Italy, a peninsula extending into the Mediterranean, is home to ENEA (the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development), a national research institute responsible for applied research. Headquartered in the capital city of Rome, ENEA operates under the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, focusing on energy technologies and clean nuclear fusion technologies. We spoke with Director General Dr. Giorgio Graditi, who leads the institute’s research and development efforts, to learn more about ENEA’s role and his impressions of participating in RD20.

ENEA, Italy’s national research institute, focuses on areas such as energy, environmental protection, technology transfer, and sustainable economic development. The institute places particular emphasis on innovative energy technologies, renewable energy sources, energy storage, and distribution. In the realm of energy, ENEA also pursues sustainable nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, and high-efficiency energy safety. The institute is not only staffed with highly skilled researchers but is also equipped with advanced laboratories, experimental platforms, and cutting-edge facilities. As part of its applied research, ENEA works on digitalization and smart technologies to drive the energy transition, aiming to improve the integration and efficient use of renewable energy while fostering active participation from citizens, industries, and various stakeholders across the energy value chain. In this context, ENEA designs and develops prototype solutions and enabling technologies for smart grids, smart cities, and smart mobility.
ENEA currently operates 11 research centers and employs 2,300 personnel.

ENEA is also advancing its research activities through collaborations both domestically and internationally, partnering with industry and academia to drive research focused on energy transition. The goal of these research activities is to further promote greener energy production systems, with a particular focus on expanding the generation of electricity and heat from renewable energy sources.

It is also crucial to enhance the flexibility and resilience of power grids as energy systems. This involves promoting the adoption of renewable energy through innovative energy conversion systems in key areas. Thanks to the introduction of innovative technologies related to the hydrogen supply chain and energy storage systems, ENEA is strengthening its research on new materials and the associated production technologies with the aim to reduce costs, energy use, pollution, thus increasing environmental and economic benefits for society.

The Broad Scope of Clean Energy

ENEA is organized into four Departments: Energy Technologies and Renewable Sources; Nuclear; Sustainability; and the Energy Efficiency Unit. Among these, the Energy Technologies and Renewable Sources Department focuses on research and development related to technologies, methodologies, processes products, and prototype planning. The aim is to increase the share of renewable energy, diversify energy sources in the medium to long term, reduce pollutant emissions, promote energy decarbonization, enhance energy efficiency, and lower energy costs. Research within these departments covers areas such as photovoltaic solar energy, both concentrated and non-concentrated solar thermal energy, the entire hydrogen energy value chain (i.e., reforming, electrolysis, storage systems, fuel cells, and e-fuels), and various energy storage systems, including batteries.

Additionally, ENEA is looking towards the production of clean energy carriers, such as green hydrogen, and the proactive deployment of new solar cells. By integrating a sustainable development model focused on clean energy, ENEA aims to strengthen all sectors of the renewable energy value chain. From this perspective, private sector investment opportunities in the photovoltaic energy value chain can foster the growth of domestic companies in the production of PV cells and modules. With years of expertise in manufacturing next-generation solar cells and modules, ENEA can focus on high-efficiency tandem components, such as cells layering silicon and perovskite materials. In concentrated solar power systems, ENEA is pioneer to the use of molten salts mixtures, i.e. heat transfer fluids and thermal storage materials, as a substitute for traditional diathermic oils.

ENEA has been conducting research and development on the use of hydrogen since the late 1990s. The institute has explored various methods of hydrogen production, including the use of carbonaceous compounds and the application of thermochemical and electrochemical technologies.

In its hydrogen research, ENEA has agreed to carry out a national project in collaboration with Italy’s Ministry of Environment and Energy Security, supported by a €100 million grant from the government. The project focuses on the entire hydrogen value chain, from green and clean production to distribution and storage, all the way to the end user. It will be implemented across various sectors, including industry, civil and residential building, transportation (heavy and light, railway, naval, air).

