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Industrial Off-Gas Fermentation for Acetic Acid Production: A Carbon Footprint Assessment in the Context of Energy Transition
No full textABSTRACT: Most industrial processes depend on heat, electricity, demineralized water, and chemical inputs, which themselves are produced through energy- and resource-intensive industrial activities. In this work, acetic acid (AA) production from syngas (CO, CO2, and H2) fermentation is explored and compared against a thermochemical fossil benchmark and other thermochemical/biological processes across four main Key Performance Indicators (KPI)—electricity use, heat use, water consumption, and carbon footprint (CF)—for the years 2023 and 2050 in Portugal and France. CF was evaluated through transparent and public inventories for all the processes involved in chemical production and utilities. Spreadsheet-traceable matrices for hotspot identification were also developed. The fossil benchmark, with all the necessary cascade processes, was 0.64 kg CO2-eq/kg AA, 1.53 kWh/kg AA, 22.02 MJ/kg AA, and 1.62 L water/kg AA for the Portuguese 2023 energy mix, with a reduction of 162% of the CO2-eq in the 2050 energy transition context. The results demonstrated that industrial practices would benefit greatly from the transition from fossil to renewable energy and from more sustainable chemical sources. For carbon-intensive sectors like steel or cement, the acetogenic syngas fermentation appears as a scalable bridge technology, converting the flue gas waste stream into marketable products and accelerating the transition towards a circular economy
Revisão sistemática sobre a aceitação social da mineração no contexto da transição energética
No full textRESUMO: Este relatório técnico apresenta uma revisão sistemática da literatura científica sobre a aceitação social da mineração no contexto da transição energética. A análise abrangeu 118 publicações entre 1998 e 2025, em inglês, português e espanhol, integrando métodos quantitativos e qualitativos. Os resultados evidenciam o crescimento no campo (7,47% ao ano) e revelam os seguintes fatores centrais para a aceitação social, como participação comunitária, transparência, justiça procedimental, confiança institucional e gestão de conflitos. Identificam-se diferenças regionais: na Europa, a ênfase recai sobre governação e transparência, enquanto na América Latina prevalecem justiça socioambiental e conflitos e expetativas. Apesar da centralidade dos minerais críticos para a transição energética, poucos estudos articulam explicitamente os dois temas. O relatório propõe recomendações para decisores, empresas e comunidades, visando práticas mais participativas. Trata-se do primeiro estudo do LNEG sobre esta temática, contribuindo para políticas públicas e estratégias institucionais no setor mineiro
Aplicación del enfoque ‘Play-Based Exploration Pyramid’ adaptado al mapeo de recursos geotérmicos profundos a escala europea en el proyecto Europeo GSEU
No full textABSTRACT: This work introduces version 1.0 of the Pan-European Atlas of Sustainable GeoEnergy Capacities (SGC), developed within the GSEU (Geological Service for Europe) project. The Atlas applies the Play-Based Exploration Pyramid (PBEP) approach to harmonize and standardize the assessment of deep geothermal resources across Europe. The methodology follows a multiscale structure—Levels 0 to 3—that refines geothermal understanding from regional geosystems to detailed local targets. Version 1.0 has been published in spring 2025 via the European Geological Data Infrastructure (EGDI) and includes Levels 0 and 1. Level 0 provides public data from boreholes and thermal springs, serving as the base for Level 1, which maps favorable areas for geothermal exploration using Geothermal Play Typing (GPT). The release includes a catalogue of near 400 factsheets describing each GPT unit, along with a metadata report. Future versions (2.0 in 2025 and 3.0 in 2026) will introduce deeper layers of detail. Level 2 will identify potential geothermal reservoirs using 1D stochastic estimations of geothermal and heat storage potential. Level 3 will compile existing 2D/3D maps and models for detailed local-scale reservoir assessments. Altogether, the Atlas supports Europe's energy transition by enhancing knowledge and visibility of its deep geothermal potential.RESUMEN: Este trabajo presenta la versión 1.0 del Atlas Paneuropeo de Capacidades Geoenergéticas Sostenibles (SGC), desarrollado en el marco del proyecto GSEU (Geological Service for Europe). El Atlas aplica el enfoque del ‘Play-Based Exploration Pyramid’ (PBEP) para armonizar y estandarizar la evaluación del potencial de recursos geotérmicos profundos en Europa. La metodología sigue una estructura multi-escala —niveles 0 a 3— que permite refinar progresivamente el conocimiento geotérmico desde grandes sistemas geológicos hasta objetivos locales detallados. La versión 1.0, que se ha publicado en primavera de 2025 a través de la Infraestructura Europea de Datos Geológicos (EGDI), incluye los niveles 0 y 1. El Nivel 0 recopila datos públicos de sondeos y manantiales termales, base para el Nivel 1, que ofrece mapas armonizados de áreas favorables mediante la tipificación de plays geotérmicos (GPT). La publicación se complementa con un catálogo de alrededor de 400 fichas descriptivas y un informe de metadatos. Las futuras versiones 2.0 (2025) y 3.0 (2026) incorporarán más detalle: el Nivel 2 identificará reservorios potenciales mediante estimaciones estocásticas 1D, y el Nivel 3 integrará modelos existentes en 2D/3D para una evaluación local detallada. El Atlas contribuye así a la transición energética europea, mejorando el conocimiento sobre el potencial geotérmico profundo
