The key role of e-fuels and biofuels in the energy transition: a comparison between research and industry
The workshop “The key role of e-fuels and biofuels in the energy transition”, organised by the Department of Energy of Politecnico di Milano and ENEA, was a great success. The event, held on 19 and 20 May 2025 at the Congress Centre of the NH Collection Roma Centro Hotel, provided an opportunity for discussion and updates on the latest technological developments and future prospects for non-fossil fuels.
Over 100 participants and 35 speakers, representing the world of research and industry, took part in two intense days of presentations and discussions. The first day was entirely dedicated to research, with presentations on:
- Synthesis and development of liquid e-fuels and biofuels, with contributions from Politecnico di Milano and ENEA;
- Synthesis and development of gaseous e-fuels and biofuels, including hydrogen, with contributions from ENEA,
- CNR and RSE.
The second day focused on industrial prospects, with presentations by leading companies and institutions such as ICAO, ENAC, Unem, SEA Prime, Saras, Technip Energies, IP Gruppo api, Hera, Enilive, Fincantieri and CNH. . Discussions focused on:
- Innovative technologies for the production, distribution and industrial-scale use of biofuels and e-fuels;
- Market scenarios and regulation, with a focus on the integration of these technologies in various application sectors, starting with air, sea and land transport.
The event provided an opportunity to take stock of the state of the art in Italian research and industry, highlighting the great potential and challenges to be addressed in order to ensure the sustainability, efficiency and competitiveness of new energy supply chains.
In conclusion, Carlo Giorgio Visconti, co-organiser of the workshop for the Department of Energy together with his colleague Luca Lietti, highlighted the exceptional participation and the high standard of the presentations and subsequent discussions: “An experience that, as many of the participants asked us, cannot and must not end here. The meeting outlined the state of the art in the synthesis, distribution and use of sustainable fuels, highlighting the interest, expertise and numerous initiatives – including those at high TRL – currently underway in our country. Even in an energy scenario that will certainly become increasingly electrified, the use of fuels in internal combustion engines will remain a solution that we cannot do without for at least several decades. It is precisely in this context that the key role of e-fuels and biofuels in the energy transition is the message that each of us takes home from these two days of discussion.”.
