Browsing by Issue Date, starting with "2025-11"
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- Foresighting Scenarios for Green Hydrogen in Portugal: Systematization of Potential Futures and Identification of Bottlenecks and ConstraintsPublication . Vieira, Mário; Alves, Marco; Simoes, Sofia; Quental, Lídia; Catarino, Justina; Ribeiro Pinto, Paulo Jorge; Oliveira, Paula; Simões, TeresaABSTRACT: The use of green hydrogen has emerged as a promising avenue for facilitating the decarbonization of society. In this study, the potential futures of green hydrogen in Portugal, a key player in Europe's energy transition, are explored. Utilizing General Morphological Analysis combined with advanced clustering, the various political, social, and technological elements are analyzed to create a multifaceted view of the sector's future. This results in seven distinct scenario clusters, each offering unique insights into the challenges and opportunities for green hydrogen. The scenarios span a range of outcomes, from rapid growth fueled by strong policy support and technological advancements to more measured development due to economic or infrastructural hurdles. This study intends to provide stakeholders a deep understanding of the factors influencing green hydrogen's role in Portugal's push towards a sustainable energy landscape by 2030. These results provide a basis for the development of new projects and research directions, providing them with the necessary knowledge to make informed decisions. Moreover, this study will contribute to decision support by facilitating actions aimed at fostering the appropriate development of green hydrogen.
- Improving bio-oil fractions through fractional condensation of pyrolysis vapors from Eucalyptus globulus biomass residues in a prototype auger reactorPublication . Vilas-Boas, A.C.M.; Tarelho, L.; Marques, C.C.; Moura, J.M.O.; Santos, M.C.; Paradela, Filipe; Nunes, M.I.; Silvestre, A.J.D.ABSTRACT: Bio-oil produced from the pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass has potential as a biofuel or chemical precursor. However, its valorization is hindered by its complex composition, high water concentration, and the presence of oxygenated compounds. Operational strategies are therefore required to improve its quality. This study evaluated the technical feasibility of fractional condensation as an alternative to conventional single-stage condensation of vapors produced from pyrolysis of residual Eucalyptus globulus biomass to collect bio-oil fractions with improved properties. The process was carried out using a prototype-scale auger reactor with continuous operation. The fractional condensation system comprised four sequential condensation stages operating at progressively lower temperatures: 140, 100, 80, and 0 degrees C. The collected bio-oil fractions were analyzed in terms of product yields, water separation efficiency, elemental composition, heating value, and the presence of volatile and semi-volatile compounds. The results demonstrated that fractional condensation achieved total bio-oil yields comparable to those obtained with the single-stage condensation system, while enabling the recovery of bio-oil fractions with lower water concentration, higher carbon concentration and increased heating value. Notably, the first condensation stage collected heavy fractions with water concentration between 3 % and 6 %wt., oxygen concentration between 17 % and 21 %wt., and carbon concentration between 69 % and 72 %wt., resulting in O/C molar ratios between 0.17 and 0.22, values close to those of biodiesel. These fractions exhibited lower heating values of up to 31 MJ/kg, surpassing those of conventional liquid biofuels such as biomethanol and bioethanol. These findings highlight the potential of fractional condensation of pyrolysis vapors from residual biomass from Eucalyptus globulus as an effective strategy to produce bio-oil with properties more suitable for direct energy use or as an intermediate feedstock for biofuels synthesis. Further research is recommended to optimize the condensation stages and assess the long-term stability of recovered fractions.
- Portugal Offshore Wind, Green Hydrogen, and Sustainable Fuels: Power-to-X PathwaysPublication . Simoes, Sofia; Portillo, Juan C. C.; Simões, Teresa; Estanqueiro, Ana; Catarino, Justina; Costa, Paula; Oliveira, Paula; Ribeiro Pinto, Paulo Jorge; Lopes, Fernando; Lopes, Tiago; Gano, António; Duarte de Castro Fontes, Maria Margarida; Gírio, FranciscoABSTRACT: Portugal has a vast coastal area and significant offshore wind resources. The country has set ambitious targets and designated specific areas for offshore wind development. Current national policies are actively encouraging investment in these projects. This report compiles the latest strategies for offshore wind and green hydrogen in Portugal. It introduces the Power-to-X (P2X) concept, explores potential offshore wind-based P2X business models, and outlines the key processes and technologies involved. It also maps potential consumers of green hydrogen, along with the associated supply chains for hydrogen and sustainable fuels. A techno-economic analysis was conducted to identify viable pathways for Portugal. This involved selecting one of the planned offshore wind zones and, based on its location and potential capacity, determining the optimal onshore site and scale for a hydrogen and sustainable fuels hub. The report presents a comparative evaluation of seven scenarios, offering valuable insights for both public and private sector stakeholders.
