Snam goes global with gas ambitions

Italian grid operator diversifies to head off challenge of sagging domestic gas demand

Italy's Snam is taking a bold two-pronged approach to the familiar struggle for growth for European gas grid operators faced with stagnating domestic demand. The firm is raising its international profile with strategic partnerships in developing gas markets, and focusing on green gases and power-to-gas solutions domestically. "Snam is one of the biggest operators in Europe and can export its know-how in terms of efficiency and industrial processes," says a source close to the company. Snam in October signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Beijing Gas, China's largest natural gas distributor and supplier, to develop biomethane and natural gas storage projects in the country. This is