Fincantieri protagonista agli Italian Hydrogen Technology Awards 2026 con il progetto IPCEI Wave 2 The Future

Fincantieri è stata premiata nell’ambito degli Italian Hydrogen Technology Awards 2026, assegnati in occasione di Hydrogen Expo, la manifestazione dedicata alle tecnologie per lo sviluppo della filiera dell’idrogeno tenutasi a Piacenza. Il riconoscimento è stato attribuito al Gruppo per il progetto IPCEI Wave 2 The Future, iniziativa considerata dalla giuria di carattere pionieristico per l’evoluzione della decarbonizzazione nel settore marittimo. Il premio conferma il ruolo di Fincantieri come protagonista dell’innovazione tecnologica e della sostenibilità nella cantieristica navale. Il progetto si inserisce infatti nel percorso strategico del Gruppo guidato dall’amministratore delegato Pierroberto Folgiero, orientato al raggiungimento dell’obiettivo net-zero entro il 2035.

IPCEI Wave 2 The Future punta allo sviluppo di sistemi di propulsione avanzati basati sull’idrogeno e su soluzioni ibride, con l’obiettivo di accelerare la transizione energetica del comparto navale. Tra le tecnologie previste figurano motori a combustione interna alimentati a idrogeno, fuel cell PEM abbinate a batterie al litio e sistemi di controllo energetico di nuova generazione. Il progetto comprende inoltre lo sviluppo di un ciclo combinato gas-vapore a idrogeno ad alta efficienza per la produzione elettrica. A queste soluzioni si affiancano sistemi innovativi di stoccaggio dell’idrogeno a bordo e l’integrazione di fuel cell PEM e SOFC, Solid Oxide Fuel Cell, ampliando ulteriormente la portata tecnologica dell’iniziativa.

Alcune delle tecnologie sviluppate nell’ambito del progetto trovano applicazione su Viking Libra, la prima nave da crociera a integrare un sistema containerizzato alimentato a idrogeno, la cui consegna è prevista alla fine di quest’anno. Su questa unità, l’idrogeno alimenta fuel cell PEM da 6 MW sviluppate da Isotta Fraschini Motori, società parte del Gruppo Fincantieri, e ottimizzate per il settore crocieristico. Il riconoscimento ottenuto agli Italian Hydrogen Technology Awards sottolinea dunque la capacità di Fincantieri di guidare l’innovazione della cantieristica navale verso una nuova generazione di navi a emissioni ridotte. Una strategia che unisce ricerca, sviluppo industriale e sostenibilità, confermando la visione del Gruppo nella costruzione del futuro del trasporto marittimo.

L'articolo Fincantieri premiata agli Italian Hydrogen Technology Awards 2026 per il progetto IPCEI Wave 2 The Future proviene da Affaritaliani.it.

Archaeologists are excavating a prehistoric cave in northern Israel that could provide rare insights into early human life, how they adapted, and developed new technologies hundreds of thousands of years ago.

The cave was discovered on the outskirts of Fureidis, south of Haifa, near the Zichron Ya’acov interchange. The excavation is being led by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) in partnership with researchers from the University of Haifa. Funding for the project is being provided by Ayalon Highways Company.

Researchers date the cave to between 250,000 and 400,000 years ago, placing it within the Acheulo-Yabrudian cultural complex, a group of prehistoric cultures that existed in the Levant during the final stages of the Lower Paleolithic period.

Exceptionally preserved prehistoric site

The site has drawn attention because of its exceptional state of preservation. “It is very rare to find a site in such a state of preservation,” said Dr. Kobi Vardi, head of the IAA’s Prehistory Branch and one of the excavation directors. “Every prehistorian who visits the site is absolutely thrilled.”

Vardi said the cave is comparable in importance to the famous Nahal Me’arot caves in northern Israel, which date to the same period. “The site, which is no less important than the well-known Nahal Me’arot site, and dates to the same period, will allow us to study in high resolution how humans lived at that time,” he said.

Excavations have already uncovered animal bones belonging to fallow deer, gazelles, and ancient horses. Researchers have also found evidence of a nearby water source, suggesting the area may have attracted prehistoric hunter-gatherer groups.

Clues to ancient technology and daily life

The Acheulo-Yabrudian culture is known for advanced stone-tool production. Archaeologists say people living during this period produced carefully crafted flint tools, including handaxes, scrapers, and blades. These technologies reflect an important stage in human development.

Researchers believe the cave may help answer key questions about a period that preceded the rise and spread of both Neanderthals and modern humans.

“We have been fortunate to excavate a unique site of global importance that has been protected from the ravages of time thanks to the exceptional conditions that existed here,” said Prof. Ron Shimelmitz of the University of Haifa.

“This time capsule belongs to a unique period at the end of the Lower Paleolithic era, just before Neanderthals and modern humans became dominant and spread across many regions,” he said.

Evidence of growing social complexity

According to Shimelmitz, the Acheulo-Yabrudian period marked a turning point in human evolution. Gradual changes in technology, social organization, and behavior began to emerge during this era, laying the foundations for more complex societies.

Researchers believe people started living in larger groups and spending longer periods at the same locations. Evidence from similar caves points to repeated use of fire and extended occupation, suggesting increasingly organized camp life and stronger social cooperation.

“These are findings that many researchers associate with the development of social cooperation and the transmission of knowledge, as part of the processes of human evolution,” Shimelmitz said.

Plans for future research

The IAA and the University of Haifa plan to launch a broader research program at the site. Researchers also hope the cave will eventually be opened to the public, allowing residents, students, and visitors to explore one of the region’s most important prehistoric discoveries.