Archives: Planeta Coppe
Artificial Intelligence and Multicriteria Analysis: The New Frontier in Offshore Decommissioning
Researchers at Coppe/UFRJ have developed a scalable, cost-efficient solution for decommissioning offshore industry structures. The methodology, created by over fifty scientists, combines Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) with Machine Learning (ML), reducing costs and accelerating decision-making by minimizing the need for expensive tools such as ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles).
Professors Marcelo Igor Lourenço de Souza and Jean-David Caprace, from the Ocean Engineering Program (PEnO), will present the methodology at the International Conference on Ocean, Offshore & Arctic Engineering (OMAE) 2025, in Vancouver, Canada, to be held from June 22 to 27. OMAE is the largest scientific congress in the field.
With the operational life of many offshore oil and gas facilities nearing its end, the decommissioning process involves evaluating environmental, social, technical, safety, and economic factors. The new methodology aims to optimize this complex process by considering the perspectives of multiple stakeholders, including oil companies, government agencies, environmental organizations, and local communities.
Jean-David explains that by applying machine learning algorithms to data from real-world case studies, the researchers have been able to automate and enhance the decision-making process, reducing human bias and generating more robust outcomes. The methodology assesses decommissioning alternatives based on six criteria: Technical, Environmental, Social, Health & Safety, Economic, and Waste Life Cycle Assessment.
The study demonstrated that integrating ML with MCDA improves process efficiency, helping prioritize decommissioning alternatives while reducing both time and resource demands—without compromising decision accuracy. Operational and logistical variables play a critical role in guiding outcomes.
“We’ve been working on decommissioning decision-making projects with Petrobras for nearly seven years and developed the MCDA method some time ago. We used 14 real-world cases as study samples to validate it. In the paper we’ll present at OMAE in Vancouver, we focus on case studies from the Campos and Santos offshore basins, specifically the decommissioning of flexible pipelines. In the next phase, we’ll expand to include rigid pipelines and other equipment. Our goal is to create a general-use tool,” explains Jean-David Caprace, professor at PEnO and Academic Affairs Director at Coppe.
The research was carried out by the Descom.sub group, coordinated by Professors Marcelo Igor Lourenço de Souza, Virgílio Almeida, and researcher Laurelena Palhano, with contributions from researchers at the Sustainable Production Group (Sage), the Subsea Technology Laboratory (LTS), and the Naval Engineering Process Simulation Laboratory (Labsen).
Coppe Professor Participates in Project Evaluating Emissions from Minha Casa, Minha Vida
Professor Lucas Caldas, from the Civil Engineering Program at Coppe/UFRJ, is part of the Brazilian team responsible for assessing the carbon emissions associated with Minha Casa, Minha Vida (PMCMV), a federal government program focused on affordable housing. The project marks an important step toward the formulation of public policies for decarbonization in the construction sector.
In a multidisciplinary effort, the researchers are developing a methodology and a tool to calculate embodied carbon—that is, the greenhouse gas emissions generated in the production and transportation of the materials used in the housing program’s construction projects.
The goal is to measure the environmental impact of the housing units already built under the PMCMV, creating technical indicators to enable performance monitoring. Based on this diagnosis, it will be possible to propose concrete emission reduction measures and contribute to a more sustainable construction sector.
Lucas Caldas, who is also a professor in the Graduate Program in Architecture at FAU/UFRJ and coordinates the Technical Roofing Group, emphasizes that the indicators will be crucial for guiding government decisions: “We want to offer a practical tool for designers, one that transforms environmental diagnostics into effective mitigation actions. In doing so, we directly contribute to improving public policy in the area of social housing.”
Lucas notes that the project aligns with various ongoing decarbonization research initiatives at Coppe, carried out by its diverse research groups. Among them is the Center for Education and Research on Low-Environmental-Impact Materials and Technologies in Sustainable Construction (Numats) of the Civil Engineering Program, of which he is a member.
The initiative, titled “CO₂ Mitigation and Quality of Life in Housing: MCMVs Self-Managed Housing,” is funded by Caixa Econômica Federal and coordinated by Professor Vanderley M. John of the University of São Paulo (USP).
Flow Assurance Loop: Coppe and Petrobras Launch Major Research and Innovation Project
Coppe/UFRJ and Petrobras officially launched, on Wednesday, April 16, a new partnership to create Brazil’s largest and most advanced Flow Assurance Loop. Designed and operated by researchers from Coppe’s Chemical Engineering Program (PEQ), the Loop will serve as a key infrastructure for studying the behavior of hydrates, waxes, and asphaltenes in fluid transport systems, such as natural gas and oil pipelines.
