Hera's smart gas meter 4.0, the first of its kind internationally in terms of safety functions, is already prepared for its first experimentation in the network with hydrogen, and its construction in recycled plastic further confirms the commitment to the energy transition and circularity.
Not only equipped with outstanding technology and functions, including reducing gas dispersion into the atmosphere, the device is at the centre of the first experimentation in
With the
This advanced meter is therefore a concrete example of the
Furthermore, it results from Hera's experience and know-how in management of the gas distribution service, combined with continuous investments in innovation, research and development, and confirms the Group's collaboration with outstanding partners:
The advanced version of NexMeter will be previewed today in
NexMeter gets the 'stamp' for hydrogen operation
The new NexMeter is now ready to be used with hydrogen distributed through the network, having obtained the 'stamp of approval' certifying its compatibility with green gas mixtures. This is thanks to the metrological certification carried out by Tifernogas, a notified body pursuant to the relevant Directives (2014/32/
An immediate debut: initial experiments with hydrogen in the domestic gas network soon to be underway
NexMeter's first field test involving hydrogen will be carried out during the next few months, as part of a wider set of activities aimed at certifying the entire
This is the first experiment of this kind in
The trial is also part of the Group's broader strategy for developing hydrogen in a two-fold perspective: on the one hand, upgrading its assets, starting with the gas distribution networks, and on the other, creating new business opportunities, which Hera can make the most of by leveraging its multi-business expertise, including partnerships with other major industrial operators.
A green device with environmental benefits with over 68% of its elements made in recycled plastic
NexMeter's advanced functions have numerous environmental and economic benefits: eliminating leaks reduces methane dispersion, which in turn is highly polluting, while the entire process of optimising gas network management has a positive impact on the performance and emissions of user appliances, first and foremost boilers. Its ability to detect and signal to users even the smallest gas leaks also helps contain costs in their bills. But that's not all: the new NexMeter model will be the first meter on the market with most of its components made of recycled plastic, reaching over 68%.
To achieve this result, the
The metre's manuals are also green and smart, with a QR code included on the meter instead of a classic instruction manual, to avoid paper consumption, and packaging in recycled cardboard.
300,000 NexMeter meters installed by 2023 in earthquake-prone areas
The previous model of NexMeter, we should recall, was already equipped with advanced functions, including a cutting-edge 'mini-computer' offering absolute precision and safety, since it is capable of intercepting in real time even minimal leaks or tremors in the event of earthquakes. Launched in 2019, these devices are still being installed, with 70,000 devices already in operation. Thanks to approximately 45 million in investments, the Group's goal is to reach 300,000 NexMeters installed by 2023, 200,000 of which will be made of recycled plastic. The areas concerned are those served by the
'With NexMeter, two years ago, we gave concrete proof of our ability to invest and innovate in a sector that remains quite traditional, such as gas distribution, paying particular attention to safety and reducing gas dispersion into the atmosphere, a factor that was also at the centre of debates during the recent
'We are honoured to have contributed to the development of NexMeter which today added the use of green gas, especially hydrogen, to the safety functions, meeting the needs that the ecological transition imposes - states
'The NexMeter, whose first version was already extremely innovative due to its advanced sensors and safety functions, has in this new phase achieved greater component sustainability and hydrogen compatibility' - states
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