Hydrogen: Giacomini, NatPower H, Dhamma Blue join forces for zero-emission boating on Lake Orta

Orta San Giulio, July 14, 2025 – Infrastructure, mobility and local development took center stage at the event “Hydrogen Innovation – Hydrogen Ecosystems,” held last week at Hotel San Rocco in Orta San Giulio. The initiative was organized by the Fondazione Cav. del Lavoro Alberto Giacomini, with the patronage of the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, the Piedmont Region, and H2IT – the Italian Hydrogen Association.

The day began with a hydrogen refueling operation carried out by NatPower H, with the support of Linde, on the boat developed by start-up Dhamma Blue. The 8 kg of hydrogen loaded in under half an hour will enable the vessel to sail more than 75 nautical miles with zero emissions on the lake. As explained by Andrea Alessandro Giacomini, Ceo of Giacomini S.p.A, and Andrea Minerdo, Chairman of NatPower H, the operation is part of a broader plan to build a hydrogen refueling network for both passenger and private transport across the lake region.

“We started from a vision back in 2009, when we installed the first hydrogen-powered catalytic heat generator right here in the hotel where we stand today. At the time, it seemed like a pioneering idea; today, it marks the beginning of a tangible journey toward building a real energy ecosystem—one that integrates hydrogen production, usage, and distribution. A system that not only proves the technological feasibility of hydrogen, but also becomes a driver for decarbonizing local mobility and creating sustainable value for our territories”said Andrea Alessandro Giacomini, Ceo of Giacomini S.p.A.

“With this vision, we’re entering the second phase of the NatPower H project, which aims not only to decarbonize recreational boating, but also to transform passenger transport by integrating innovation, environmental stewardship, and a strong focus on local communities and the territories we operate in. We believe the energy transition cannot happen in isolation, it requires collaboration among complementary partners who share the same goals and bring different strengths to the table. It is precisely through this alliance with Giacomini and Dhamma Blue that we are now able to demonstrate a fully functioning, sustainable, and scalable hydrogen ecosystem” commented Andrea Minerdo, Chairman of NatPower H.

“Our boat was created to offer a new model of navigation — sustainable and silent. For a zero-emission future. This ecosystem, launched with Giacomini and the support of NatPower H, allows us to show the Lake Orta community just how effective and safe hydrogen-powered mobility can be” added Philippe D’Esposito, Chairman of Dhamma Blue.

The choice of Hotel San Rocco as the venue is symbolic: in 2009, it became the first hotel in the world to be powered by a hydrogen boiler, developed by Giacomini Spa and certified ICIM 001.

The conference featured contributions from institutional and energy sector representatives, including Paolo Arrigoni, President of GSE – Gestore Servizi Energetici, Stefania Crotta, Director General of Financial Programs and Incentives at MASE, Matteo Marnati, Regional Minister for the Environment for Piedmont, Alberto Dossi, President of H2IT, and Andrea Cogliati, Ceo of Linde Gas Italia.

The Minister of the Environment and Energy Security, Hon. Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, also contributed with a video message, emphasizing that “hydrogen is one of the most promising energy carriers for the energy transition, particularly in sectors where decarbonization is more complex.” He then added: “We believe in hydrogen as a strategic energy carrier for the future. Giacomini is a pioneering company, a source of pride for the region, and the experiences developed on the lake will lead to solutions that can be exported.”

The discussion highlighted the opportunity to develop local hydrogen ecosystems capable of integrating production, distribution, and use — creating value for communities and supporting decarbonization goals. Lake Orta thus positions itself as a pilot case for energy transition in lake environments, with the ambition to replicate the model across similar contexts in Italy and Europe.

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NatPower H

NatPower H is the first global developer of innovative infrastructure for green hydrogen production, storage and refueling for recreational boating. NatPower H is part of NatPower, an independent energy project developer that builds innovative, sustainable and reliable infrastructure to improve the environment and quality of life through cost-effective and profitable solutions. The company, with the world’s largest pipeline of renewables projects – of more than 24GW – is an accelerator of the energy transition process and includes all major technologies: solar, wind, storage and hydrogen. In just a few years NatPower has established itself as one of the most important independent developers and operates in 5 different countries: Italy, UK, Kazakhstan, US, and Canada. The Company, with offices in Luxembourg, Milan, London, Washington d.c. and Almaty, has over 100 employees on 3 continents.

Dhamma Blue

Dhamma Blue is the first Spanish company to develop hydrogen-powered boats, committed to using the most advanced design and manufacturing technology to drive the transition toward sustainable and silent navigation.

Press Contacts

NatPower H | Marco Vassallo – m.vassallo@natpower.com – Tel. +39 338 7130378