Lithium batteries and the energy transition: the story of Pietro Bertocchi
Graduate in Energy Engineering, now a PhD candidate at the Department of Energy, he won the Master's Thesis Award “Enel Foundation – Polimi Partnership for Polimi Ambassador in Green Technologies and in Smart Infrastructures Year 2026"
When asked why he chose Politecnico di Milano, Pietro Bertocchi answers without hesitation: "Ever since I was a child I've always been drawn to scientific subjects and to the curiosity of understanding how, but above all why, something works." A natural inclination toward engineering, he says, that led him to a reasoned rather than instinctive choice: "I'm not someone who often makes gut decisions, especially when it comes to the future. Looking back, I'm convinced I made the right choice."
Born in Monza and living in Milan, Pietro earned his master's degree in Energy Engineering on April 3, 2025, following the Green Power Systems track, focused on technologies for producing and storing clean energy from both traditional and renewable sources. At the same time, he obtained the Polimi Ambassador in Green Technologies certification, a program that, among other things, allowed him to apply for the award.
A thesis on lithium batteries, between experimentation and modeling
Pietro's thesis, titled "Experimental and modeling investigation of thermal properties degradation in lithium-ion battery with internal temperature measurements", was carried out at the MRT Fuel Cell & Battery laboratory of the Department of Energy. The research investigated the thermal behavior of lithium-ion batteries, both new and aged, using innovative experimental methods based on optical temperature sensors.
This is a topic Pietro continues to explore today as a PhD candidate in the STEN – Energy and Nuclear Science and Technology program, also at the Department of Energy, broadening his focus from how devices work to their diagnostics and, ultimately, to high-performance applications.
Why this particular award
"It immediately seemed strongly aligned with both my course of study and the subject of my thesis," Pietro explains. "Electrochemical devices like batteries become very important in an energy system with a strong integration of non-programmable renewable technologies. A better understanding of their thermal behavior makes it possible to make these devices more efficient, thereby reducing costs."
Reaching first place in the ranking fills him with pride: "I see this thesis award as the culmination of a long and demanding journey, but one that has also brought great satisfaction."
The future of green technologies
For Pietro, green technologies are already deeply transforming our daily lives, starting with the world of energy. "I think the way we live, and our relationship with technology, has also changed on a social level: today there is greater attention to the choices we make, with a growing awareness geared toward sustainability and efficiency."
He adds a reflection that sums up the meaning of his journey:
Innovation and change don't happen by chance; they are the result of a gradual process made up of trial, adaptation and a great deal of hard work.
A dream for “when he grows up”
After his PhD, Pietro imagines bringing his skills into the energy industry rather than continuing in academia. "I couldn't say where I see myself in 5 or 10 years, but my greatest hope is to find a job that is motivating, engaging, and that allows me to make a positive difference, even a small one."
On the possible impact on the country, his view is clear: bridges need to be built between research and industry. "Only through real collaboration between research and industry can we create a concrete impact and turn innovation into tangible results, bringing what comes from research 'down to earth.' Rather than a clean separation, what's needed is mutual cross-contamination, ongoing dialogue, and a partial integration that fosters solutions capable of making a real difference."
You get nothing without commitment and determination, but excellence can only be achieved through your own motivation, and that motivation must necessarily come from within ourselves. I think this sentence captures the essence of my journey so far.