Dario Colombari
PhD thesis title: Optimization of Biogas and Biomethane Sector: System Integration of Innovative Processes and Technologies
Academic Tutor: Matteo Carmelo Romano
Academic Supervisor: Manuele Gatti
Industrial supervisor: Andrea Rossetti
Affiliate external company or research group: Group of Energy Processes and Technologies, Department of Generation Technologies and Materials, Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico – RSE S.p.A.
PhD cycle: 40° (see all student profiles of the same cycle > LINK)
BSc: Energy Engineering, Politecnico di Milano
MSc: Energy Engineering - Power Generation Track, Politecnico di Milano
Thesis abstract
The biogas and biomethane sector faces significant technical and economic barriers that limit the deployment of this programmable renewable energy resource. Although several innovative technologies have been proposed to enhance biogas production and utilisation, the optimal system integration strategies remain an open research challenge. This PhD project aims to develop an optimisation framework to support technology selection, component sizing, and operational scheduling at plant level, accounting for site-specific boundaries. The research is conducted within an Executive PhD Programme supported by Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico – RSE S.p.A.
This activity contributes to the “Bioenergy” project of Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico in the action “Production of biofuels and biohydrogen”. This project is financed by the Research Fund for the Italian Electrical System under the Three-Year Research Plan 2025-2027.
This activity contributes to the “Bioenergy” project of Ricerca sul Sistema Energetico in the action “Production of biofuels and biohydrogen”. This project is financed by the Research Fund for the Italian Electrical System under the Three-Year Research Plan 2025-2027.
Personal interest in my research theme
I believe decarbonisation and renewable energy are key pillars of a sustainable future. Bioenergy can play a significant role in this transition due to its dispatchability and its ability to produce renewable fuels. My research interests focus on energy system analysis and optimisation, particularly within complex and multidisciplinary contexts where engineering, biological, and sustainability aspects intersect. The diverse nature of bioenergy systems offers the opportunity to investigate topics ranging from biomass sustainability to plant integration through a holistic, system-level approach.
