The project features a 5 MW electrolyzer powered by a dedicated solar farm, aiming to produce 756 tons of green hydrogen annually and cut site emissions by 15% by mid-2026.
In a significant stride toward industrial decarbonization in Southern Europe, chemical giant Solvay and Italian industrial gas leader Sapio have officially launched the construction phase of the Hydrogen Valley Rosignano Project. The partners celebrated the groundbreaking on November 18, 2025, marking the start of a strategic 10-year agreement designed to develop one of the continent's first integrated hubs for renewable hydrogen production.
At the heart of this collaboration is the construction of a dedicated green hydrogen production facility located within Solvay’s existing industrial complex in Rosignano. Under the terms of the agreement, Sapio will be responsible for constructing and operating a state-of-the-art 5 MW electrolysis system. To ensure the hydrogen produced is truly renewable, Solvay is building a massive 10 MW photovoltaic installation on-site, which will supply the clean electricity required to power the electrolyzers.
Once fully operational by mid-2026, the facility is projected to generate up to 756 tons of green hydrogen per year. This output will be funneled directly into Solvay’s peroxide production processes, displacing fossil-fuel-based energy sources. The environmental impact is expected to be substantial, with estimates suggesting a reduction in the site's carbon dioxide emissions by up to 15%. This reduction is critical for Solvay's peroxides business, which supplies essential materials to high-demand sectors ranging from electronics and solar panel manufacturing to water treatment and food safety.
The project has garnered significant support from the public sector, highlighting its strategic importance to Italy's national energy transition. The initiative secured €16 million in funding from the Tuscan Region, allocated under Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). This funding underscores the government's commitment to fostering "Hydrogen Valleys"—regional ecosystems that integrate hydrogen production and consumption to accelerate the phase-out of carbon-intensive industrial processes.
Carlos Silveira, President of Solvay Peroxides, emphasized the operational benefits of the deal. “Our partnership with Sapio represents a good example in how we enhance our global peroxide operations,” Silveira stated. “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.”
Mario Paterlini, CEO of the Sapio Group, added that the venture is proof that public-private partnerships can drive tangible change. “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,” he said.