- Unprecedented U-Pb-Th SHRIMP and Lu-Hf isotopic data in zircon from Tandilia basement rocks, Argentina: new insights into Palaeoproterozoic and Neoproterozoic crustal reworking of the Rio de la Plata cratonPublication . Angeletti, Melisa; Chichorro, Martim Afonso; Castro, Antonio; Frisicale, María Cristina; Solá, A. Rita; Dimieri, Luis Vicente; Martinez, Juan CruzABSTRACT: We present new geochronological zircon data from the Siempre Amigos Hill (SAH), a small but representative portion of Tandilia Terrane within the R & iacute;o de la Plata Craton (RPC). U-Pb-Th SHRIMP data indicate a heterogeneous Palaeoproterozoic (Rhyacian) crust. A garnet-bearing granite (2165 +/- 16 Ma) hosts felsic (2108 +/- 13.6 Ma) to intermediate gneiss protolith (2104 +/- 8 Ma), andesite with a sanukitoid signature (2094 +/- 47 Ma) and granulites or charnockites. Additionally, calc-alkaline granitoids (2092 +/- 13 Ma) intruded, as a result of differentiation from an igneous mafic sanukitoid source. Localised low-temperature shear zones affected the sequence. Lu-Hf isotopic data for the post-orogenic stage (< 2.1 Ga) complement previous results, showing progressive negative epsilon Hf-(t) values. These isotopes suggest post-orogenic transtension. New Neoproterozoic ages (652 +/- 37 Ma, 618.4 +/- 11.2 Ma and 686 +/- 60 Ma) from granites, with low-to-very low zircon Th/U ratios, are presented as evidence of U-Th-Pb systems overprinting by Neoproterozoic (Cryogenian) thermal-hydrothermal events. Those Neoproterozoic ages are, within analytical uncertainty, equivalent to the 656 +/- 19 Ma metamorphic age obtained for the Palaeoproterozoic granulite. These new Neoproterozoic ages, suggests a thermal perturbation linked either to the collision of the Nico Perez Terrane against the passive margin of RPC, or the Neoproterozoic evolution of the Ventania System basement during the Brasiliano/ Pan-African orogeny.
- Como o trabalho do LNEG apoia a concretização do PNEC: Plano Nacional de Energia e Clima - Conheça 10 dos trabalhos do LNEG que contribuem para a concretização do PNECPublication . Simoes, Sofia; Simões, Teresa; Barbosa, Juliana Pacheco; Rodrigues, Carlos; Azevedo, Pedro; Cardoso, João; Facão, Jorge; Costa, Paula Silva; Justino, Paulo Alexandre; Gírio, Francisco; Reis, Alberto; Passarinho, Paula; Duarte, Luís; Moura, Patrícia; Abreu, Mariana; Estanqueiro, Ana; Couto, António; Oliveira, Paula; Quental, Lídia; Patinha, Pedro; Catarino, Justina; Picado, Ana; Ramalho, Elsa; de Oliveira, Daniel Pipa Soares; Filipe, Augusto; Albardeiro, Luís; Santos, Sara; Gonçalves, Pedro
- Systematic review on social acceptance of mining in the context of the energy transitionPublication . Santos, Elaine; Simoes, SofiaABSTRACT: This technical report presents a systematic review of the scientific literature on the social acceptance of mining in the context of the energy transition. The analysis covered 118 publications from 1998 to 2025 in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, integrating quantitative and qualitative methods. The results show the growth of the field (7.47% per year) and reveal the following central factors for social acceptance: community participation, transparency, procedural justice, institutional trust, and conflict management. Regional differences were identified: in Europe, the emphasis falls on governance and transparency, whereas in Latin America socio-environmental justice, conflicts, and expectations prevail. Despite the centrality of critical minerals for the energy transition, few studies explicitly articulate both themes. The report proposes recommendations for policymakers, companies, and communities, aiming at more participatory practices. This is the first LNEG study on this topic, contributing to public policies and institutional strategies in the mining sector.
- Mapping Critical Raw Materials (CRM) hard rock deposits in EuropePublication . Albert, Capucine; Bertrand, Guillaume; Berthier, Hervé; de Oliveira, Daniel Pipa Soares; Tulstrup, JørgenABSTRACT: This article presents the new version of the map of critical raw materials hard rock deposits that has been produced in the frame of the GSEU project (Geological Service for Europe). The map displays over 800 medium to very large deposits for 30 Critical Raw Materials (CRM) from the 2023 list of the European Commission, in 33 European countries. We explain the objective of this work and the process and methodology for collecting, compiling and harmonizing CRM data from multiple providers. We also describe the map itself, the information it carries and its availability. As an example of added-value output, we present a pan-European assessment of CRM potential, classified in 4 categories of confidence from “historical or non-compliant resource estimates” to “mineral reserves”. This assessment provides an image of the current known potential for CRM in Europe. Based on this exercise, we discuss the challenges and barriers of compiling and harmonizing mineral resources data at continental scale, and the future perspectives of this work we envision through the EGDI (European Geological Data Infrastructure). We also discuss the limitations of the map and dataset to raise awareness on their proper interpretation and use.
