A significant milestone for Europe’s clean energy transition was recently achieved at ICI Powering Evolution in Campagnola di Zevio (Italy). On Wednesday, January 21, 2026 the Verona-based company – a strategic partner of the EU-funded SO-FREE project coordinated by ENEA – hosted a high-level meeting bringing together engineers, researchers, and leading players from the energy and academic sectors.
The system showcased at the event is designed for a smooth transition between multiple energy sources, initially operating on methane or biogas and gradually integrating cleaner fuels. This versatility is key for efficiently managing the mixed-energy systems of the future.
The event unveiled a breakthrough result from the Horizon 2020-funded research program on cogeneration. The SO-FREE prototype stands out for its unprecedented flexibility: it is a micro-CHP SOFC platform (around 5 kWe) capable of operating with variable mixtures of hydrogen (0–100%), natural gas, and purified biogas.
As explained by Carlo Tregambe, Director of H2 & Energy Innovation at ICI, the system produces both heat and electricity simultaneously. The true innovation lies in its ability to recognize and manage fuels in any mixing ratio, overcoming the limitations of current systems that typically require a single fuel input.
Beyond fuel flexibility, the project introduces a “stack-agnostic” approach, allowing the cogeneration system to integrate solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) from different manufacturers without redesigning the entire plant.
At the core of the initiative is an advanced integration system that conditions the fuels, manages thermal processes, and controls operations. Its modular design not only extends the technical lifespan of the plant but also simplifies maintenance dramatically.
“The strength of the platform,” added Carlo Tregambe, “is its ability to feed the cells correctly with different fuels while maintaining performance, safety, and reliability. With a standardized interface, we are helping to make the energy market more open and resilient.”
“We wanted to validate a new way of producing clean energy by involving major industry players, from Snam to Edison,” said Emanuela Lucchini, President of ICI. “This is an important milestone that now enters the certification and testing phase in the Netherlands and Poland.”
