Hydrogen value chain in Italy: 85% of companies to boost investments by 2026
19 February 2026
Italy’s hydrogen industry is entering a new phase of development, moving beyond experimentation towards industrial consolidation and scalable growth. According to the 2025 Hydrogen Observatory in Italy, developed by the Research Department of Intesa Sanpaolo in collaboration with H2IT, the national hydrogen value chain is gaining momentum and positioning itself for a significant leap forward.
Despite a challenging global environment, companies in the sector are demonstrating resilience and forward-looking strategies. Many are already generating revenues from hydrogen-related activities and planning to accelerate investments in the coming years, with innovation at the core of their growth strategies.
“The Italian hydrogen value chain is now more structured than in 2023: two-thirds of manufacturing companies are already generating revenues from the sector. Even in a context of high costs and uncertainty, companies continue to invest and expect further expansion by 2026, with a strong focus on innovation”
Gregorio De Felice, Chief Economist at Intesa Sanpaolo
Strong investment outlook and growing revenues
The Observatory highlights a sector experiencing rapid expansion:
- 85% of companies plan to increase investments in hydrogen by 2026.
- More than 90% expect revenues to grow over the next two years.
- 58% already generate profits from hydrogen-related activities, confirming the sector’s economic potential.
- 46% of hydrogen revenues come from international clients, reflecting the global competitiveness of Italian technological expertise.
Innovation and skills driving the ecosystem
Technology adoption and human capital development remain key pillars of the sector’s evolution. Companies are investing heavily in digital transformation and advanced capabilities to strengthen their competitive positioning.
- Research & Development: 70% of firms operate internal R&D units and use Industry 4.0 technologies.
- Skills development: 65% invest in dedicated training programmes to build specialised expertise.
- Innovation output: nearly one-third of companies have filed, or are preparing to file, new patents.
Towards 2030: unlocking the next phase of growth
While the supply side is technologically advanced and increasingly structured, future growth will depend on stronger market demand and a clearer regulatory framework. Industry players remain confident about achieving 2030 targets, provided that national strategies continue to support the sector’s development.
Hydrogen is no longer just a sustainability ambition — it is emerging as a strategic industrial opportunity for Italy’s broader manufacturing system.
Last updated 19 February 2026 at 15:46:13
