Tuesday, January 20, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
EN:lab, Department of Energy – Politecnico di Milano, Campus Bovisa
Abstract
Join us for the fifth seminar in our Meet the STEP-CHANGErs series, a platform showcasing the innovative research of PhD students in the Science, Technology, and Policy for Sustainable Change (STEP) program. Each session explores cutting-edge sustainability challenges and solutions, offering insights into how emerging research shapes real-world systemic change. The seminars also provide a valuable networking opportunity, with an aperitif following each session.
This session features two exciting talks:
Guido Carlo Masotti – Development of a Techno-Economic Methodology for Flexible Nuclear Hybrid Energy Systems
As the share of variable renewable energy grows and hard-to-decarbonize sectors demand low-carbon solutions, flexible energy systems are increasingly vital. Nuclear Hybrid Energy Systems (NHES) — combining nuclear reactors with other energy sources, storage, and non-electric applications — offer significant potential but face complex technical, economic, and regulatory challenges. This research develops a comprehensive framework to assess Small Modular Reactor-driven NHES, from system design and operation to their role in long-term decarbonization. By combining physics-based models, dynamic simulations, and techno-economic optimization, the study evaluates cost-effective layouts, operational strategies, and policy-relevant insights to support future NHES deployment.
Nithya Dhamodharasamy Sundarraj - A simulation based flight testing methodology to determine wind disturbance levels for the safe and sustainable realization of Urban Air Mobility (UAM)
Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is a new air transportation system concept that is meant to carry passengers and goods in and around cities using electric Vertical Take-off and Landing aircraft (eVTOLs). These aircraft are intended to operate in low altitudes, above densely populated cities, where wind conditions are turbulent. These characteristics enhance the complexity in physically flight testing these aircraft for certification and introduce operational safety risks such as trajectory deviation and increased energy consumption when flown in turbulent regions. Thus, this research focuses on providing a simulation-based flight testing methodology to quantify the wind disturbance levels for the safe and sustainable realization of UAM.
Please register here.