Expo 2025 Osaka: Italy and Japan Sign Hydrogen Memorandum at Italy Pavilion
Osaka: The Italy Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka has played host to the signing of a significant memorandum of understanding on hydrogen between the Japan Hydrogen Association (Jh2a), represented by European representative Eiji Ohira, and the Italian Hydrogen Association (H2it), represented by its Vice President Luigi Crema. The memorandum was signed during the event titled “Nuclear fusion, hydrogen and digitalization for energy transition: exemplary cases of cooperation between Italy and Japan”.
According to Ansa News Agency, the memorandum is a key part of Expo’s thematic week dedicated to energy. Mario Vattani, the Commissioner General for Italy at the Expo, expressed enthusiasm for the agreement, highlighting the Italy Pavilion’s role as a pivotal player in diplomatic growth. He emphasized that this memorandum, along with other agreements made at the pavilion, demonstrates its importance as a hub for fostering international cooperation.
The agreement aims to establish a collaborative relationship between Jh2a and H2it, focusing on creating a platform to exchange information, promote collaboration, and develop industrial initiatives within the hydrogen sector. This platform is expected to encourage commercial synergies and foster joint projects between Japan and Italy.
Luigi Crema, Vice President of H2it, explained that the collaboration process began over a year ago and has involved numerous members in joint initiatives. He noted the shared challenges faced by both countries in the energy transition, particularly due to their high energy imports and costs. The agreement aims to create a hydrogen supply chain with substantial national production capacity, supported by affordable energy imports, to bolster the national industrial sector.
Crema further detailed that the protocol of agreement includes the formation of joint working groups, participation in events, and facilitating discussions among members and industries from both countries. This initiative is designed to enhance business opportunities, maintain competitiveness, and support the transfer of products to global markets.