66679 - Chemical Technologies for Energy Production

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course, the student is able to assess the issues associated with the production of environmentally-friendly fuels through refining and chemical transformation techniques. This includes processes such as catalytic cracking, catalytic reforming, hydrocracking, and thermal and catalytic processes for residue transformation. Additionally, the student can compare various transformation techniques for fossil and renewable raw materials into fuels and combustibles.

Course contents

Module 1 – The Global Energy System and the Role of the Chemical Industry in Energy Production

The course opens with an overview of the global energy system and the historical evolution of energy resources, examining the distribution of fossil energy reserves, the growth of energy demand, and the major economic, geopolitical, and environmental challenges associated with energy production and consumption. Particular emphasis will be placed on the pivotal role of the chemical industry in the development of energy technologies, introducing the concepts of energy security, sustainability, and energy transition that will underpin the entire course.

Module 2 – Petroleum and the Refining Industry

This module focuses on petroleum as the primary feedstock for the energy and petrochemical industries. After introducing the origin, composition, and classification of crude oils, the course will examine the structure and operation of modern refineries, including primary separation processes and the main refinery configurations adopted to maximize the production of transportation fuels and other petroleum products. The economic role of refining, the integration between refining and petrochemical production, and the ongoing evolution of refineries toward more sustainable and integrated industrial systems will also be discussed.

Module 3 – Conversion Processes in Petroleum Refining

This module provides an in-depth analysis of the main chemical and catalytic processes employed to convert petroleum fractions into high-value transportation fuels. The chemical principles and industrial applications of thermal cracking, catalytic cracking (FCC), hydrocracking, catalytic reforming, isomerization, alkylation, hydrotreating, and hydrodesulfurization will be discussed, with particular attention to process objectives, operating conditions, catalyst design, product quality, and technological innovations aimed at improving process efficiency, fuel quality, and environmental performance. The integration of these processes within modern refinery schemes will also be examined.

Module 4 – Production and Quality of Transportation Fuels

Building upon the refining technologies introduced in the previous modules, this section examines the production and formulation of transportation fuels. The properties and quality specifications of gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation fuels, and marine fuels will be discussed together with current environmental regulations governing fuel composition. Particular attention will be devoted to fuel quality parameters, the role of additives, and catalytic technologies developed to reduce pollutant emissions, including automotive catalytic converters and advanced exhaust after-treatment systems.

Module 5 – Synthetic Fuel Production and Syngas Valorization

This module introduces the main chemical technologies for the production of synthetic fuels from synthesis gas. The course will focus on Fischer-Tropsch synthesis and the production of synthetic liquid fuels through Gas-to-Liquids (GTL), Coal-to-Liquids (CTL), and Biomass-to-Liquids (BTL) technologies. Methanol synthesis and its subsequent conversion into fuels and chemicals will also be addressed, highlighting the growing role of syngas chemistry in low-carbon fuel production and future energy systems.

Module 6 – Biofuels and Biomass Valorization

This module presents the principal technological pathways for the production of renewable fuels from biomass. The production technologies for biodiesel, Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), bioethanol, biogas, and biomethane will be examined, together with emerging routes based on lignocellulosic biomass and agricultural or industrial residues. Environmental, technological, and regulatory aspects governing the deployment of biofuels will also be discussed, emphasizing their contribution to the progressive replacement of fossil-derived fuels.

Module 7 – Hydrogen as an Energy Carrier

This module examines the role of hydrogen in future energy systems by analysing the main production technologies based on both fossil and renewable resources. Different production pathways—including grey, blue, green, and turquoise hydrogen—will be compared from technological, economic, and environmental perspectives. The module will also address hydrogen storage and transportation technologies, industrial applications, fuel cells, and the role of hydrogen in hard-to-abate industrial sectors.

Module 8 – Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) and Carbon Management

This module introduces the main Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technologies, discussing their operating principles, process configurations, and industrial applications. The concepts of Carbon Management and Circular Carbon Economy will also be explored, with particular emphasis on carbon dioxide utilization, Power-to-X technologies, and the production of synthetic fuels and chemicals from captured CO₂.

Module 9 – Emerging Energy Technologies and Future Perspectives

The final module integrates the knowledge developed throughout the course by examining the evolution of energy technologies in the context of global decarbonization strategies. Major energy scenarios developed by the International Energy Agency (IEA) will be discussed together with the growing importance of electrification, critical raw materials, energy storage, and emerging technologies for sustainable energy production. The objective is to provide students with the scientific and technological tools required to critically assess the evolution of chemical technologies for energy production and to understand their role within the ongoing energy transition.

Readings/Bibliography

The material presented during the course and to support individual study will be made available on the Virtual platform (https://virtuale.unibo.it/).

Teaching methods

A wide variety of teaching techniques will be used, from traditional lectures to group work on course-related topics, to the use of seminars and tutorials and parts in e-learning. Attendance is highly recommended to grasp the key critical aspects of the subject and the connections between the different parts of the program.

Assessment methods

Learning will be assessed with a 20-30 minute oral interview through an integrated discussion of at least three topics covered, with the first one chosen by the student. It will be particularly important for the student to demonstrate the ability to make interdisciplinary connections, use technical-scientific terminology, and discuss case studies described during the course.


AI can be a useful tool to support individual study with in-depth research, summaries, and self-assessment activities. As for the assessment of learning, during the in-person exam, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

The course takes place through lessons and practical activities held in the classroom, with the lessons recorded via Panopto. The activities in the course also make use of materials such as PowerPoint presentations, videos, and interactive whiteboards; all the teaching materials are accessible to students on the teaching platform https://virtuale.unibo.it/.

Inclusion and Support

Students with learning disabilities (DSA) or other disabilities can access the University's support services and arrange personalized teaching and assessment methods.

Office hours

See the website of Stefania Albonetti