- A solar panel-origin microalga, Coelastrella thermophila D14, with high potential for wastewater biotechnologyPublication . Baldanta, Sara; Ferreira, Alice; Vinuesa, Arantxa Marco; García-García, Isabel; Gouveia, Luisa; Llorens, Juana Maria Navarro; Guevara, GovindaABSTRACT: Extremophilic environments are rich reservoirs for discovering microorganisms with vast biotechnological potential. Among these, microalgae stand out for their pivotal role in sustainable wastewater treatment and nutrient recycling. This study introduces Coelastrella thermophile D14, a microalga isolated from a solar panel, identified through morphological studies and genomic sequencing. The genus Coelastrella has been characterized and classified as highly productive strains valuable for biofuel and bioproduct generation as well as for their ability to produce significant amounts of carotenoids. Experiments revealed the extraordinary resilience of this strain to prolonged desiccation and high-strength piggery wastewater. Notably, D14 cultivated in 10% pig effluent exhibited biostimulant properties, achieving a germination index 23% higher than the control on Lepidium sativum. In a groundbreaking development, we have successfully established an Agrobacterium-mediated transformation protocol for C. thermophila D14, optimizing key parameters for effective T-DNA transfer. This marks a pioneering achievement within the genus Coelastrella. These findings highlight the significant potential of D14 as a robust platform for future biotechnological applications, opening new opportunities for innovative solutions, especially in environmental protection and sustainable agriculture.Key points center dot First microalga from solar panel biofilm: Coelastrella sp. D14 isolated and characterized.center dot Strain D14 tolerates prolonged desiccation and grows well in piggery wastewater.center dot Stable Agrobacterium-mediated transformation enables future metabolic engineering.Key points center dot First microalga from solar panel biofilm: Coelastrella sp. D14 isolated and characterized.center dot Strain D14 tolerates prolonged desiccation and grows well in piggery wastewater.center dot Stable Agrobacterium-mediated transformation enables future metabolic engineering.Key points center dot First microalga from solar panel biofilm: Coelastrella sp. D14 isolated and characterized.center dot Strain D14 tolerates prolonged desiccation and grows well in piggery wastewater.center dot Stable Agrobacterium-mediated transformation enables future metabolic engineering.
- Phenological Development, Productivity, and Oil Profiles of Different Safflower Cultivars for Biofuel ProductionPublication . Silva, Raimunda Adlany Dias; Gouveia, Luisa; Rocha, Thomaz Gabriel Barros; Gondim, Amanda Duarte; Lichston, Juliana Espada; Santos, Nataly AlbuquerqueABSTRACT: The production of oilseed biomass to meet the demand of the energy sector is constrained by several factors, including regional soil and climate conditions, phenological and production issues, such as yield and oil profile, and the compatibility of these factors with the requirements of the energy sector. Safflower is a small oilseed, and its brief phenological cycle and high productivity, concentration, and oil profile distinguish it as a notable candidate for research on energy applications. The objective of this study was to analyze the germination, seed vigor, yield, and oil profile parameters of safflower cultivars (IMAmt 1470, IMAmt 894, and IMAmt S525) with a view to determining their potential as biomass for the biofuel production chain, especially biodiesel and renewable aviation hydrocarbons. Safflower cultivars displayed high germination rates and germination vigor after 12 months of storage. They also met the production standards of 6797.7 kg ha-1 in 2021. The cultivar IMAmt-S525 exhibited a high oil content of 35%. The oil compositions of the safflower cultivars included in this study were found to be 9.7% palmitic acid (IMAmt1470), 71.82% linoleic acid (IMAmt 894), and 41% oleic acid (IMAmt 894 harvest 2022). It is recommended that the following cultivars be selected for production: IMAmt 894, IMAmt-S525, and IMAmt 1470, taking into consideration the physiological, production, and oil composition parameters. Since all three cultivars have high standards of physiological quality, productivity, and oil yield, they have the potential to be used as biomass to diversify oilseed matrices for biofuels.
- Modulating microalgal metabolism and its integration into dark fermentation: Challenges and opportunities with wastewater-grown biomassPublication . Ferreira, Jessica; Silva, Thiago; Saleme Aona de Paula Pereira, Alexia; Reis, Alberto; Zaiat, Marcelo; ; Calijuri, Maria LuciaABSTRACT: Microalgae represent a promising feedstock for the sustainable production of bioproducts and bioenergy, due to their versatile biochemical composition and environmental adaptability. Given the wide range of bioproducts that can be derived from their biomass, its biochemical composition suggests more favorable conversion routes and can be enhanced through cultivation conditions focused on the synthesis of one (or more) metabolites of interest to the biotechnology market. Accordingly, this review focuses on approaches for modulating microalgal metabolism, such as nutrient depletion and reactor configuration characteristics, among others, as well as on key outcomes obtained through two-stage cultivation, which combine phases of high biomass and metabolite productivity. From a resource recovery perspective, emphasis was placed on approaches that are more readily applicable to wastewater treatment plants. Furthermore, as energy-oriented routes are more suitable for valorizing of biomass grown in wastewater and considering that biohydrogen has been shown to be an emerging product of scientific relevance, this review also analyzes the limitations and strategies for integrating its production via dark fermentation. Pretreatment techniques and co-fermentation approaches were discussed as strategies to overcome the challenges associated with the anaerobic fermentation/digestion of microalgae due to their characteristics and biochemical composition. Finally, biorefinery configurations that integrate these processes were discussed from a scale-up perspective.