With 150 meters of piping, it will be the only facility in the country capable of researching flows with up to 100% CO₂. The over 10,000 m² installation will be located at the UFRJ Technology Park.
“The formation of these solid or viscous substances in subsea pipelines can lead to significant losses,” explained Professor Frederico Tavares, project coordinator. “The Loop will play a key role in reducing Capex (capital expenditures) and Opex (operational expenditures) for offshore operations,” he emphasized.
According to Coppe’s director, Professor Suzana Kahn, the partnership behind the Loop’s construction “is more than a new project or infrastructure—it represents the continuity of a decades-long partnership between Coppe and Petrobras, which has been essential for scientific and technological advancement in Brazil. It’s a historic collaboration that we are very proud of. UFRJ is the university with the largest number of active projects with Cenpes, most of them through Coppe. In recent years alone, there have been over 400 projects, amounting to R$ 1.3 billion in investments. We’ve filed 73 patent applications and have 147 active cooperation agreements on topics such as reservoir management analysis, flow in porous media, artificial intelligence, offshore electrification, among others.”
“This partnership shows how universities and industry must work together to foster the country’s development. It’s the best way to drive innovation and keep us at the forefront. What we are celebrating here is the vital link between science and its application—between universities and society,” added Professor Suzana.
Echoing this sentiment, Petrobras’ Executive Director of Engineering, Technology, and Innovation, Renata Baruzzi, stated that the Loop represents “not only a technological breakthrough but the strength of our partnership.”
“The issue of hydrate formation is critical for Petrobras, and the Loop will help us address day-to-day challenges. In addition, it will provide a significant advantage for tackling CO₂ transportation issues, supporting CO₂ capture and storage projects aligned with our strategic vision of a just energy transition,” said Renata Baruzzi.
According to Jefferson Henschel, Reservoir Engineering Manager at Cenpes/Petrobras, the formation of hydrates, waxes, and other substances “leads to operational losses and substantial lost profits. This is a matter of interest for Petrobras and for the oil and gas industry as a whole. We need to better understand and control these physical-chemical phenomena. Currently, we have eleven ongoing research projects that would greatly benefit if the Loop were already operational, providing data closer to real field conditions.”
Petrobras’ CEO, Magda Chambriard, emphasized that innovation, embedded technology, and strong technical collaboration with Brazilian science have always been part of Petrobras’ seven-decade history.
“We are committed to national development—our industry, our academic environment. When we look at Petrobras’ business plan, we are talking about US$111 billion in investments over the next five years: increasing gas production; handling CO₂-rich gas streams and transporting them to the coast; ensuring flow assurance, as hydrate formation in our pipelines is a recurring challenge—and much more.”
UFRJ’s rector, Professor Roberto Medronho, closed the event by stating: “At a time when science is under attack, Brazil is setting an example to the world. Despite budget constraints, science is carried out with excellence here at UFRJ.”
Professor Frederico Tavares, the project coordinator, added: “Our Loop was inspired by similar structures in France and the United States, but it has unique features and will be able to handle flows with up to 100% CO₂. Moreover, it will be a flexible structure capable of supporting a wide range of research on carbon transport—one of the current bottlenecks in both academic and industrial research.”
The event was recorded and is available on Coppe’s YouTube channel.
Outstanding Engineers: UFRJ and CUP-Beijing sign cotutelle agreement
UFRJ and the China University of Petroleum (CUP-Beijing) signed, in Beijing, on Friday (May 23rd), a cotutelle agreement that will allow the granting of double degrees to doctoral students. In total, 15 graduate programs will be contemplated, 13 of which are part of Coppe – meaning that all Coppe programs are included in the partnership.
The agreement integrates the scope of the Institute of Outstanding Engineers, a joint initiative which reunites, in addition to both universities, Petrobras and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (Cnooc).
Under the cotutelle model, Brazilian doctoral students will spend the first two years at Coppe and the following two years at CUP-Beijing – and vice versa for Chinese students. At the end of their academic journey, students will receive a diploma from both institutions.
The partnership aims to promote the joint training of highly qualified professionals in the areas of Engineering, Environment, Energy and related areas, with a focus on the development of green and low-carbon technologies. The proposal is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and aims to strengthen the internationalization of graduate programs, in addition to stimulating innovation, global vision and the ability to face complex challenges in contemporary engineering.
