On the occasion of the 15th edition of the  Festa di Scienza e Filosofia – Virtute e Canoscenza, held in Foligno and Fabriano from April 15 to 19, 2026, Professor Grimaccia, Deputy Director of the Department of Energy, engaged in a dialogue with Roberto Battiston, an internationally renowned physicist, former President of the Italian Space Agency, and expert in particle physics and radio astronomy.
The discussion, based on Battiston’s recent book “Energy: A Story of Creation and Destruction,” offered an in-depth reflection on energy and the energy transition, approached through an interdisciplinary perspective integrating scientific, engineering, and civic expertise.
At the core of the exchange was the need to move beyond oversimplified narratives and slogans, distinguishing between desirable goals and the real constraints—physical, technological, and economic—that characterize contemporary energy systems. Through data and concrete examples, the complexity of the decarbonization process emerged, highlighting the need for a systemic approach based on a balanced mix of energy sources, scientific innovation, and informed, rational policy decisions.
The initiative is part of the broader theme of the 2026 edition, “A New Scientific Humanism,” which promotes a conscious integration of humanistic culture, the scientific method, and technology, placing science at the service of society and the major challenges of our time.
The dialogue fits within the broader contribution of the Department of Energy’s faculty to the public debate on energy transition, through research, outreach, and engagement with society on one of the most strategic and complex issues of our time.