The European energy scenario evolution in the following years is guided by ambitious goals that aim at limiting the global average temperature increase and reaching net-zero carbon emissions by the year 2050. To support the transition towards energy mixes characterized exclusively by renewable energy sources, both old and new energy systems can be studied with the final goal of making them operate cleanly in this context and fill in the gaps left by intermittent renewables.

My research focuses on the modeling, control and optimization of such systems: I will talk about the Italian natural gas transportation network and the Solid-Oxyde Semi-Closed CO2 cycle case studies. Both examples are large-scale energy systems: the first for its geographical extension, the second for the number and the level of details characterizing the components of the power plant. The transportation network offers an example of a pre-existent strategic energy system that may be modernized, while the power plant is an innovative thermal power generation system concept employing carbon capture and storage technologies to prevent pollution during operations. Along the presentation, I will describe the modeling techniques employed to analyze such systems, the challenges faced while handling huge size models, possible techniques to overcome them and, finally, the main outcomes of my research.