Coppe’s Academic Director, Jean-David Caprace, emphasizes that “with the acceleration of knowledge production during this decade, driven by the advancement of Artificial Intelligence and other disruptive technologies, traditional education has faced difficulties in responding to new demands. The idea is to select the best students so that they are prepared to face these emerging challenges”.
Doctoral students interested in participating in the cotutelle must apply through a specific notice, which will be published on Coppe’s website: https://coppe.ufrj.br/ingressar/.
The partnership between Coppe and CUP-Beijing teve início em 2008, cbegan in 2008 with the signing of the first memorandum of understanding (MoU). With the new cotutelle agreement, this collaboration is consolidated and deepened, marking a new level of cooperation between the institutions.
Coppe and CNOOC advance in the creation of a Sino-Brazilian energy innovation hub
Coppe/UFRJ and the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) took an important step towards the consolidation of an international strategic alliance by holding the kick-off of the Brazil-China Center for Scientific and Technological Innovation last Friday, May 23rd. The meeting marked the beginning of the formal implementation of the center, which is the result of an agreement signed in 2024 between Coppe, Petrobras, CNOOC and the China University of Petroleum (CUP-Beijing).
The importance of the initiative was reinforced by the presence of a high-level delegation from CNOOC, led by the company’s vice president, Zhang Yuan, which signals the strong Chinese interest in collaborating with Coppe and strengthening bilateral relations in science and technology. CNOOC is one of the largest energy companies in the world, with strategic operations in the offshore oil and gas sector, and the only Chinese company to participate in a Brazilian pre-salt field.
During the meeting, Coppe director, professor Suzana Kahn, and vice director, professor Marcello Campos, welcomed the Chinese representatives and presented the guidelines that will guide the development of the center. Also participating were director of the Center for Low Carbon Solutions, Alfredo Renault; head of Coppe Internacional, Pedro Spadale; and researcher Rejane Rocha, executive secretary of the Brazil-China Center.
The new innovation hub will be structured in seven thematic committees, formed by representatives of the four partner institutions, focusing on priority areas for the future of the energy industry:
- Cost-reducing technologies
- Offshore decarbonization
- Decommissioning, redeployment and reuse of assets
- igital applications (such as artificial intelligence and data analysis)
- Use of natural gas with high CO₂ concentration
- Renewable energy
- Institutional committee (responsible for legal and administrative aspects)
At the meeting, professor Marcello Campos also presented a proposal to structure five technical working groups, expected to operate over three years, organized on the following fronts:
- High-performance computing and artificial intelligence – cross-functional support for other groups
- Advanced exploration and evaluation
- Optimized field performance
- Optimized drilling
- Asset integrity
In addition to the formal start of the center’s activities, the partnership’s schedule includes a major event for the second half of the year: the 1st Brazil-China Forum on Innovation in Marine Science and Technology, to be held in October on the Coppe/UFRJ campus. The forum is expected to bring together representatives from academia, companies and governments from both countries to deepen technical exchange and promote the joint development of cutting-edge technologies aimed at energy transition.
The creation of the Brazil-China Center represents a milestone in the internationalization of Coppe’s research and in the strengthening of scientific relations between Brazil and China, with the potential to generate relevant innovations in the field of sustainable energy and strengthen Brazil’s position as a global protagonist in the offshore sector.gerar inovações relevantes no campo da energia sustentável e fortalecer a posição do Brasil como protagonista global no setor offshore.
Coppe celebrates its legacy in research of porous medium and sustainability
Coppe/UFRJ held an international conference, from the 7th to the 9th of May, in honor of the 80th birthday of one of its professors in the Nuclear Engineering Program, Professor Martinus Theodorus “Rien” van Genuchten. Organized by the Laboratory of Simulation and Methods in Engineering (Lasme), the event brought together experts to discuss advances in research on multiphase flow and contaminant transport in porous media — a strategic area for sectors such as the environment, energy, and agriculture.
At Coppe, the researcher contributed to studies on radioactive materials and their environmental implications, in addition to investigating the flow properties of carbonate rocks through the use of technologies such as NMR and microtomography.
Internationally recognized for the equation which bears his name, he also left a legacy in multiscale modeling and the application of the Generalized Integral Transform Technique (GITT), with an impact on areas such as hydrology, petroleum engineering, and climate change mitigation.
Born in the Netherlands, van Genuchten is a global reference in soil physics and hydrology. Co-author of the Hydrus software, he was awarded the Wolf Prize for Science and Art (2023) for his contributions to the understanding of water flow and contaminant transport in soils.