In the development of systems for energy storage, thermal and electrochemical (batteries) processes are crucial for the growth of renewable sources. ENEA’s approach covers the entire battery value chain. This includes ensuring the sustainability, performance, and long-term safety of new materials and advanced battery systems.
Additionally, ENEA is actively supporting the development of digital technologies for various applications in future innovative energy systems. For example, in photovoltaic energy systems, AI is used to monitor normal and abnormal operations, while advanced predictive technologies leverage innovative modelling such as digital twins. In essence, digital technologies are being applied across the board.

Mediterranean Collaboration, Italian Style

ENEA collaborates with research institutes and universities at national level and around the world. Dr. Graditi believes that building collaborations is essential. It is necessary to engage in discussions and exchange opinions together to achieve common goals, as this facilitates the transfer of knowledge and technology.

Italy has recently updated its National Integrated Energy and Climate Plan, submitting the latest document to the European Commission in June 2024. The overarching objective is to accelerate progress in key areas that promote a sustainable, low-carbon future for the country. The updated plan strongly commits to expanding electricity production from renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. The production and use of renewable fuels, such as biomethane and hydrogen, are also high on the list of priorities. The plan includes specific measures to streamline the permitting process for new renewable energy projects, enhance power grid infrastructure through the adoption of cybersecure digital technologies, and promote the development of energy storage systems to mitigate the intermittency of renewable energy sources.
In terms of renewable fuels, increased use of biofuels derived from non-food crops and waste materials is encouraged in the transport sector, as they are seen as a way to reduce emissions from existing vehicles which cannot be electrified. Particularly in aviation and shipping, electrification is not yet feasible, therefore the integration of biofuels into the fuel mix will help to achieve low-carbon emissions in these sectors.

The Mediterranean region is well-suited for solar and wind energy. It is ideal for the development, production, and commercialization of solar-based renewable fuels, such as green hydrogen and green fuels. In other words, Italy’s abundant solar resources and strategic geographical location could make it an important hub for the export and import of renewable fuels like green hydrogen, green ammonia, and synthetic liquid hydrocarbons.

Dr. Graditi also serves as the President of MEDENER (Mediterranean Association of National Agencies for Energy Management). This association connects governmental agencies across Mediterranean countries to pursue energy efficiency, renewable energy sources and new energy vectors. Additionally, it provides support in designing and implementing energy management policies in the region.

Collaboration―One of RD20’s Goals

International collaboration and horizontal division of labor aim not only to share knowledge, data, and best practices but also to harmonize standards and maximize and capitalize investment and efforts in research and innovation. Cooperation between governments is also actively pursued, with collaborations between research institutions and foreign as well as Italian ministries.

ENEA also collaborates on topics of interest with countries outside Europe. For example, partnerships exist with the Australian National University, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Texas Tech University, the National Institute of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (INER) in Ecuador, Cuba’s Group of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industries (BioCubaFarma), Agence Nationale pour les Energies Renouvelables of Senegal, the Energy and Resources Institute and the Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology in India, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute in Korea, as well as Toshiba Corporation and NEDO in Japan.

Dr. Graditi has attended past RD20 meetings held in Japan and expressed his desire to participate again. “I’ve seen RD20’s focus on the transition to clean energy as a means to address climate change. The role of the forum is to connect a wide range of opinions and strategies. Themes such as technologies and solutions for the critical goal of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy are indispensable,” states Dr. Graditi.

It is crucial to increase opportunities for interaction to share information, ideas, knowledge, and experiences. “RD20 addresses these collaboration needs by providing a unique platform. I believe this is what research institutions around the world are looking for. It is highly effective and important for networking and knowledge exchange,” says Dr. Graditi. RD20 offers valuable insights and guidance that can influence global policies for governments and international decision-makers.

Expectations for RD20 2024 in India

With a population of 1.36 billion people, India is experiencing remarkable economic growth. Urbanization is advancing, and its manufacturing industry is also developing. Along with this growth, energy demand is rapidly increasing. While coal remains the primary energy source, the Indian government is reforming the energy market and transitioning towards electricity and clean energy, aiming to integrate renewable energy into the power grid. The RD20 Conference in India provides a great opportunity to expand participation and is expected to be a valuable event for various stakeholders and sponsors.

Kenji Tsuda Editor in Chief, Semiconductor Portal