In the global energy context, MAIRE's holistic approach toward a sustainable and technologically advanced transformation changed pace in 2023: accelerating its commitment to innovation that meets the growing needs of the market, the Group – in keeping with its corporate DNA – has set the ambition of doubling its operations and staff within the next ten years, focusing on a new strategy and brand.

«Personally, » Fabrizio Di Amato said at the recent presentation of the Sustainability Report, «I feel a great responsibility to lead our Group through a profound transformation, not only in economic terms, but also by improving the social landscape. This is why sustainability has become a fundamental pillar of our business. We have integrated long-term sustainable practices that reflect our 10-year vision presented in March 2023, demonstrating our commitment to people, the environment and the economy. »

At the social level, MAIRE is committed to an inclusive and meritocratic work environment, with a goal of achieving gender parity in recruitment processes by 2032. Added to this is an acceleration of efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2029, working with suppliers to reduce emissions and optimize operational sustainability.

«Economically, » the Chairman added, «we are investing in innovative technologies and forming partnerships with industry leaders to industrialize effective solutions for the energy transition, with a focus on innovation as the main driver of our development. This ambitious path requires great effort from all of us, driven by the passion and spirit of belonging that our employees demonstrate every day. We have also adopted a new visual identity and logo that better represent the souls that drive our Group toward a future balanced between technological excellence, executive expertise and a strong commitment to sustainability. »

Since 2018, with the launch of NEXTCHEM, MAIRE has significantly enhanced its know-how, developing core competencies and technologies for sustainable industrial solutions. «We have established crucial relationships and partnerships,» said Alessandro Bernini, «developed proprietary technologies and expanded our geographic presence, improving our understanding of market dynamics and strengthening our leadership position. »

By reorganizing the structure into two segments – Sustainable Technology Solutions and Integrated Engineering and Construction, operating in synergy but with the flexibility to act as independent entities – the group can make the most of advanced technologies to design and build increasingly sustainable plants. Adds the CEO, «The rapid technological and market changes we are experiencing require an extended vision beyond the traditional five-year horizon. Aiming for 2033, we will invest in acquiring new talent, with a workforce that had reached about 8,000 employees from 80 nationalities by the end of 2023. With more than 2,200 patents, we have strengthened our leadership position and increased ESG targets in management from 10% to 20% by initiating an extensive stakeholder engagement process. »

ADNOC, the largest contract in the Group's history

How is MAIRE investing in innovative technologies, and forming partnerships with industry leaders? Projects and acquisitions are the two key words at the center of the strategy.

In October 2023, TECNIMONT signed a landmark agreement with Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) during ADIPEC (the world's largest energy summit in Abu Dhabi) to build the onshore gas processing plant (gas produced by the reservoir of Hail and Ghasha), under an EPC contract worth $8.7 billion. This project aims to achieve zero emissions through the implementation of advanced CO2 capture and recovery technologies, and involves the construction of two gas treatment units, three sulfur recovery sections and related supporting infrastructure. TECNIMONT, supported by MAIRE's Sustainable Technology Solutions division, will develop innovative digital solutions to optimize energy efficiency and reduce plant operating costs. Engineering and procurement activities will be coordinated from Milan, with a focus on engaging local suppliers to stimulate the Emirati economy. The agreement – the largest contract in our Group's history – not only strengthens the relationship with a leading global partner, but also MAIRE's role in providing innovative and sustainable solutions for the global energy future.

Biofuels, hydrogen and ammonia

Also in 2023, NEXTCHEM launched several key international projects to promote innovation in synthetic fuels and biofuels. These include the implementation of NX CPOTM technology for green fuels in Italy, the design of SAF plants from agricultural waste in the U.S. and the supply of equipment for an energy-efficient urea plant in China, as well as a study to convert solid waste into sustainable fuels in the United Arab Emirates.

Staying on the topic of projects, MAIRE has obtained the significant funding of €194 million from the European project “IPCEI Hy2Use” to develop the Italian Hydrogen Valley. This project aims to create a hydrogen technology hub, supporting industrial decarbonization and sustainable mobility through the conversion of waste into hydrogen that can be used as fuel for transportation, as well as syngas and circular fuels, such as ethanol and methanol.

MAIRE strengthens its portfolio with new acquisitions

With a view to acquisitions, in January 2024, MAIRE signed an agreement with Newcleo, company engaged in the development of modular lead-cooled reactors, to produce decarbonized energy from nuclear waste. This agreement aims to promote sustainable hydrogen production and decarbonize the chemical industry. The Newcleo reactors, part of MAIRE's 'E-factory,' will use waste from nuclear plants to produce hydrogen for the production of zero-emission chemicals and fuels. This mediumto long-term project marks an advancement in MAIRE's energy portfolio that includes advanced technologies to support the production of decarbonized e-fuels, methanol and fertilizers. NEXTCHEM will develop solutions for hydrogen from electrolysis, while TECNIMONT will provide specialized consulting, reinforcing MAIRE's position in sustainable chemistry.

As an integral part of MAIRE's 10-year plan, in February 2024 NEXTCHEM Tech signed a binding agreement to acquire 80% of HyDEP S.r.l. and 100% of Dragoni Group S.r.l., both renowned mechanical and electrochemical engineering companies specializing in process engineering for green hydrogen. This acquisition, worth a total of about €3.6 million, aims to enhance NEXTCHEM's capabilities in electrolysis, further consolidating its position in the market for innovative sustainable energy technologies.

Also NEXTCHEM recently strengthened its position in low-carbon processes through the acquisition of 100% of GasConTec GmbH (GCT), a German company with more than 80 patents and considerable know-how in the synthesis of hydrogen, ammonia, methanol and integrated methanol/ammonia processes. The agreement, with a total value of €30 million, was signed in March 2024.

Finally in May 2024 MAIRE, through its subsidiary KT - Kinetics Technology, acquired two engineering companies: the Italian APS Designing Energy and the Polish KTI Poland. This transaction was completed through the acquisition of (on July 30, 2024 the closing of the acquisition will take place) APS Evolution S.r.l., the parent company of both entities. This significantly expands MAIRE’s operational capabilities, adding about 280 highly qualified professionals to its workforce. These acquisitions are part of the group's strategy to strengthen its engineering footprint in Italy and Eastern Europe. The companies involved have a strong track record in natural resource processing, innovative rubbers, green chemistry, biofuels, and bioplastics, covering a wide range of services: from feasibility studies to project management and construction.