The main topics of research and technological development in upstream are:

• Geology: the laboratories provide specialized services and assure maintenance and development of know-how related to experimental geology, remote sensing and geology prospecting, crustal geodynamics  and paleoclimatology. The data are used for exploration and reservoir studies, in integration with other disciplines for geological reconstruction and modeling and for characterization of sedimentary basins. The activities are divided into four macro-areas: Experimental Geology, Geology Prospecting and Remote Sensing, Crustal Geodynamics and Paleoclimatology, Core Laboratory.
• Geochemistry: the experimental activity is aimed at defining the geochemical model normally used as input into the Petroleum System Modeling. A significant part of studies is dedicated to the support of production and development activities, establishing fluid distribution and heterogeneity in the reservoir. Laboratories can be divided into three main areas: Source Rock Evaluation, Molecular Geochemistry, Isotope Geochemistry.
• Petroleum Engineering: the laboratory activities aim at the characterization of the porous medium and fluids. The laboratories are divided into four macro-areas: Petrophysical and Fracturing Analysis, Geomechanics, Improved Oil Recovery/Enhanced Oil Recovery, Thermodynamics & Gas Chromatography.
• Drilling & Production: these laboratories have R&D activities to assist the production sites of E&P Division and research on topics related to production optimization. The working groups are respectively dedicated to drilling and completion fluids, cements, flow assurance, formation damage and water management.
  For issues relating to radiation protection,  is an institution recognized by the Department of Radiation Protection, which includes testing laboratory spectrometers and the Laboratory of Dosimetry.

Research and technological development activities in the downstream are intended to:

• Increasing complexity and flexibility of the refining system, increasing the ability to choose the cheapest feedstock (mix of raw and semi-finished products) in terms of market opportunities.
• Adapting the production to the evolution of expected demand for petroleum products (diesel growth vs. gasoline reduction, fuel oil contraction).
• Strengthening the integration of the production system upstream (crude equity) and downstream (petrochemical).
• Increase the production of premium price fuel with less environmental impact and better engine performance.

In this perspective the most relevant industrialization projects of proprietary technologies are:

• EST (Projects: Sannazzaro, Revamping RHU Taranto, Venezuela, Congo)
• Hydrogen Production via SCT-CPO technology
• Biodiesel from microalgae (Project Gela)

Besides these R&D projects relating to refining key technologies are:

• New role of FCC in refinery (Flexible FCC).
• New catalytic systems for hydrocracking of distillates and residues (Dual Catalyst Slurry Systems)
• Basic research projects on New Fuels and Lubricants
• New Green Diesel project (upgrading of LCO to diesel and heavy fuel from FCC in cofeeding of biological feedstocks).
• Oligomerization (transformation of light olefins to diesel / kerosene).

In the following graph the patents and the scientific papers produced by Downstream R&D in the last years are reported. Besides the patents in the downstream sector, the scientist gave contributions to patents in all the other areas of Eni business.

The Research Center also offers services and facilities to Eni and external customers in order to support research and technological development:

• Advanced analytical techniques
• Certified Analytical Laboratories
• Advanced modeling
• Engine & Emissions Test
• Pilot Plants