Unit DECARBONIZATION AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS

Course
Sustainable materials and processes engineering
Study-unit Code
A005999
Curriculum
Sustainable materials and processes
Teacher
Beatrice Castellani
CFU
15
Course Regulation
Coorte 2025
Offered
2026/27
Type of study-unit
Obbligatorio (Required)
Type of learning activities
Attività formativa integrata

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT

Code A006000
CFU 3
Teacher Francesco Di Maria
Teachers
  • Francesco Di Maria
Hours
  • 24 ore - Francesco Di Maria
Learning activities Affine/integrativa
Area Attività formative affini o integrative
Sector ICAR/03
Type of study-unit Obbligatorio (Required)
Language of instruction Italian
Contents Main aspect of the european environmental policy with particular focus on sustainable development and environmentla sustainability
Reference texts - Slides and classes notes
- La sostenibilità: fra scienza ed illusione
Educational objectives Supply to the students the following main skills:
- a critical perspective of the european environmental policy;
- fundamental tools for the implementation of a sustainable development study;
- fundamental tools for the assessment of the environmental impact of projects and/or facilites
Prerequisites Attendace of classes of physics, chemistry, mathematics and applied physics
Teaching methods - on line classes
- in presence classes
- practical examples
Other information none
Learning verification modality - development of project
- oral exam
Extended program -European environmental policy genesys
- Sustainable development, critical analysis of the definitions
- Sustainability assessment: Bellagio STAMP methodology
- Environmental Sustainability assessment: E-LCA and cultural theory
- Environmental impact assessment: regulations and main realted studies
Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile N.6, 7, 9, 12, 13

Code A006001
CFU 3
Teacher Beatrice Castellani
Teachers
  • Beatrice Castellani
Hours
  • 24 ore - Beatrice Castellani
Learning activities Affine/integrativa
Area Attività formative affini o integrative
Sector ING-IND/11
Type of study-unit Obbligatorio (Required)
Language of instruction Italian. Slides by the lecturer both in Italian and English.
Contents The course addresses the topic of carbon dioxide emission reduction and offsetting within the framework of the energy transition and climate neutrality goals. Starting from an analysis of the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions and their effects on the climate system, the course introduces the concepts of environmental impact, carbon footprint, and radiative forcing.
The main strategies for CO2 emission mitigation are then presented, with particular emphasis on energy efficiency measures, the decarbonization of energy and industrial systems, and the use of low-carbon energy carriers. The course also explores the principles and technologies for CO2 capture, utilization, and offsetting, analyzing their role in achieving environmental sustainability targets.
Finally, applications and case studies related to emission reduction in major energy and industrial sectors are discussed, highlighting the opportunities, challenges, and future perspectives of decarbonization strategies.
Reference texts Teaching materials edited by the lecturer. Scientific articles suggested by the lecturer.
Educational objectives The course provides fundamental knowledge of the main mitigation strategies adopted to achieve decarbonization and climate neutrality goals. It introduces students to the concepts of climate change, environmental impact and carbon offsetting, providing the tools needed to understand the role of technologies and policies aimed at reducing emissions in energy and industrial systems.

The main objective of the course is to provide the theoretical and practical knowledge required to analyze different CO2 emission reduction options, evaluating their technical, environmental and energy performance. Particular attention is devoted to CO2 capture and utilization technologies and their contribution to decarbonization pathways.

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to understand the principles underlying emission mitigation strategies, critically analyze the main available technologies and evaluate their advantages, limitations and potential within the framework of the energy transition.

The course also contributes to the development of the ability to interpret environmental and energy-related data, formulate assessments based on scientific and technical criteria and effectively communicate conclusions and recommendations. Finally, students will acquire the methodological tools necessary to independently deepen their knowledge of decarbonization and the sustainability of energy and industrial systems.
Prerequisites Not required
Teaching methods The course is delivered in blended mode according to the Edunext educational model. Learning activities include asynchronous online content and face-to-face sessions dedicated to the discussion, further development and application of the topics covered in the course.
Learning verification modality Oral test about the topics covered in the course.
Extended program 1. Climate Change and Decarbonization
Climate change, greenhouse effect, and radiative forcing. Environmental impact of energy and industrial systems. Emission mitigation strategies and climate neutrality targets.
2. CO2 Offsetting
Strategies for CO2 emission offsetting. Albedo as a carbon offsetting tool.
3. Emission Reduction in Energy Systems
Decarbonization of energy and industrial systems. Hydrogen and low-carbon energy carriers. The role of hydrogen in energy transition pathways.
4. CO2 Capture Technologies
Principles and technologies for CO2 capture. Performance assessment and main application areas.
5. CO2 Utilization and Synthetic Fuels
Technologies for CO2 utilization. Production and use of synthetic fuels and e-fuels in the context of the energy transition.
6. Applications and Case Studies
Analysis of case studies related to CO2 emission reduction and offsetting in major energy and industrial sectors.
Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile 7,13