Coppe researchers develop innovative system for monitoring marine soil
Researchers from Coppe/UFRJ’s Civil Engineering Program (PEC), in joint research project with Petrobras, with a collaboration from the Norwegian Geotechnological Institute (NGI), developed an innovative system for marine soil monitoring capable of detecting vertical and horizontal displacements and soil inclinations at depths of up to 2,000 meters. This technological advancement is essential for assessing the integrity of offshore structures, such as oil wells and other equipment used in the oil and gas industry. In the future, it may also be used in offshore wind turbine structures.
At Coppe, the project is being carried out by the technical team at Márcio Miranda Soares In situ Testing and Instrumentation Laboratory (LACI), which is linked to the Professor Jacques de Medina Geotechnics Laboratory at PEC. This team is responsible for carrying out integration tests, commissioning and analyzing the system’s data. According to the coordinator of LACI, Professor Fernando Danziger, the system will show the degree of inclination of offshore structures with elevated accuracy, as well as monitoring displacements and cracks that may occur on the seabed, resulting from the oil and gas production process.
The data collected is transmitted via acoustic modems, connected to a processing center on the surface. This allows for continuous and accurate monitoring of seabed conditions, overcoming the limitations of traditional visual inspections performed with ROVs (remotely operated vehicles).
At Petrobras, the new system promises to reduce operating costs related to the use of vessels for visual inspections. The technical coordinator of the project at Petrobras, engineer Ricardo Garske Borges, highlights that the monitoring will focus on structures such as wellheads, manifolds and subsea pipelines, with the expectation of carrying out a field test soon. The system was designed to collect data at regular intervals, with subsequent analysis. However, a second phase of the project includes the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) to allow real-time analysis, enabling the immediate detection of imminent problems, such as cracks or significant ground movements.
The system validation tests were carried out at Coppe’s Ocean Technology Laboratory (LabOceano), which has the second deepest ocean tank in the world. In this laboratory, the equipment was subjected to realistic simulations of the marine environment, with mobile plates that simulate conditions similar to the opening of cracks in the seabed. Data transmissions are made safely and without interference, using specialized acoustic modems, developed by Sonardyne, which ensure stable and accurate communication of data via digital acoustic waves.
The project also involves simulations in an International Reference Soft Soil Experimental Field, operated by LACI. The field is located on the banks of the Sarapuí River, in the facilities of the Navy Radio Station, in the municipality of Duque de Caxias (RJ). In this field, subsidence (sinking of the soil) will be generated and monitored over time with fiber optic sensors and devices to measure pressure within the soil, technically known as pore pressure transducers. Fernando Danziger explains that these sensors and devices will provide valuable data on the evolution of these processes on the seabed, enabling the development of more reliable prediction methods for the phenomenon.
This research project represents a significant advance in the use of cutting-edge technologies to ensure the safety and integrity of offshore structures, in addition to contributing to the reduction of operational costs and optimization of operations in the oil, gas and renewable energy industries.
Coppe and Michelin discuss collaboration to accelerate sustainable solutions in industrial processing and management
Coppe/UFRJ and Michelin have taken an important step towards building a partnership focused on innovation with a positive environmental impact. During a meeting carried out on April 30th, leaders from 8 Coppe laboratories presented Michelin technicians with research and technologies with a high potential for practical application to the French company’s global challenges – especially in the areas of industrial sustainability, energy management and the use of renewable materials.
With over 130 years of history, Michelin is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of tires and mobility services, operating in 69 industrial units and employing more than 112 thousand people worldwide. The company has set an ambitious goal of incorporating 100% recycled or renewable materials into its tires by 2050, without compromising safety and durability.
In this context, Coppe presents itself as a strategic partner. se apresenta como parceira estratégica. Recognized as one of the leading centers of engineering excellence in Latin America, Coppe develops scientific solutions with a strong vocation for industrial application in areas such as energy, environment, materials chemistry, nanotechnology and transportation. Its collaborative innovation model has already driven advances in key sectors of the Brazilian economy — and can now contribute to Michelin’s global commitments.
During the meeting, Coppe researchers presented studies focused on three areas of great interest to Michelin:
- Recycling of end-of-life tires, with an emphasis on the chemical recycling of polymers;
- Studies on biomass and energy consumption, especially in regions such as Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Amazonas, Bahia and Espírito Santo;
- Application of renewable and recyclable materials in tire shops.
