In the service of scientific progress, research lies at the core of our commitment, driving the development of innovative and sustainable energy solutions on a global scale.
Research: The Heart of the Department
The Department of Energy is a recognised centre of excellence at both the national and international levels in the energy sector.
It brings together cross-disciplinary and multidisciplinary scientific expertise, which is essential for exploring, developing and disseminating research in this complex and constantly evolving field. Maintaining a technologically neutral vision, it operates across the entire energy value chain: from technologies for energy production, conversion, transportation and usage, with a focus on social and environmental sustainability, to the analysis of environmental and socio-economic impacts, energy security and risks, which are crucial for addressing the energy transition. It collaborates with Italian and European governmental agencies and actively participates in competitive research projects, operating in a highly relevant international context. Moreover, it forms alliances with national and international companies to develop and strengthen its research infrastructures.
Our Research Themes
The Department’s multidisciplinary expertise is structured and enhanced through macro-themes that span the entire energy value chain, addressed across the five Research Sections. Starting with technological, process and plant-related topics, these expand to include environmental and socio-economic impacts, energy security implications and risk analysis, which are essential for tackling the complexity of the energy transition.
Further details on the Department’s Strategic Project. (.PDF file)
The analysis of primary resources and energy conversion processes highlights the roles of fossils and renewable sources in energy transition scenarios, with particular attention to the issues arising from the growing penetration of renewable sources. Additionally, research focuses on the development of technologies to reduce environmental impact and explores the potential benefits of nuclear energy.
The study of energy components and processes aims to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact and limit energy consumption. The technologies studied range from thermodynamic cycles and processes to pollution reduction devices and CO2 capture, as well as new energy carriers such as hydrogen, biofuels and e-fuels. The research also covers technologies for renewable sources and energy and material recovery, including the optimisation of fluid dynamics, heat exchange and mass transfer processes.
Research focuses on the development of electrochemical storage systems and the creation of resilient and integrated electricity grids necessary for managing the increasing share of energy from renewable sources. Solutions for utilising surplus renewable energy to produce synthetic fuels (including hydrogen) are explored, as well as the planning and operation of the electricity system and the development of smart grids.
Research activities extend to the civil, industrial and transport sectors, focusing on increasing energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions. Life cycle analysis plays a crucial role in identifying the most effective technologies for decarbonisation.
Activities focus on developing multi-scale models to assess the impacts and risks of energy systems, integrating simulation analysis, demand forecasting and environmental impact assessment. These tools are crucial for supporting informed and sustainable energy decisions at the local, national and global levels.
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Five Research Sections, One Department
Organisationally, the Department of Energy is divided into five closely interconnected Research Sections, each with specialised expertise in different thematic areas. Each Section is composed of faculty members and subdivided into dedicated research groups.

Electrical Engineering
Involves the design and integration of components in electrical power systems, with a focus on smart grids, energy efficiency and electric transportation systems.
Coordinator: Prof. Roberto Faranda
Research Groups:
Converters, electrical machines and drives (CEMD)
Electrical engineering and measurement (EEM)
Electric systems for energy and transportation
(ESET)

Nuclear Engineering – CeSNEF
Focuses on theoretical modelling and experimental development in various nuclear sectors, from reactor physics to radioactive waste decommissioning.
Coordinator: Prof. Andrea Pola
Research Groups:
Signal analysis and risk analysis (LASAR)
New generation nuclear reactors (NRG)
Radiation detection and measurements (RDM)

Thermal Engineering and Environmental Technologies
Involves applied research in mass and heat transfer, developing innovative solutions for the design of devices and processes in energy and environmental sectors.
Coordinator: Prof. Andrea Casalegno
Research Groups:
Advanced technologies for environmental conditioning (HVAC)
Buildings’ environment and energy systems (BEES)
Sustainable Energy System Analysis and Modelling (SESAM)
MRT Fuel Cell and battery (MRT FC&B)
Heat and mass transfer (HMT)

Technologies and Chemical Processes and Nanotechnologies
Involves the study of advanced nanomaterials, catalytic materials, reactors and processes for energy vector production and pollutant reduction.
Coordinator: Prof. Andrea Li Bassi
Research Groups:
Laboratory of catalysis and catalytic processes
(LCCP)
Micro and nanostructured materials (NanoLab)
Battery materials engineering (BMEL)

Machines, Propulsion, Energy Systems
Involves research on thermofluid dynamics of machines, CFD modelling, propulsion and the techno-economic analysis of energy systems.
Coordinator: Prof. Paolo Chiesa
Research Groups:
Laboratory of fluid machines (LFM)
Internal combustion engines (ICEG)
Propulsion, optical diagnostic and combustion
(PODC)
Energy conversion systems (GECOS)
Alcuni progetti selezionati
Electrical Engineering
Involves the design and integration of components in electrical power systems, with a focus on smart grids, energy efficiency and electric transportation systems.
Coordinator: Prof. Roberto Faranda
Research Groups:
Converters, electrical machines and drives (CEMD)
Electrical engineering and measurement (EEM)
Electric systems for energy and transportation
(ESET)
Nuclear Engineering – CeSNEF
Focuses on theoretical modelling and experimental development in various nuclear sectors, from reactor physics to radioactive waste decommissioning.
Coordinator: Prof. Andrea Pola
Research Groups:
Signal analysis and risk analysis (LASAR)
New generation nuclear reactors (NRG)
Radiation detection and measurements (RDM)
Thermal Engineering and Environmental Technologies
Involves applied research in mass and heat transfer, developing innovative solutions for the design of devices and processes in energy and environmental sectors.
Coordinator: Prof. Andrea Casalegno
Research Groups:
Advanced technologies for environmental conditioning (HVAC)
Buildings’ environment and energy systems (BEES)
Sustainable Energy System Analysis and Modelling (SESAM)
MRT Fuel Cell and battery (MRT FC&B)
Heat and mass transfer (HMT)
Technologies and Chemical Processes and Nanotechnologies
Involves the study of advanced nanomaterials, catalytic materials, reactors and processes for energy vector production and pollutant reduction.
Coordinator: Prof. Andrea Li Bassi
Research Groups:
Laboratory of catalysis and catalytic processes
(LCCP)
Micro and nanostructured materials (NanoLab)
Battery materials engineering (BMEL)
Machines, Propulsion, Energy Systems
Involves research on thermofluid dynamics of machines, CFD modelling, propulsion and the techno-economic analysis of energy systems.
Coordinator: Prof. Paolo Chiesa
Research Groups:
Laboratory of fluid machines (LFM)
Internal combustion engines (ICEG)
Propulsion, optical diagnostic and combustion
(PODC)
Energy conversion systems (GECOS)