Mathematical models for energy, waste and water management in circular economy

The research group studies and develops mathematical programming methods and models for the analysis of energy markets, water and waste management in circular economy, industrial sectors subject to environmental regulation, and risk management. For investing these topics, the group uses different approaches such as deterministic and stochastic equilibrium models (equilibrium and complementarity problems, variational and quasi- variational inequalities, MPEC and EPEC) and Data Envelopment Analysis. Among the issues addressed, we enumerate the assessment of the impacts of the development of renewable energy resources (investments in solar, wind, biomass and geothermal power plants) on electricity prices and on the security of supply in the framework of the decarbonisation process of the European power system; the evaluation of the eco-efficiency of production processes; the adaptation of the emission permit allocation strategies for some sectors involved in the EU-ETS; the optimization of financial support policies for decarbonisation processes. In the context of the circular economy and sustainability, the research group proposes closed-loop supply chain models for the management and recycling of waste; models for the efficient use of water resources and models for the implementation of electric vehicles. A further focus is represented by the risk management applied to these issues. Moreover, the group members participate in several research projects and have consolidated collaborations with renowned foreign researchers.