Eni, FS Italiane Group renew agreement to accelerate energy transition

Photo: Eni

FS Italiane Group and Eni have signed a letter of intent (LOI) with the objective of developing joint initiatives aimed at accelerating the energy transition towards new energy sources.

The collaboration between the two industrial groups will involve identifying new opportunities in the transport, energy and materials sectors through feasibility studies, analysis and experimentation with innovative technological solutions.

The three-year agreement, which renews a previous LOI, was signed by Roberto Tundo, the chief technology, innovation and digital officer of the FS Italiane Group, and Giuseppe Ricci, Eni’s energy evolution chief operating officer.

The use of biofuels in trains and buses is a key part of this strategy.

Since July 2023, the FS Group and Eni have been experimenting with the use of pure hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) biofuel, also known as renewable diesel, as a substitute for diesel fuel using the latest generation of Trenitalia Blues hybrid trains in service in Calabria, Italy.

HVOlution, Enilive’s biofuel derived from renewable sources in compliance with the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED II) can contribute to a reduction of up to 80 percent in CO2-equivalent emissions calculated along the entire product value chain, depending on the raw material used, compared to the reference fossil mix.

Specifically, FS and Eni commit to work together to identify and develop new opportunities, such as the use of alternative fuels for transport, intermodal logistics solutions and best practices in energy efficiency.

The agreement also includes the definition of regulations, methodologies and technical standards, as well as experimentation with new technologies related to sustainability and the circular economy.

The understanding may be the subject of subsequent binding agreements that the parties will define in compliance with applicable legislation, Eni stated.