Pioneering Partnership Powers Progressive Pathways

Tenaris, a global leader in steel and energy solutions, has joined forces with Milano Serravalle – Milano Tangenziali, part of the FNM Group, to deliver Italy’s first highway hydrogen refueling station. Strategically located near Milan, this station marks the first milestone in the SerraH₂Valle initiative, aimed at promoting hydrogen-powered mobility across Italy. Backed by the National Recovery & Resilience Plan, this project illustrates Italy’s strong commitment to diversify its transport energy mix and reduce CO₂ emissions over coming decades.

Strategic Storage System Secures Sustainable Supply

At the heart of this station lies Tenaris’ THera™ storage system, a high-pressure hydrogen solution engineered for safety, efficiency and resilience. Hydrogen arrives by tube trailers, unloaded at 200 bar into on-site compressors, then transferred to THera™ cylinders. From there, it fuels buses & trucks at 350 bar and passenger vehicles at 700 bar. Stefano Capponi, Sales Manager at Tenaris, explained, “With THera™, we are not only delivering technology, we are enabling a cleaner future for Italian transport.”

Collaborative Corridor Catalyzes Clean Commuting

The SerraH₂Valle project is part of Italy’s wider ambition to build a hydrogen corridor connecting the port of Genoa with Northern Europe. Beyond the first station near Milan, four more stations are planned, each expected to open by early 2026. Together, they will serve heavy-duty freight, intercity coaches, municipal buses and private vehicles, supporting Italy’s plan to replace fossil fuels along critical freight & passenger routes.

Advanced Assets Amplify Adaptable Applications

Tenaris’ THera™ cylinders are crafted to withstand demanding operating pressures, temperature variations and constant cycling. These robust systems allow faster refueling, minimal downtime and full digital traceability. Importantly, they support flexible deployment: from highway stations like SerraH₂Valle to railway depots and industrial hubs. “Adaptability is crucial,” Capponi added, “because hydrogen mobility must work for buses, trucks and passenger cars alike.”

Hydrogen Hub Heralds Hopeful Horizons

Beyond highways, Tenaris will supply THera™ storage to other hydrogen mobility projects. One is H2iseO, a hydrogen-powered railway project in Valcamonica, northern Italy. This railway will replace diesel trains, lowering CO₂ emissions in mountainous areas where electrification is difficult. These complementary projects reveal a national push: not just building stations, but creating an ecosystem for hydrogen production, transport, storage and final use.

Resilient Response Reinforces Regional Renewal

Italy’s National Recovery & Resilience Plan, backed by European Union funding, places green transport among its top priorities. By focusing on hydrogen infrastructure, Italy aims to cut urban air pollution, lower CO₂ output and modernize industrial supply chains. Hydrogen also brings economic promise: new skilled jobs, technology investments and opportunities for Italian steel & engineering firms like Tenaris to lead global innovation.

Tenacious Transformation Targets Tomorrow’s Travel

The first station near Milan will start public service by January 1, 2026. It symbolizes more than an isolated facility; it is an early link in a future-proof chain that may one day stretch from Italy’s ports to northern European markets. For Tenaris, the SerraH₂Valle project shows how its technology fits within national and continental strategies. “Hydrogen will not replace every fuel overnight,” Capponi noted, “but it can transform the most polluting sectors first, and that is real progress.”

Key Takeaways:

• Tenaris’ THera™ system powers Italy’s first highway hydrogen station under SerraH₂Valle, opening by January 2026.

• The station will refuel heavy-duty vehicles at 350 bar and passenger cars at 700 bar.

• Supported by the National Recovery & Resilience Plan, it forms part of a corridor from Genoa to Northern Europe.