industrial development.