Italian energy company Eni has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) to jointly develop research projects and technological applications in a bid to reduce CO2 emissions from road transport vehicles.

As part of the MoU, the companies will combine their expertise, experiences and technological knowledge in order to reduce the sector’s level of CO2 emissions.

Eni chief executive Claudio Descalzi said: “Today we have signed an agreement between two great companies in Italy that share a commitment to a low carbon future. Bringing our technological know-how and research skills together with FCA’s, with the support of the Italian Prime Minister, is an important initiative in this direction.

“It is a strategic path for Eni and signifies our commitments in a number of areas. In the area of mobility, Eni has already taken several important steps, for example in developing innovative, low-emission green fuels.”

“In the area of mobility, Eni has already taken several important steps, for example in developing innovative, low-emission green fuels.”

Together, Eni and FCA will develop technologies and materials to absorb natural gas. The Absorbed Natural Gas (ANG) is expected to improve existing technologies by linking it to the compressed natural gas (CNG) in the automotive sector.

They will also develop new technologies for the use of gas in transport to facilitate CNG and liquefied natural gas (LNG) use, as well as methanol.

With an objective to reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions, the two companies have also confirmed to jointly assess new fuel types for use in existing vehicles, without the need for substantial mechanical changes.

Additionally, Eni and FCA will establish new partnerships with Italian and international universities in order to create and train new professional profiles for the future.