Intumescent Gels for Fire-Resistant Glass: Thermal Insulation, UV Protection, and Durability Studies [Comunicação oral]
No full text“Diamonds are forever”: The Regional Museum of Dundo and the role of Lunda Geology in the rebirth of a historical institution in Angola
No full textRESUMO: O Museu Regional do Dundo encerra uma rica história de pesquisas e formação de coleções que remonta à década de 1930. A sua fundação sob tutela da DIAMANG, não teria sido possível sem a intervenção do Administrador da Companhia, Ernesto Jardim de Vilhena (1876-1967), também ele colecionador e neto de Manuel Pereira Jardim (1818-1887), lente de Mineralogia, Geologia e Arte de Minas e responsável pela seção do Museu de História Natural da Universidade de Coimbra. Situado na Lunda Norte (NE de Angola), a sua existência esteve sempre relacionada com a exploração de diamantes. Mundialmente famoso durante o período colonial, devido às suas ricas coleções etnográficas e arqueológicas, a instituição encerrou temporariamente após a independência, renascendo com novo vigor na última década. A Geologia e a exploração mineira ocupam um lugar importante na moderna exposição de longa duração, onde se destacam temas de mineralogia regional, petrologia e mineração de diamantes.ABSTRACT: The Regional Museum of Dundo has a rich history of collections and research tdating back to the 1930’s. Its foundation under the tutelage of DIAMANG would not have been possible without the intervention of the Company’s Administrator, Ernesto Jardim de Vilhena (1876-1967). He was also a compulsive collector and grandson of Manuel Pereira Jardim (1818-1887), for many years professor of Mineralogy, Geology and Art of Mines, and responsible for the section of the Natural History Museum of the University of Coimbra. Located in Northern Lunda (NE Angola), its existence was always related to diamond exploitation. Worldwide famous during the
colonial period due to its rich ethnographical and archaeological collections, the institution closed temporarily after country independence, but was reborn with new strength in the last decade. Geology and mining today play an important role in the modern long-term exhibition, which highlights the themes of regional mineralogy, petrology, and diamond mining
Miragaia longicollum MG 4863: Expandindo o conhecimento do Estegossauro mais completo da Europa
No full textABSTRACT: Additional historical data regarding the original finding and excavation (circa 1958-1959) of the Miragaia longicollum stegosaur MG 4863 has been identified (including field notes and the complete field map), allowing a better understanding of its stratigraphic context. Additionally, osteological material that was previously partially encased in matrix was fully prepared and restored, including anterior and posterior caudal vertebrae, metacarpals, and five semi-complete dorsal vertebrae (the latter being the most significant addition, as these are the only skeletal elements shared by all type specimens of dacentrurine taxa). New anatomical information from these additional elements provides further evidence that M. longicollum is distinct from the closely related Late Jurassic stegosaur Dacentrurus armatus from England (demonstrated mainly by various caudal differences). The newly prepared material further completes what was already the best reference specimen among the Dacentrurinae clade, as well as Stegosauria in Europe during the Late Jurassic, increasing its value to better understand these contexts in future studies.RESUMO: Informação histórica adicional da recolha do espécime MG 4863 de Miragaia longicollum foi localizada (incluindo notas de campo e o mapa de campo completo), permitindo uma melhor compreensão do seu contexto estratigráfico. Além disso, material osteológico que anteriormente estava parcialmente encapsulado em matriz foi preparado e restaurado, incluindo vértebras caudais anteriores e posteriores, metacarpos, e cinco vértebras dorsais semi-completas (sendo estas últimas a adição mais significativa, dado serem os únicos elementos esqueléticos partilhados por todos os espécimes-tipo de estegossauros Dacentrurinos). Novas informações anatómicas destes elementos adicionais fornecem evidências adicionais que M. longicollum é distinto do estegossauro aparentado Dacentrurus armatus do Jurássico Superior de Inglaterra (demonstrado principalmente por várias diferenças caudais).
