In this interview of the XL-Connect Interview Series, we speak with Massimo Delogu (Associate Professor) and Lorenzo Berzi (Researcher) from UNIFI, recorded at the University of Florence.
We explore how the University is developing and testing innovative approaches to integrate mobility, energy, and urban design within a complex campus environment. The discussion focuses on the “Moving Lab” and “Campus Design” demonstration activities, which aim to manage distributed university buildings as a connected energy system and prepare for large-scale EV charging integration.
Lorenzo Berzi shares insights into how renewable energy, user behaviour, and data-driven optimization are being combined to reduce grid congestion and improve energy efficiency. The interview also highlights the role of students and researchers in real-world experimentation, from virtual optimisation to the deployment of physical charging infrastructure.
Finally, the conversation looks ahead to the broader role of universities as living laboratories for connected mobility ecosystems, and how initiatives like XL-Connect can support more sustainable, resilient, and user-centred energy systems.
Check out the full interview.