Code A006002
CFU 3
Teacher Beatrice Castellani
Teachers
  • Beatrice Castellani
Hours
  • 24 ore - Beatrice Castellani
Learning activities Affine/integrativa
Area Attività formative affini o integrative
Sector ING-IND/11
Type of study-unit Obbligatorio (Required)
Language of instruction Italian. Slides by the lecturer both in Italian and English.
Contents The course addresses the topic of permanent carbon dioxide storage within the framework of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) strategies aimed at mitigating climate change. The principles of geological CO2 sequestration, transportation methods, and the main permanent storage options are analyzed, highlighting their potential, limitations, and safety aspects.
Particular attention is devoted to the physical and chemical mechanisms governing CO2 confinement in geological formations and marine environments, as well as to monitoring methodologies and performance assessment of storage sites. The course also explores innovative technologies based on hydrate clathrates and their potential for permanent CO2 storage.
Finally, case studies and applications of CO2 storage technologies are discussed in the context of decarbonization strategies for energy and industrial systems.
Reference texts Teaching materials edited by the lecturer. Scientific articles suggested by the lecturer.
Educational objectives The course provides fundamental knowledge of the main permanent carbon dioxide storage technologies adopted within Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) strategies. It introduces students to the principles of CO2 confinement in geological formations and marine environments, providing the tools needed to understand the role of geological storage in achieving decarbonization and climate neutrality goals.
The main objective of the course is to provide the theoretical and practical knowledge required to analyze different CO2 transportation and permanent storage options, evaluating their technical, environmental and energy performance.

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to understand the principles underlying permanent CO2 storage, critically analyze the main available technologies and evaluate their advantages, limitations and potential within the framework of the energy transition.
The course also contributes to the development of the ability to interpret experimental and environmental data, formulate assessments based on scientific and technical criteria and effectively communicate conclusions and recommendations. Finally, students will acquire the methodological tools necessary to independently deepen their knowledge of permanent CO2 storage and the sustainability of energy and industrial systems.
Prerequisites Not required
Teaching methods The course is delivered in blended mode according to the Edunext educational model. Learning activities include asynchronous online content and face-to-face sessions dedicated to the discussion, further development and application of the topics covered in the course.
Learning verification modality Oral test about the topics covered in the course.
Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)

Role of permanent CO2 storage in decarbonization strategies. Principles of Carbon Capture and Storage and its contribution to climate neutrality goals.

CO2 Transportation

Physical properties of CO2 and the main transportation methods. Technical and energy-related aspects.

Geological CO2 Storage

Principles of CO2 confinement in geological formations. Deep saline aquifers, depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs, and other geological formations suitable for permanent storage.

Marine CO2 Storage

Principles and technologies for CO2 confinement in marine environments. Opportunities and challenges associated with offshore storage solutions.

Hydrate Clathrates and Innovative Technologies

Hydrate clathrates: formation and stability principles. Applications for CO2 transportation and permanent storage. Future perspectives of innovative CO2 confinement technologies.

Storage Site Monitoring

CO2 trapping mechanisms. Techniques for evaluating the performance of CO2 storage sites.

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS: ASSESMENT

Code A006004
CFU 3
Teacher Giovanni Cinti
Teachers
  • Giovanni Cinti
Hours
  • 24 ore - Giovanni Cinti
Learning activities Affine/integrativa
Area Attività formative affini o integrative
Sector IIND-06/B
Type of study-unit Obbligatorio (Required)

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS: DESIGN

Code A006003
CFU 3
Teacher Giovanni Cinti
Teachers
  • Giovanni Cinti
Hours
  • 24 ore - Giovanni Cinti
Learning activities Affine/integrativa
Area Attività formative affini o integrative
Sector IIND-06/B
Type of study-unit Obbligatorio (Required)
Language of instruction Italian
Contents Resources and technologies for the energy transition, circular economy applied to energy systems.
Reference texts Slides
Educational objectives Characterization and quantification of resources. Performance and layouts of plants and components. MAss and energy balances.
Prerequisites Basic knowledge of energy systems and thermodynamics (energy, work, heat, cycles)
Familiarity with chemistry and physics fundamentals
General understanding of sustainability principles
Teaching methods Frontal lessons and numerical exercises
Other information NA
Learning verification modality Written report on lab activity or technology.
Oral test: n.2 open questions on powerplants and components.

Extended program Unit 1 – Energy Transition and Circular Economy Principles
Key drivers and challenges of the energy transition
Global and European strategies (EU Green Deal, SDGs)
Introduction to sustainability metrics for energy systems
Unit 2 – Renewable Energy Sources and Critical Materials
Overview of renewable energy resources
Critical raw materials (e.g. rare earths, lithium) in energy technologies
Recovery and reuse strategies in circular supply chains
Environmental indicators for resource sustainability
Unit 3 – Hydrogen Technologies and Their Sustainability
Hydrogen production: electrolysis, low-carbon reforming, innovative processes
Storage and transport: technical and environmental aspects
Fuel cells: types, performance, recyclability
Environmental benefits and trade-offs of hydrogen technologies
Unit 4 – Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA)
Fundamentals of LCA, LCC, and Social LCA
Software tools: SimaPro, OpenLCA, etc.
Application to hydrogen and energy storage technologies
Guided exercises with real-world datasets
Interpreting LCSA results for strategic decision-making
Unit 5 – Circular Economy in Hydrogen-Based Systems
Design for circularity in energy components and systems
End-of-life strategies for fuel cells, tanks, membranes
Circular business models in the hydrogen value chain
Case studies of circular hydrogen infrastructure
Unit 6 – Integration in Energy Systems and Environmental Simulation
Role of hydrogen in microgrids and smart grids
Simulation of low-carbon scenarios and impact analysis
Techno-environmental optimization of energy mixes
Integrated sustainability indicators (GHG, energy, water, etc.)
Unit 7 – Policies, Standards and Future Outlook
Technical standards and sustainability certifications (ISO 14040, 14044, 14067)
Combined TEA and LCSA approaches
International roadmaps on hydrogen and circular economy
Discussion: barriers and systemic opportunities

Obiettivi Agenda 2030 per lo sviluppo sostenibile 7-11-13