FPT Industrial, IVECO, Snam collaborate on green gas transport project

FPT Industrial (FPT), IVECO, and Snam have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the decarbonisation of transport using biomobility (biomethane and natural gas) and hydrogen.

FPT and IVECO, two CNH Industrial brands that design and manufacture powertrains and commercial vehicles respectively, have signed the MoU with Snam for technological and commercial cooperation to contribute to the decarbonisation of the transport sector in Italy and internationally.

The agreement calls for collaboration between the three companies - active along the entire supply chain, from engines (FPT) and commercial vehicles (IVECO) to distribution infrastructure and services (Snam, via Snam4Mobility) – to promote the central role of mobility with natural gas (bio-CNG and bio-LNG) and hydrogen. This will include business models aimed at offering end-to-end solutions for light- and heavy-duty commercial vehicles and buses.

The collaboration will also focus on compiling studies designed to plan and experiment with innovative refuelling solutions, technologies, and infrastructure for fleets and professional customers.

Pierpaolo Biffali, vice-president of product engineering at FPT, said: “We have always been pioneers in the field of alternative engines and we have 20 years’ experience developing natural gas technology.

“We are a market leader, having sold more than 50,000 methane and biomethane engines and boast the most powerful, 100% natural gas engine for industrial vehicles: the Cursor 13 with 460 HP.

“Already now, our biomethane-powered engines can reduce carbon dioxide emissions close to zero, supporting the challenge against climate change. We believe that hydrogen is key in the medium- and long-term, particularly for the long-distance transport sector.

“As a testament to our commitment to hydrogen-powered technology, FPT and IVECO are part of H2Haul, a European project to introduce and utilise hydrogen trucks for on-road transport, thus continuing to provide zero-emission solutions for heavy-duty applications.

“This research will provide significant results, paving the way for the development of this type of technology in the not too distant future. We are certain that, thanks to this understanding, together we can create a more sustainable future.”

“With this agreement, we aim to strengthen the role of natural gas as an immediate solution for reducing emissions,” commented Alessio Torelli, CEO of Snam4Mobility, “leveraging Italian leadership in this sector, and to develop biomethane, and subsequently hydrogen, as key solutions for sustainable mobility in the future, particularly in the case of heavy-duty vehicles.”