In order to achieve these objectives, the project has several lines of action.

Investigation of the potential efficiency and decarbonisation of the hydrogen carrier within the industrial sector by means of estimates based on experimental andprototypical cases.

Investigation of the potential efficiency and decarbonisation of the hydrogen carrier within the industrial sector through estimates based on experimental andprototypical cases.

The project studies the use of green hydrogen as a possible contribution to decarbonisation; this is done from a transition economy perspective by performing a Cost Benefit Analysis of different solutions. A comprehensive assessment of incentive instruments for reducing consumption in the industrial system, as envisaged by the sectoral goals of the NPEC, is carried out. The project also analyses the diffusion of technological innovation and digitalisation within industrial processes, as part of the Transition 4.0 Plan, in terms of their contribution to the decarbonisation and energy transition of the sector, and implements an observatory activity on the penetration of digitalisation and innovation in industry. The study also includes assessment of the technological and competitive positioning of Italian manufacturing with respect to the investment demand triggered by the decarbonisation goals. The study aims to provide elements of analysis to support institutions and businesses in the governance of digitalisation and businesses themselves, with a particular focus on energy-intensive businesses.

Therefore, the project also aims at developing new photocatalytic technologies for the optimal exploitation of non-programmable renewable sources: water, which is widely spread throughout the Earth’s crust, is broken down using sunlight for a sort of artificial photosynthesis to produce clean, renewable and low-cost oxygen and hydrogen. Research focuses on producing high-efficiency electrodes and systems.

Studying potential uses of industrial thermal waste for district heating

The characteristics and requirements of recoverable waste heat in different industrial sectors are explored with a view to the reuse of recovered waste for district heating, and LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) techniques are used to analyse the economic and financial viability of this energy carrier, including in terms of its contribution to decarbonisation. Quantitative elements are provided to the regulatory authority and competent bodies to better calibrate actions to promote projects for the recovery of this energy resource

These studies are intended to complete the investigation, which is always carried out from a transitional economy perspective, of the different forms of energy for their optimal exploitation, so that all the components functional to the objective are exploited.

Analysis of the environmental impacts of energy-efficient technologies and solutions for industrial processes.

The activities developed in this area are mainly experimental (e.g., development of innovative efficient technologies aimed at minimising and monitoring emissions of greenhouse gases and pollutants consistent with the evolving regulatory framework); they are carried out in close contact with the industry and are also intended to support pre-regulations on the monitoring of emissions.

In this context, RSE also proposes studies aimed at designing efficient systems applicable to geothermal energy at the national level, to exploit this energy source in a more efficient way (e.g., use of heat exchangers directly in unconventional wells).

Development of efficient membrane systems for technical gas production.

RSE laboratories are at the forefront internationally in the development of ceramic membrane systems to expand technical gas production systems into processes operating at high temperature, with a view to energy efficiency. The project involves the fine-tuning of the membrane manufacturing process and the scaling-up, modelling and fabrication of modules, for their testing under operating conditions.

Immersive reality project on energy efficiency in Industry

RSE has developed an immersive reality project to raise awareness and encourage interaction with the public on the ole of the industrial sector with respect to energy issues and the energy transition; through a virtual time machine, it has highlighted the technological and efficiency evolutions already undertaken by the sector and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in the short and medium term.

The interaction will deepen the knowledge/awareness of the macro values at stake in terms of resource consumption and its impacts, the complexity of the processes involved and the evolutionary trends that have been set in motion in recent years