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 |
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| Hours |
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| 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 |
|
| Hours |
|
| 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 |
|
| Hours |
|
| 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 |
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| Hours |
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| 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 |
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| Hours |
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| 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 |