Biofuels: from algae to the pump

Organized by: FEDERESCO

The recent energy crisis, like the climate crisis, strongly re-proposes the strategic issue of supply and source diversification. Biomethane is a renewable gas, meets the requirements of the circular economy and is an immediate, effective and strategic solution for our country to solve both environmental and energy problems. The conference intends to focus on all the previously mentioned aspects in order to correctly position biomethane in its very important role, including in the mobility of people and goods, for a truly sustainable energy transition. Specifically, the project analyzed proposes to use algae for the purpose of biomethane and biodiesel production; through a process of repowering diesel engines to biomethane, the use of the same for traction purposes and distribution in dedicated service stations. In addition, since both biomethane and biodiesel can be obtained from algae production, the dual purpose of being able to distribute the fuel to currently diesel-powered vehicles as well with significant CO2 reductions would be achieved. For this reason, it aims to provide operators, investors and public decision-makers with a realistic picture of the state of the art of the sector, from production to distribution, highlighting the potential but also the critical issues that still prevent its development and massive use in autotraction.

Session Chairs
Claudio Ferrari, Federesco President
Thomas Baumgartner, President ANITA
Andrea Rossetti, President Assopetroli

Program
Introduction and welcome
Claudio Ferrari, President FEDERESCO

Resources to incentivize energy efficiency and renewables
Mauro Mallone (*), MiTE Director General for Energy Incentives
Gas conversions of diesel engines
David Caponi, CEO NGV Powertrain

Fuel use on transportation vehicles
Thomas Baumgartner*, ANITA President

Present and future of the fuels sector
Andrea Rossetti, President Assopetroli-Assoenergia

Process for producing biofuels from microalgae
Nazzareno De Angelis, Researcher Studio World Enginnering and Econerg

Process of using algae for energy purposes
Roundtable discussion with all speakers
Moderator: Silvano Focardi, Professor University of Siena

Questions and closing remarks
C. Ferrari