The Renew-Mel project originated from the union of two PON (Italian national publicly-funded) projects. Both projects shared the experimentation of innovative technologies for the energy production from renewable sources as a common denominator, and complementary objectives that were not missed by the Ministry of Scientific Research. In fact, the ministry requested the construction of a single laboratory instead of two, maximizing resources and collaborations.

From the beginning, the project had a multidisciplinary connotation and, from an university perspective, saw the participation of skills in the fields of hydraulics, electrical systems, electric machines, fluid machines, aeronautics, fluid dynamics, control systems, structures, as well as groups specializing in maritime construction and hydraulic measurements from the two proposing projects.

The main objective of the Renew-Mel project, from which the Laboratory was born, was to increase the efficiency and eco-sustainability of already mature technologies (wind, photovoltaic, and hydraulic) and to improve the reliability of those still in development (offshore wind, marine currents, and wave power).

It is precisely towards the latter that the Laboratory has focused its activities, though the creation of models of small-scale production systems to test in the field.