ABOUT US
Energy Dome is a dynamic company based in Milan, Italy, founded in February 2020.
We are a long-duration energy storage solutions provider unlocking renewable energy by making solar and wind power dispatchable using the CO2 Battery.
OUR MISSION
To fight climate change with new technology capable of drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere.
OUR FOCUS
Our focus is long duration energy storage to enable dispatchable and affordable renewable energy production, thereby decarbonizing the energy industry and providing a more sustainable future for all.
Our Team
Energy Dome is a dynamic and innovative Italian company composed of engineers, innovators and business professionals. Our team has a track record from previous ventures in developing, designing and building more than 500 MW of geothermal, heat recovery, CSP, biogas and biomass power plants based on proprietary innovative technologies.
Management Team
Claudio Spadacini
Founder and CEO
An engineer by trade and entrepreneur by nature, Claudio Spadacini is an engineer with a deep knowledge of conventional and renewable energy systems, turbomachinery, and thermodynamic processes. Claudio has a proven track record of founding energy ventures and developing them from early concept to profitable long-term operations. Prior to becoming a founder and CEO of Energy Dome, Claudio created and led Exergy S.p.A., overseeing the development of more than 460 MW of geothermal, waste heat recovery, and concentrated solar plants. Each of these facilities utilizes patented radio outflow turbine technology that Claudio designed. He also founded Sebigas S.p.A., a biogas company with a portfolio of over 80 plants. Together with Andrea Dossi, Claudio co-developed Idroelettrica Cavaglio, a hydroelectric developer with rock drilling techniques. Claudio holds a master’s degree from the Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy, in mechanical engineering, with a focus on turbomachinery, energy production, and conversion.
Dario Rizzi
Co-founder and CTO
Dario Rizzi, COO / CTO of Energy Dome, is a leading expert in the design and commissioning of thermodynamic processes and rotating machinery, with decades of industry experience. He previously worked as a technical director for Exergy S.p.A. where he oversaw the construction of 30 power plants and the company’s turbine production, assembly, and testing facility. Dario has more than 30 patents on the Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC), radial outflow turnbo-generators, and turbomachinery construction methods. He holds a master’s degree in Industrial and Mechanical Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy.
Francesco Oppici
Co-founder and Chief Product Officer
Francesco Oppici, co-founder and chief product officer at Energy Dome, is a dedicated engineer and business developer with experience in emerging international markets and a passion for driving successful product lines. Previously the sales and business development director at Exergy S.p.A., Francesco successfully started a regional office in Mexico City. Francesco specializes in plant design optimization and cost estimation. He holds a master’s degree in Energy Engineering and Power Production from the Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy.
Simone Penati
Head of Engineering
Passionate about fighting climate change, Simone has over a decade of experience in the power, renewable energy, and pharmaceutical industries and is now the head of engineering at Energy Dome. Having led multidisciplinary teams in designing and commissioning industrial plants and machineries, Simone is an expert in breakthrough technologies relevant to the energy sector. He graduated cum laude from Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy, with a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering; his thesis explored the integration of chemical looping combustion in IGCC plants for carbon capture and sequestration.
Fabio Arienti
Process Engineer
Fabio Arienti, process engineer at Energy Dome, is a talented energy professional with international experience and a deep knowledge of thermodynamic and mechanical power plant equipment. He has more than six years of experience commissioning operations of Organic Rankine Cycle plants, particularly geothermal heat recovery facilities.
Fabio Vitale
Process Engineer
With a master’s degree in Energy Engineering and Operations from the Polytechnic University of Turin, Italy, Fabio Vitale brings extensive knowledge and experience in production and process engineering to Energy Dome. An active partner in the ongoing energy transition, Fabio’s industry expertise is matched by his passion for positive corporate culture.
Simone Panella
Junior Process Engineer
Simone Panella is a passionate engineering professional with a master’s degree in Energy Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy. He specializes in power production with a focus on renewable sources, energy conversion, and thermodynamic processes. His widely recognized thesis proposed a numerical optimization of Organic Rankine Cycles (ORC) in on-design and off-design configurations with a concentrated solar plant and storage system.
Filippo Molteni
Automation & Control Engineer
Filippo Molteni is an experienced electrical and automation engineer with a track record of providing technical leadership and guidance in integrated automation, process control, and electrical systems. Over the past eight years, he has developed extensive knowledge in planning project scopes, designing budget estimates, and solving complex technical issues. Filippo has worked in Europe, Asia, and Australia in renewable energy facilities, including geothermal, heat recovery, and wastewater treatment plants.
