Press releases and news

Pollution from cars, heating and industry is a key factor of deterioration of cultural heritage, as shown by an ENEA report which demonstrated the harmful effects of the main air pollutants (nitrogen oxides and PM10) on three UNESCO heritage sites: the Royal Palace of Caserta, the cathedral of San Doimo in Split (Croatia) and the Würzburg Residence (Germany).

A joint team from ENEA and University of Pavia has developed an innovative material which can capture silver nanoparticles dispersed in water. The outcomes of the research were published in the scientific journal "Molecules". Ultrafine silver particles, smaller than 100 nanometers in size, exihibit disinfectant properties that make them one of the most used products in nanotechnology, with an annual production of around 500 tonnes. Their use in medical-health devices, household appliances, furniture, toothbrushes and clothes, involves their dispersion in water, where they can remain intact for many days.

ENEA, in collaboration with Enel Green Power, has created the first algovoltaic system in Italy, which couples photovoltaic electricity with the cultivation of microalgae for applications in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry. The algovoltaic plant, just completed at the ENEA Research Center in Portici (Naples) as part of an agreement between ENEA and Enel Green Power, generates an annual production of approximately 30 kilograms of dried algae with a module surface area of 40 m2 and a power of 7 kWp (peak value).

ENEA general director Giorgio Graditi attended the fifth international RD20 conference in Japan focused on clean energy technologies and carbon neutrality. At the "Leaders' Session", Graditi illustrated to representatives of the main research institutes of the G20 countries the leading cutting-edge technologies and projects in the energy field ENEA is working at to jump-start the energy transition and net-zero climate impact.

The new issue of the ENEA scientific magazine “Energy Environment and Innovation” (EAI), entitled “Innovators and Innovation” and dedicated to innovative tools, international best practices and new cultural approaches, is online, with contributions from Bombassei, Carrozza, De Santis, Metta, Prete, Profumo and Zarri.

Creating a network of stakeholders in Italy and abroad to implement a circular economy in cities is the objective of the 2.2 million euro NiCE European project, which comprises nine partners from eight EU countries, including ENEA for Italy. In the partner cities, Bologna in Italy, innovative urban approaches will be developed, focused on the creation of multifunctional resource centers and on the use of empty spaces for circular offers.