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How can green hydrogen from North Africa support EU decarbonization? Scenario analyses on competitive pathways for trade
Publication . Pinto, Maria Cristina; Simões, Sofia G.; Fortes, Patricía; CENSE - Centro de Investigação em Ambiente e Sustentabilidade; Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT); Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam.
The carbon-neutrality target set by the European Union for 2050 drives the increasing relevance of green hydrogen as key player in the energy transition. This work uses the JRC-EU-TIMES energy system model to assess opportunities and challenges for green hydrogen trade from North Africa to Europe, analysing to what extent it can support its decarbonization. An important novelty is addressing uncertainty regarding hydrogen economy development. Alternative scenarios are built considering volumes available for import, production costs and transport options, affecting hydrogen cost-effectiveness. Both pipelines and ships are modelled assuming favourable market conditions and pessimistic ones. From 2040 on, all available North African hydrogen is imported regardless of its costs. In Europe this imported hydrogen is mainly converted into synfuels and heat. The study aims to support policymakers to implement effective strategies, focusing on the crucial role of green hydrogen in the decarbonization process, if new competitive cooperations are developed.
Comparative analysis of energy poverty definition and measurement in Portugal and Spain
Publication . Palma, Pedro; Barrella, Roberto; Gouveia, João Pedro; Romero, José Carlos; CENSE - Centro de Investigação em Ambiente e Sustentabilidade; Faculdade de Ciências e Tecnologia (FCT); Elsevier BV
This paper aims to critically analyse and compare the definition and measurement of energy poverty reflected in the national policy strategies in Portugal and Spain and propose recommendations for their enhancement. The analysis is supported by a systematic literature review of indicators in the Iberian context. Results highlight that both definitions can benefit from broadening the scope and increasing the representativeness of energy services and types of vulnerability. Measurement can be enhanced using available data and indicators for increasing comprehensiveness, reducing redundancy, and considering depth and persistence. Higher effectiveness in energy-poor households’ identification requires increased indicator intersectionality and alternative indicators.
From Efficiency to Circularity in the Wastewater Sector
Publication . Rodrigues, Carlos; Martins, Tiago A. E.; Amaral, Leonor; DCEA - Departamento de Ciências e Engenharia do Ambiente; CENSE - Centro de Investigação em Ambiente e Sustentabilidade; MDPI - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute
The shift from traditional linear economic models to circular economy principles has gained momentum, particularly in the wastewater treatment sector. This transition relies on resource use efficiency, waste minimisation, and value creation. Nevertheless, a review of 83 articles, yielding 386 key performance indicators, reveals a significant lack of standardised methodologies for assessing circular economy performance in Wastewater Treatment Plants. This absence allows ambiguous outcomes and hinders comparative analyses across facilities and countries. There is a clear need for a universally applicable Key Performance Indicators-based framework that evaluates all environmental dimensions without forgetting the technical component while encompassing the various circularity strategies. Such a framework should not discard defined parameters’ costs and data availability, avoiding abstract parameters that may lead to data manipulation and require extensive additional costs. Standardising Key Performance Indicators with explicit units of measurement is essential to ensure data comparability. In addition, they should comply with the regulatory institutions’ evaluation requirements, at least while these methodologies have not yet evolved to incorporate broader circular and environmental considerations. Developing a standardised Key Performance Indicators-based framework is crucial for effectively evaluating circular economy performance in Wastewater Treatment Plants, ensuring comprehensive environmental assessment, data comparability, and alignment with regulatory standards. This approach would facilitate a more consistent and transparent evaluation of circular economy initiatives across diverse contexts.
Growing up in discomfort
Publication . Valente, Inês; Gouveia, João Pedro; CENSE - Centro de Investigação em Ambiente e Sustentabilidade; Elsevier
Energy poverty is a growing multidimensional concern worldwide, with children and young people particularly vulnerable. This age group spends a significant amount of time in both their houses and school buildings. To date, there has been little research on the dual vulnerability to inadequate thermal comfort conditions in these two environments. In Portugal, the exposure to inadequate thermal comfort in school buildings varies due to disparities in renovation efforts. This work aims to assess upper secondary school students' perception of energy poverty at home and thermal comfort inside classrooms. A survey method was employed comparing a sample of students from one renovated and one non-renovated school located in the Lisbon district. Surveys were complemented with interviews and surveys completed by other school stakeholders. The results indicate that between 4.2 and 14 % of students live in permanent discomfort (i.e., uncomfortable both at school and home). Despite the discomfort levels observed in students from the renovated school, it is possible to say that the renovation alleviated levels of discomfort. Students with health conditions and disadvantaged backgrounds were more likely to report discomfort than those who did not. This study raises awareness of an underexplored vulnerable group and provides valuable insights into the issue of energy poverty among young people. It addresses the need to incorporate this age group in energy-related school policies and future renovation programs.
Evaluating circular economy strategies and practices in households
Publication . Silva, Alexandre Rodrigues da; Ramos, Tomás B.; CENSE - Centro de Investigação em Ambiente e Sustentabilidade; Elsevier BV
Household daily activities, such as food acquisition, housing, and mobility, are closely linked to sustainability impacts, including climate change, raw material use, quality of life, and waste production. Multiple studies have been conducted to understand circular economy assessment in products, private or public organizations, eco-industrial parks, and cities. However, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding the assessment of circular economy practices implemented at the household level, including current strategies, and indicators. Thus, the present work aims at developing a self-assessment tool to assess and report the implementation of circular economy-based strategies and practices at the household level, including the definition of related consumption activities and indicators. This study is supported by a two-stage methodology, based on a mixed-method approach, focusing collaboration with residents'/family representatives, through a questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews. The main findings from the survey enabled the identification of householders’ consumption priorities, encompassing different circular economy related strategies and practices. This allowed a qualitative triangulation with an integrative literature review, resulting in a set of 38 household circular economy indicators that enable self-assessment and foster circular economy at the consumer level. Then, the developed tool was evaluated by a selection of interviewed stakeholders to gain insights into its usage, leading to the identification of several practical recommendations to enhance understandability and operability, including technicalities and language related issues. The developed self-assessment tool could encourage individuals and families to start considering voluntary CE evaluations and reporting, particularly as municipalities and other relevant stakeholders begin to recognize and request this information. This research contributes to the ongoing debate regarding the role of a circular household in the transition to sustainability, including its inherent assessment, and communication.
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Entidade financiadora
Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Programa de financiamento
Concurso de avaliação no âmbito do Programa Plurianual de Financiamento de Unidades de I&D (2017/2018) - Financiamento Base
Número da atribuição
UIDB/04085/2020