Joe Ferrari
VP Sales, Americas
Joe Ferrari is Energy Dome’s VP of Sales, Americas, and has nearly two decades of experience in the energy space, helping utilities meet clean energy adoption targets. Joe previously worked at MAN Energy Solutions where he specialized in renewable fuels for seasonal storage and long-duration thermal storage. He also spent 15 years at Wartsila North America, where he spearheaded market development efforts for the energy transition and helped bring over $1 billion of fast and flexible energy capacity to North and Central America. Joe is the author of Electric Utility Resource Planning: Past, Present and Future, a book guiding utilities, policy makers, and academia toward a clean energy future. Joe holds a master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Cincinnati as well as a master’s degree in Natural Resource Science from the University of Maryland, U.S.
Paul Smith
VP Sales, Europe
Paul is responsible for business development and commercialization of the CO2 Battery technology in Europe and the Middle East.
Paul has more than 25 years of experience throughout the international energy industry value-chain, ranging from senior commercial and leadership roles with major European renewables IPPs, international construction of large-scale solar and energy storage projects and conventional gas power technologies.
Jonathan Roncolato
Product Engineer
Jonathan Roncolato has deep knowledge of computational fluid dynamics and numerical simulation of energy systems. After working with innovative startups and industrial partners in concentrated solar power (CSP) and energy storage, specifically A-CAES technology, Jonathan enthusiastically joined Energy Dome as product engineer to take a leadership role in the energy transition. Jonathan holds a master’s degree in Energy Engineering and Power Production from the Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy.
Giancarlo De Franco
Technical Sales
Giancarlo De Franco is a member of Energy Dome’s Technical Sales team and is passionate about energy and engineering projects. Having previously developed software to optimize machine performance for an industrial compressor manufacturer, Giancarlo has a breadth of experience in R&D. He has also formerly worked for a technical consulting and engineering company in the electric power sector. Giancarlo holds a master’s degree in Energy Engineering and Energy for Development from the Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy.
Marco Alberio
Technical Sales
Marco is a Technical Sales Associate at Energy Dome with a plethora of knowledge in R&D engineering, including CO2 battery deployment. He previously worked as an engineer at Exergy ORC, an international company focused on electricity generation from biomass, geothermal, and waste heat recovery from chemical and manufacturing processes. He holds a master's degree in Energy Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy. Marco’s graduate thesis focused on the development of a python mean-line model for the design and performance assessment of Organic Rankine Cycle radial inflow turbines, presented at Turbo Expo 2021 (Turbomachinery Technical Conference & Exposition).
Andrea Colombo
Electrical Engineer
Andrea Colombo is an electrical engineer and a graduate of the Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy. After two years of working in electric traction, specifically with railways and subways, he decided to shift to renewable energy with Energy Dome, where he leverages his cross-disciplinary expertise.
Antonio Lezzi
Supply Chain Manager
Antonio Lezzi has over 12 years of experience in procurement and logistics. Prior to joining Energy Dome, he held a variety of senior positions, including procurement and supply chain manager in the electromechanical industry, where he specialized in strategy development and the procurement cycle. Antonio holds a master’s degree in Telecommunication Engineering from the University of Naples Parthenope, Italy.
Samuela Beretta
Technical Buyer
Samuela brings a decade of experience in the energy and water treatment industries to her position as Energy Dome’s technical buyer. Samuela is a skilled strategist with experience in project management, material supply agreements, and major Middle Eastern contractual agreements. She holds a master’s degree in Languages for Intercultural and Business Communication from the University of Milan, Italy, and recently completed a course in Global Procurement & Sourcing at Rutgers University in New Jersey.
Niccolò Priano
Project Manager
With over eight years of project management experience in the energy sector, Niccolò Priano has worked with engineering, procurement, and construction companies to further the energy transition. He formerly supervised and managed the completion of thermal oxidizer and heat recovery plants and now brings that knowledge to Energy Dome as a project manager. Niccolò holds a master’s degree in Energy Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Milan with a specialization in the petroleum sector from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim.
Ben Potter
SVP Strategy, Corporate Development and Investor Relations
Ben Potter, SVP Strategy, Corporate Development and Investor Relations, brings experience across the energy value chain, including capital acquisition, M&A, corporate strategy, and renewable energy project development. He also sits on the Board and Investment Committee of Decentral Energy Capital, a solar private equity fund. Ben previously worked as a venture partner at Prospect Capital, senior strategy manager at EY in London, and head of energy at Cala Capital, in addition to serving as an economic advisor to various emerging market government entities. He is an economist by training, with graduate degrees from London School of Economics, UK, and University of Cape Town, South Africa, and an undergraduate degree from University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa.
Tiziana Sarto
Marketing & Communications Manager
Tiziana is a marketing and communications professional specializing in long-term business development and strategic growth. In her previous role at Directa Plus, Tiziana oversaw the listing of one of the largest global producers of graphene on the London Stock Exchange. She is passionate about ensuring the alignment of marketing and communications with broad corporate strategies to drive impactful change for clients. Tiziana graduated cum laude from Milan Catholic University with a master's degree in International Relations and European Integration, where she developed an innovative thesis in advanced economics.
