Snam to Develop LNG Supply Chain for Israeli Transport

Italian gas grid operator Snam announced on October 29 it had struck a deal with Israeli firms Delek Drilling and Dan on developing a supply chain for using LNG as transport fuel in Israel, particularly for buses and heavy vehicles, the company said on October 29.

The group will undertake feasibility studies on the construction of a small-scale liquefaction pilot plant and refuelling infrastructure, making use of Snam's technologies and Delek's gas reserves. Delek is Israel's largest gas producer and supplier, while Dan is its main public transport provider.

Snam also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Dan on evaluating the scope for using biomethane, green hydrogen and electricity in transport. Their work might lead to the conversion of some of Dan's vehicle fleet to run on these energy sources, as well as construction of pilot refuelling and recharging infrastructure.

The Italian firm also signed a collaboration and research agreement with Israeli start-up H2Pro, the developer of an innovative technology known as E-TAC that yields 30% more green hydrogen from water than traditional electrolysis. The pair will undertake joint research, potentially applying H2PRO's technologies and taking part in project tenders in Israel and Europe.

"With these agreements we are further developing Snam's international presence to strengthen our contribution to the energy transition and the achievement of global climate objectives," Snam CEO Marco Alvera said in a statement.  "The partnerships with Delek Drilling, Dan and H2Pro ... allow us to enter a new market with projects in sectors of our interest such as sustainable mobility and hydrogen and, at the same time, to increase our know-how in one of the most innovative contexts in the world."