O material recentemente preparado completa ainda mais aquele que já era o melhor espécime de referência no clado Dacentrurinae, bem como Stegosauria na Europa durante o Jurássico Superior, aumentando o seu valor para melhor compreender estes contextos em estudos futuros
New SPEEK Membranes Modified with Bisphophonate Dopants [Resumo]
No full textABSTRACT: ustainable emerging energy technologies are pivotal to a decarbonized society that still continuously increases its energy demands. Fuel cells and eletrolyzers are part of these promising sustainable technologies, but they still depend on several factors, especially on their membranes. These are a key component acting as a separator, between their different materials and electrolytes of different devices' compartments, and as a selective ion-exchange barrier, controlling the ion flow and species permeability. Sulfonated poly(etheretherketone) (SPEEK) polymer is a versatile non-fluorinated alternative, as a low-cost and more environmentally friendly membrane, to the most commercially successful membrane based on the perfluorinated sulfonic Nafion®. Also, our previous studies showed that the incorporation of BPs dopants into the polymeric matrices, modifies the properties of the doped membranes, including their proton conduction and durability
Dynamic Line Rating Models and Their Potential for a Cost-Effective Transition to Carbon-Neutral Power Systems
No full textABSTRACT: Most transmission system operators (TSOs) currently use seasonally steady-state models considering limiting weather conditions that serve as reference to compute the transmission capacity of overhead power lines. The use of dynamic line rating (DLR) models can avoid the construction of new lines, market splitting, false congestions, and the degradation of lines in a cost-effective way. DLR can also be used in the long run in grid extension and new power capacity planning. In the short run, it should be used to help operate power systems with congested lines. The operation of the power systems is planned to have the market trading into account; thus, it computes transactions hours ahead of real-time operation, using power flow forecasts affected by large errors. In the near future, within a "smart grid" environment, in real-time operation conditions, TSOs should be able to rapidly compute the capacity rating of overhead lines using DLR models and the most reliable weather information, forecasts, and line measurements, avoiding the current steady-state approach that, in many circumstances, assumes ampacities above the thermal limits of the lines. This work presents a review of the line rating methodologies in several European countries and the United States. Furthermore, it presents the results of pilot projects and studies considering the application of DLR in overhead power lines, obtaining significant reductions in the congestion of internal networks and cross-border transmission lines
Calcretes from Elvas region : Preliminary study
No full textRESUMO: A construção de uma via-férrea no Nordeste Alentejano atravessando a Zona de Ossa-Morena permitiu estudos detalhados focados nas unidades geológicas e na estrutura da área. Na região de Elvas, o Miocénico é representado por um conglomerado coberto por lutitos, mais grosseiro perto da falha de Messejana, onde apresenta basculamento tectónico. Os sedimentos e as rochas do substrato estão fortemente afetados pela calichificação ocorrida no Miocénico, com observações de campo a indicarem a ocorrência de pelo menos dois episódios. A caracterização química dos calcretos ao longo de perfis verticais foi feita com fluorescência de raio-X portátil e repetida com o equivalente equipamento de laboratório para 41% das amostras. Os resultados preliminares da amostragem em perfil de calichificação do granito e dos sedimentos miocénicos são apresentados e discutidos. As correlações dos resultados obtidos pelas duas metodologias adotadas não evidenciaram diferenças significativas, demonstrando a eficiência do equipamento de FRX portátil como ferramenta de campo.ABSTRACT: The construction of a new railway in NE Alentejo crossing the Ossa-Morena Zone allowed new detailed studies focused on the geological units and the structure of the area. In the Elvas region, the Miocene is represented by a coarse conglomerate covered by sandy mudstones. The conglomerate is coarser near the Messejana fault, where it is also tilted. Its deposition is probably related to the Alpine reactivation of the fault. The sediments and the basement rocks, represented by granites, are strongly affected by Miocene calcretization, with field observations indicating at least two episodes. A chemical characterization of calcrete along vertical
profiles was done with portable x-ray fluorescence equipment. Furthermore, 41% of the results were compared with laboratory XRF equipment. The preliminary results from the analysed profiles are presented and discussed. Correlations between results obtained with portable and laboratory equipment have shown no significant differences, indicating that portable XRF is a good field allied on rock characterization