Paolo Cavallini
Head of Finance
Passionate and curious, Paolo Cavallini holds a master’s degree in Management Engineering with a concentration in Energy and Sustainability Management from the Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy. Formerly a group controller responsible for international M&A projects across a variety of industries, he joined Energy Dome as Head of Finance to help build a more sustainable world.
Ilenia Geronimi
Financial and Administrative Specialist
Ilenia Geronimi is an experienced accountant with an exceptional track record working with several high-profile firms and an Italian bank. She is pleased to be part of Energy Dome, where she leverages her talents to drive growth in renewable energy. Ilenia holds a master’s degree cum laude in Business Administration and Law from the University of Pavia, Italy.
Eric Watson
Sales Manager US
Eric Watson is a U.S. Sales Manager at Energy Dome. He has extensive experience with long-duration energy storage technology, having previously worked as an applications engineer with Highview Power (LAES) and a sales engineer with Largo Clean Energy (VRFB). Eric holds a master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Arizona, U.S., where he designed and optimized a concentrated solar plant.
Federico Minoli
Sales Manager
Federico is a Sales Manager with experience both in technical design and commercial negotiation. He worked in ORC plants and in large size cooling businesses, following contracts in traditional power production and in renewable energy, with main EPCs and Utilities. He has a double master’s degree in energy at Politecnico di Milano and Torino, with a thesis on the optimization of district heating networks with integration of solar panels and thermal storage in the network.
Alberto Giannone
Site Manager
Alberto Giannone graduated with a master’s degree in Energy Engineering (Production and Conversion) from the Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy, and has over a decade of experience working in renewable energy plant management. Focused on biogas facility upgrades, Alberto is experienced in domestic and international project development, including engineering, site management and commissioning.
Board of Directors
Claudio Spadacini
Board Member
An engineer by trade and entrepreneur by nature, Claudio Spadacini is an engineer with a deep knowledge of conventional and renewable energy systems, turbomachinery, and thermodynamic processes. Claudio has a proven track record of founding energy ventures and developing them from early concept to profitable long-term operations. Prior to becoming a founder and CEO of Energy Dome, Claudio created and led Exergy S.p.A., overseeing the development of more than 460 MW of geothermal, waste heat recovery, and concentrated solar plants. Each of these facilities utilizes patented radio outflow turbine technology that Claudio designed. He also founded Sebigas S.p.A., a biogas company with a portfolio of over 80 plants. Together with Andrea Dossi, Claudio co-developed Idroelettrica Cavaglio, a hydroelectric developer with rock drilling techniques. Claudio holds a master’s degree from the Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy, in mechanical engineering, with a focus on turbomachinery, energy production, and conversion.
Cesare Maifredi
Board Member
Cesare Maifredi - General Partner - Milan.
Cesare Maifredi is a seasoned professional in tech venture capital, strategic planning, and corporate finance, with over 15 years of work experience in the US and Italy. He began his career in management consulting where he rose through the ranks at firms such as Accenture and Bain & McKinsey before joining 360 Capital in 2010. Cesare has since supported over €200M in fundraising activities in addition to managing over a dozen technology venture investments across Europe, including Invendo Medical (sold to Ambu A/S), EPS (sold to Engie SA), Musement (sold to TUI Group AG), and Neutrino (sold to Coinbase Inc). Cesare holds an M.B.A. from the University of Virginia, U.S., and a master’s degree in Industrial and Mechanical Engineering from the University of Brescia, Italy.
James Ferrier
Board Member
James Ferrier is an Impact Investment Director at Barclays in the Principal Investments team. He leads the company’s Sustainable Impact Capital Program which invests in environmentally focused startups that accelerate the transition towards a net-zero future. His 25 years of transaction and portfolio management experience spans careers at Barclays and EY, where he worked on large portfolio sales, buyouts and mid-market PE deals in the Americas, Europe and Asia. He is a Chartered Accountant and Tax Advisor and holds a master’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Oxford, UK.
Andrea Dossi
Board Member
An experienced manager and entrepreneur, Andrea Dossi is a board member of Energy Dome. He is currently Vice President of Gruppo Sapio, a leading company in the production of industrial gasses. He works for Gruppo Sapio’s Biorep division, which handles the collection, transportation, processing, cryopreservation and distribution of quality biological materials. He is also an advisor for Iniziative Biometano, which owns biogas and biomethane projects. Together with Claudio Spadacini, Andrea founded Idroelettrica Cavaglio, a hydroelectric developer with an innovative rock drilling technology that boasts the longest drilled tunnel of its kind in the world. Andrea holds a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Logistics and Production from LIUC University, Italy.
