SAFE Partners with Agrobiofert to Advance Sicily’s Green Hydrogen Revolution
SAFE S.p.A., a leading provider of hydrogen, biomethane, and natural gas distribution and compression solutions, has signed a pivotal agreement with Agrobiofert S.r.l., a Sicilian agricultural innovator renowned for sustainable farming practices in crops like citrus fruits, grains, and vegetables.
Cutting-Edge Hydrogen Technology
The agreement includes the delivery of a 30-foot cabin housing two high-efficiency hydraulic compressors, each equipped with three combined compression stages, capable of achieving pressures up to 450 bar. The Italian-designed system also features advanced logic control panels, command systems, and cooling systems.
The duplex configuration ensures continuous operation, allowing each compressor to function independently, minimizing downtime risks. The hydraulic compressors further enhance efficiency by modulating hydrogen flow via their hydraulic circuit, eliminating the need for inverters.
Supporting the H2 Farm Project
These compressors will play a critical role in managing hydrogen for the H2 Farm project, a centerpiece of the Sicilian Hydrogen Valley located in Priolo Gargallo (Syracuse). This initiative, funded through PNRR resources and championed by the Sicilian Region, will establish a 2.5 MW green hydrogen production facility powered by photovoltaic energy on a repurposed industrial site.
Driving Sustainability in Agriculture
Maurizio Musco, Environmental Lawyer and Advisor for Agrobiofert, expressed the significance of the collaboration:
“Partnering with SAFE allows us to integrate advanced hydrogen storage and distribution technologies into our plant, vital for the H2 Farm project’s success. This initiative not only enhances the sustainability of our agricultural activities but also positions agriculture as a key player in the energy transition.”
SAFE’s compressors will enable efficient hydrogen storage and distribution, reducing Agrobiofert’s carbon footprint while improving the plant’s energy efficiency. This project demonstrates how agriculture can adopt hydrogen solutions to achieve long-term decarbonization and sustainability.
A Milestone in the Energy Transition
Giovanni Maccini, Commercial Director of SAFE S.p.A., highlighted the broader impact:
“This agreement with Agrobiofert marks a significant milestone in our mission to support the energy transition. Hydrogen is not just an industrial resource; it’s a transformative solution for reducing emissions and enhancing sustainability in agriculture. We are proud to contribute our expertise and technology to this groundbreaking project, advancing the creation of Sicily’s Hydrogen Valley.”
Looking Ahead
The delivery of the compressors is planned for late summer 2025, aligning with the operational launch of the H2 Farm plant. This collaboration follows SAFE’s success in similar ventures, such as the Port of Kleipeda in Lithuania, and underscores the growing role of hydrogen in sustainable agriculture and global decarbonization efforts.