Italgas and GRDF renew collaboration focusing on gas network digitalisation

Italgas and GRDF (Gaz Réseau Distribution France) have renewed an MoU to strengthen their strategic collaboration, focusing on digitalisation, innovation and the sustainability of gas distribution networks.

Italgas states in a release that the updated MoU will focus on sharing knowledge and exchanging new skills, best practices, and technologies to accelerate the integration of biomethane, hydrogen, and renewable gases in the network.

A specific focus will be on digitalisation, the adoption of advanced tools for monitoring and operational efficiency to ensure energy security, competitive energy costs for families and businesses and achieving the decarbonisation goals of Italgas and GRDF’s respective countries – Italy and France.

In structure, the renewed agreement envisions an exchange of information and data, promoting the adoption of skills, resources, and innovative solutions to meet the challenges of a constantly evolving market.

Specifically, the agreement focuses on three key areas of collaboration:

• Decarbonisation and renewable gases: the two companies will combine their expertise and experience in the use of biomethane, hydrogen, and synthetic methane, developing innovative solutions to facilitate the adoption of green gases.
• Network digitalisation: Italgas and GRDF will share the models and technologies that have made them leaders in the sector, aiming to optimise remote management of gas distribution and improve operational efficiency.
• Evolution of gas use: New applications for gas within integrated energy systems will be analyzed, assessing the potential of hybrid solutions that combine various energy sources and enhance the role of the molecule in meeting flexibility demands.

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Commenting in a release was Paolo Gallo, CEO of Italgas: “The renewal of the memorandum of understanding with GRDF confirms our shared commitment to building an increasingly sustainable, digital, and resilient energy system.

“The energy transition requires smart networks capable of safely and efficiently welcoming and distributing renewable gases. With this collaboration, we aim to strengthen the sharing of expertise and technologies, accelerating the innovation journey to ensure that the communities and businesses we serve have access to affordable, reliable, and environmentally friendly energy.”

According to Italgas, the updated agreement highlights the strengths of both companies.

On the one hand, France is a reference in the connection of biomethane plants to the distribution network, with 624 plants by the end of March 2025, representing a model of circular economy.

On the other, Italgas cites how they have enhanced network management through digital transformation, with projects like DANA, the remote monitoring and control system that optimises the efficiency and safety of infrastructures, facilitating the adoption of renewable gases.

Said Laurence Poirier-Dietz, CEO of GRDF: “We are delighted to strengthen our collaboration through the renewal of this agreement.

“Sharing experience and knowledge between partners is essential to accelerate the development of decarbonised gas and optimize our network operations. As a leader in biomethane production and integration, France is showing the way to other European countries, while GRDF can benefit from Italgas’ digital innovations to increase the efficiency and security of the French gas network.”

The first alliance between Italgas and GRDF was signed in 2019.