Ben Potter
SVP Strategy, Corporate Development and Investor Relations
Ben brings experience across the energy value chain, including capital raising, M&A, corporate strategy and renewable energy project development. He is on the Board and Investment Committee of Decentral Energy Capital, a solar private equity fund. His previous roles include working in cleantech investment banking as a Venture Partner at Prospect Capital, Senior Strategy Manager at EY in London, Head of Energy at Cala Capital and working as an economic advisor to various emerging market governments. He is an economist by training with an MSc (London School of Economics), MCom (University of Cape Town), and BSc (University of the Witwatersrand).
Board Observers
Gabriele Gallotti
Board Observer
Gabriele Gallotti is a board observer at Energy Dome. Before founding Novum Capital Partners in 2018, Gabriele was a managing director at JP Morgan in Geneva, where he built a client portfolio of over $4 billion. Gabriele’s specialty is advising clients on their full balance sheet including all aspects of wealth planning, portfolio management and credit advice. Between 2011 to 2016, Gabriele served as a member of the JPMorgan Private Banking Advisory Council. He started his career at BSI in Lugano and moved to Geneva, where he led the Bank’s advisory team. Gabriele holds a degree from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy.
Sebastiano Silvestri
Board Observer
Sebastiano joined A2A as Innovation Manager in 2018 and since 2020, has led its Corporate Venture Capital program focusing on early-stage startups in the energy transition and circular economy space. Sebastiano previously worked as a business consultant at Accenture Strategy in energy & utilities. Sebastiano holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management from Bocconi University, Italy, and a master’s degree in Environmental Management from IE Business School, Spain.
Marcin Klopot
Board Observer
Marcin Klopot is an impact investment manager at Barclays in the Principal Investments team. With more than a decade of experience spanning careers at Barclays, Credit Suisse and GE Capital, which included work on complex securitization portfolio risk transfers and mid-market leverage finance deals in Europe, Marcin is a highly sought after investment manager. He is a chartered financial analyst and holds a master’s degree in Operational Research from Strathclyde University, UK.
Mario Scuderi
Board Observer
Mario Scuderi is a senior partner at CDP Venture Capital, the largest VC firm in Italy supporting innovative and fast growing industries. He is Head of the Evolution Fund, which focuses on Series A and B rounds for Italian deep tech companies. Mario has more than a decade of experience in the venture capital industry, having previously worked at Sistema Investimenti, Invitalia Ventures, and TIM Working Capital. Mario holds a master's degree in Management Engineering from the University of Catania, Italy. He is also a winner of the Kauffman Fellowship, a Silicon Valley-based program for innovation, leadership, and venture capital.
Advisory Board
Marc Murnaghan
Advisory Board Member
Marc Murnaghan is an advisory board member at Energy Dome. He is the CEO of Polaris Infrastructure, Inc. In this capacity, he has negotiated contracts with San Jacinto, the largest operating geothermal power plant in Nicaragua. Marc brings deep expertise in capital markets, having spent over 20 years in senior investment banking roles with Cormark Securities, Inc. and National Bank Financial Inc. leading efforts to raise capital for companies in the solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, biomass, power electronics, battery technologies and fuel cell sectors. He currently chairs the Board of Directors at Autism Speaks Canada, the leading autism science and advocacy organization in Canada. Marc holds an Honours of Business Administration from the University of Western Ontario, Canada.
Ennio Macchi
Advisory Board Member
Ennio Macchi is an advisory board member at Energy Dome. He is an Emeritus Professor at the Polytechnic University of Milan, Italy, where he helped develop and later direct the University’s energy department. Professor Macchi has served as a scientific manager of Italian and international research programs and consulted multiple energy organizations and utilities. Professor Macchi is the author of over 200 scientific papers; he has been published in leading journals on the topics of applied thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, turbomachinery, heat exchangers, heat pumps, power cycles, energy efficiency, thermoelectric power plants, renewable energy, cogeneration, gas turbines and combined cycles, waste-to-energy treatment, environmental impacts of energy systems, sustainable coal, carbon dioxide capture and sequestration, and hydrogen.
Felice Egidi
Advisory Board Member
Felice Egidi is an advisory board member at Energy Dome. He has spent the last several decades working for major energy companies. He previously served as Endesa Italia’s COO and Ergon Energia’s CEO. After Endesa Italia was acquired by E.ON Group, Felice was appointed procurement executive director of the Italian branch. Later, Felice joined Enel Green Power S.p.A. as Executive Vice President for regulation and antitrust. From 2016 to 2019 he was appointed as Enel’s vice-president for European Public Affairs in Brussels. Felice holds a master’s degree in Advanced Management from INSEAD Fontainebleau, France.