Acta estimates that the Framework Agreement has a potential revenue value to Acta of up to €5 million per annum and is expected to ramp up to this level over the next 12 to 18 months, initially biased towards photovoltaic installations.
Under the Framework Agreement, signed on 19 July 2010, Acta will be the exclusive supplier of photovoltaic installations to Girelli Bruni, which supplies forecourt installations in Italy for major brands such as Agip, Esso, Shell, Total, ERG, Repsol and Auchan. Girelli Bruni will also be the exclusive distributor of Acta’s hydrogen generators for the fuel supply sector in Italy.
Based on Acta’s proprietary catalytic and hydrogen conversion technologies, these generators can be safely integrated with the photovoltaic installations to produce clean, dry and compressed hydrogen. Girelli Bruni completed more than 170 forecourt installation projects during 2009, of which the majority also requested the installation of photovoltaic capacity.
“This agreement will bring Acta’s hydrogen products onto the forecourt and into the automotive sector for the first time. We are delighted that Girelli Bruni has chosen Acta as its exclusive supply partner and the agreement demonstrates the powerful synergies between our photovoltaic and hydrogen generation products and activities. Acta is now realising its ambition to bring the renewable energy value chain to the market,” said Paolo Bert, Acta Chief Executive.
Photovoltaics and petroleum alternatives required by law
The Italian service station sector is currently adapting to the requirements of a regional law, being progressively adopted by each Regional Government of Italy, which requires any new fuel service station to install a minimum quantity of photovoltaic generation capacity and to provide a gaseous fuel alternative to petroleum. The regional law of Tuscany for example, passed in 2005, requires each new service station to install at least 12kW of photovoltaic capacity and the provision of at least one alternative fuel out of methane, LPG or hydrogen. Acta’s agreement with Girelli Bruni will serve as a one-stop solution to fulfilling these regulatory requirements.
In addition, Girelli Bruni will become the exclusive supplier of the collapsible photovoltaic bike shed canopy developed by Acta together with Girelli Bruni and demonstrated in June 2010 at Viareggio as part of Acta’s hydrogen village display. Acta intends to distribute these units, which can refuel hydrogen fuel cell bikes, boats and other applications, via the Company’s low cost hydrogen generator, to local authorities, marinas, and other commercial customers.
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