Research Center in San Filippo del Mela (ME)

The Research Center, opened in 1998, is dedicated to research and technological development in the Downstream Oil & Gas.

R&D projects both internal for Eni or commissioned by external companies are developed.

The Center is located in an area of 32,000 m² in the town of San Filippo del Mela (ME) and is currently employing 24 people.

The main research topics include:

• Upgrading of heavy distillates and residues (optimization of operating conditions for hydroconversion; valorization of feedstock; catalyst evalutation).
• Development of EST technology (Eni Slurry Technology)
• Development of SCT-CPO (Short Contact Time - Catalytic Partial Oxidation) technology
• Production of electricity through fuel cell systems.

The following facilities are in the Center:

• Pilot plants that simulate refinery processes for converting heavy distillate and residual pressure;
• Analysis laboratories for the evaluation of product quality;
• Pilot plant for the production of hydrogen;
• Fuel cell systems for the production of electricity.