The challenge for the new National energy model, between decarbonization, Energy Communities and diversification of energy sources.

The scientific papers collected in this special issue are the content of a national conference held in Bari (Apulia region, Italy) from 12 to 14 September 2022. The conference was organized by the “Associazione Termotecnica Italiana” (ATI), Puglia and Basilicata section, on the theme “The challenge for the new National energy model, between decarbonization, Energy Communities and diversification of energy sources”, together with the University of Salento and the Polytechnic University of Bari. Experts the Energy and Environment sector joined the conference from all over Europe and Italy; they discussed the state of the art, innovation and future scenarios. The main topics covered are currently (2022) of great relevance: the energy and environmental conversion of large industrial plants; the “Energy Smart Communities” and energy ecosystems as well as storage systems; the REPowerEU plan, sustainable and affordable energy for Europe; Italian Hydrogen Valleys; new developments in nuclear energy; security and resilience of energy infrastructure and energy supply; hydrogen and new fuels; hydraulics, pneumatics and drive systems for energy transportation; propulsion systems and sustainable mobility; the energy efficiency and dynamic simulation in buildings; the refrigeration, heat pumps and energy and systems for IAQ. The conference gave, therefore, a strategic opportunity to discuss energy transition and possible choices, outlining future scenarios and forecasting the consequences on our industrial and economic system, in particular in the light of the delicate and unstable geopolitical and war scenarios that are going on. List of Organizing committee, Scientific committee are available in this Pdf.