IN SHORT
The LOW CARBON ECONOMY (LCE) promotes the transition of the regional economy towards reducing dependence on fossil fuels, developing a regional industrial and research chain for all related technologies, promoting progressive decarbonization and limiting environmental impact, while preserving the competitiveness of the regional economy and its commitment to technological innovation in the energy sector. Finally, the aim is to encourage the development of an education system, at various levels and grades, for personnel with the skills required by companies, where these do not already exist, and continuing training for existing personnel.
STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES
1. Development of the biofuels, e-fuels, and hydrogen supply chain
This includes the development and optimization of biogas upgrading processes, systems for the production and distribution of alternative fuels, and components for the treatment of gas mixtures containing CH4, CO2, and H2. Topics of interest include electrolysis for hydrogen production, the development of technologies for optimizing alternative fuel production processes, such as methanation or the synthesis of methanol or jet fuels, starting from H2 and CO2 or from the gasification of residual biomass. In addition, the supply chain also includes hydrogen production and storage technologies and applications with fuel cells or in advanced thermodynamic cycles.
2. Development of the energy storage supply chain and smart, integrated energy networks.
This includes the development of energy storage systems that enable the integration of non-programmable renewable sources into energy networks. Within this supply chain, the aim is also to develop models and tools for the design, monitoring, and optimized management of complex energy networks with a view to smart energy networks, promoting the concept of zero-kilometer consumption-production, increasing the smart readiness indicators (SRI) of buildings, and interoperable technologies for smart cities. This also includes the development of advanced numerical optimization models and methods for complex energy systems/networks.
3. Development of the industrial decarbonization technology supply chain
This focuses on the adoption and application of innovative technologies for the electrification and increased energy efficiency of industry. The use of heat pumps and/or ORC cycles for waste heat recovery or to support innovative process schemes, as well as the development of new technologies for low-enthalpy waste heat recovery and the optimization of multi-energy cogeneration systems are among the aims of this supply chain. The development and integration of renewable energies in the regional context also falls within this strategic objective.
4. Development of the Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) supply chain.
This includes the development and optimization of processes and technologies aimed at the efficient capture of carbon dioxide and its conversion in combination with the availability of electricity produced from renewable sources and green hydrogen. In particular, topics related to Power-to-X and the mineralization of CO2 into compounds for construction may be addressed. A further objective is the study of technologies serving the gas treatment supply chains.
5. Development of a system for researching and training the technicians needed by companies
This focuses on the creation of a technological-scientific research ecosystem, involving close collaboration between research centers, universities, the higher education system, and industry, with the aim of producing research that can be transferred to the industrial sector and highly qualified personnel in line with the Emilia-Romagna Region’s Knowledge and Skills Pact.
