Massimo Santarelli
Massimo Santarelli is a professor in the Energy Department-DENERG of the Politecnico di Torino. Since 2026 he has led the European project SUSTAIN-ARCTIC – Advancing Climate-Neutral Research in the Arctic and Sub-Arctic Regions, funded by the European Union with 5.6 million euros [1][2].
The SUSTAIN-ARCTIC project
The project, coordinated by the Politecnico di Torino for three years, brings together 11 institutions from six countries (Italy, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Poland and France) with the aim of developing, testing and disseminating solutions capable of making research activities in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions climate-neutral, reducing the environmental impact of scientific infrastructure [1][2]. The approach is based on three strands: sustainable logistics, optimization of scientific field operations and digitalization of research, with the goal of overcoming Arctic bases' dependence on diesel generators through local production of renewable energy, storage systems and smart resource management [1][2]. Two demonstration installations are planned, in the Svalbard islands in Norway and in Finland, with energy systems based on photovoltaic and wind power [1][2]. Among the Italian partners is the CNR Institute of Polar Sciences [2]. The project also envisages the involvement of local communities and indigenous populations and the presentation of a proposal at the Arctic Circle Assembly 2026 in Reykjavík [2].
Statements
Commenting on the launch of the project, Santarelli noted that the Arctic environment is «under the lens of international attention, for essentially geopolitical reasons and the potential presence of resources» and because of the amplified effects of climate change at those latitudes, adding that the research activities place the Politecnico di Torino «at the center of a pioneering experience in sustainability and decarbonization in scientific research facilities operating in the Arctic area» [1][2].
Timeline
- — The Politecnico di Torino will coordinate, for the next three years, SUSTAIN-ARCTIC, a European project worth 5.6 million euros involving 11 institutions from six countries, aimed at making research activities in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions climate-neutral. → Politecnico di Torino CronacaQui Torino
Related articles: SUSTAIN-ARCTIC, SUSTAIN-ARCTIC Project Coordinated by Politecnico di Torino
Pages linking here
Sources
- Politecnico di Torino — 1 October 2026
- CronacaQui Torino — 1 October 2026