The research presented ranged from the production of biogas and biomethane as part of Brazil’s energy transition to innovations in material transportation and the use of nanotechnology in sustainable materials. Professors from the areas of Chemical, Civil, Transportation, Energy Planning, Nanotechnology and Metallurgical Engineering presented specific solutions for each of the topics discussed.
“This meeting demonstrated how the knowledge developed at Coppe can be directed to solving real challenges in the global industry. Michelin has ambitious goals, and Coppe has applied science and human talent to help achieve them. The synergy is clear,” highlighted Professor Marysilvia Costa, Director for Technology and Innovation at Coppe, who also participated as a researcher in the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Program.
In addition to Marysilvia, the following people participated on behalf of Coppe: professor Alfredo Renault, director of the Virtual Center for Low Carbon Solutions; professor Thiago Aragão (Civil Engineering and deputy director for Technology and Innovation); professors Henrique Poltronieri Pacheco, José Carlos Pinto and Tito Livio Alves (Chemical Engineering); Marcelino Vieira (Transport Engineering); Marco Aurélio Santos (Energy Planning); and the students Daniele Brandão and Carolina Delfino, representing professor Fernando Gomes Junior (Nanotechnology Engineering).
Representing different areas of Michelin, participaram Luiz Cláudio Fenta, Elaine Galdino, Lucas Teixeira Costa, Thaís Garcia Rocha, Fernanda Leite and Ana Caroline Alcântara participated — technicians from sectors ranging from supplies to industrialization. They highlighted the alignment between the presented research and the company’s concrete needs, including the adoption of new methodologies by suppliers.
The expectation is that, based on this first meeting, Coppe and Michelin will deepen discussions for the development of collaborative pilot projects, focusing on sustainable solutions for industrial application. The possibility of a technical cooperation agreement between the institutions is also being studied.
Coppe and Cosco Shipping: partnership for the decarbonization of maritime transport
Coppe/UFRJ welcomed, this Thursday, April 24th, Cosco Shipping representatives, one of the largest maritime transport operators in the world. The visit aimed to present a more in-depth view of the biofuels sector in Brazil to our Chinese partners, including the percentage of both ethanol and biodiesel used in transport, the characterization of biofuels and the potential use of alternatives to bunker fuel — a traditional fuel for international shipping — as a strategy to decarbonize this sector considered to be difficult to transition (hard-to-abate).
The meeting was attended by Coppe’s director, professor Suzana Kahn; Coppe Internacional coordinator, Pedro Spadale; and professors Márcio D’Agosto (Transport Engineering Program), Lino Marujo (Industrial Engineering Program) and Fabio Toniolo (Chemical Engineering Program).
Cosco Shipping was represented by senior engineer and team leader Tianyong Hu, in addition to Cluster Brasil’s regional managers: Yaodong Han, Wuzou Yuan and Botao Wong.
During the meeting, topics such as the availability of raw materials for biofuel production, the possible percentages of replacement of conventional bunkers, distribution logistics to ports and Cosco’s specific demands in this energy transition process were discussed.
“We are more than a maritime transport company — we are also bunker fuel consumers. that is why we are studying alternatives such as bio-bunker”, affirmed Tianyong Hu. According to him, Cosco sees Brazil as a strategic country in biofuel production and highlighted Coppe’s organization as a differentiator: “Coppe operates like a company in the way it organizes its resources. I believe that Tsinghua also follows this model”.
In November, Coppe and Tsinghua University, partners in the China-Brazil Center for Climate Change and Innovative Technologies for Energy, launched the “China-Brazil cooperation initiative in the reforestation of degraded lands in the Amazon: creating a bioenergy industrial chain and promoting the development of low carbon and poverty reduction”.
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Headquartered in Shanghai, China, Cosco Shipping is a leading company in the transportation of containers, dry bulk, tankers and specialized cargo, operating in more than 400 ports distributed across more than 160 countries. The company also operates in areas such as shipbuilding financing, fleet and crew management, marine engineering, port operations and integrated logistics solutions. Strongly committed to innovation and sustainability, Cosco continuously invests to reduce its emissions and increase the energy efficiency of its operations.
Cutting-edge drone technology is highlighted at event with Coppe professor
The use of drones in complex environments was the theme of the event “Drone in Pipeline Areas”, promoted by Abendi and Pipeline Brazil, on Tuesday, April 8th, at the Windsor Guanabara hotel. Among the highlights of the event was the participation of Professor Alessandro Jacoud, from Coppe/UFRJ’s Electrical Engineering Program.
Jacoud presented the research developed by the Automation and Robotics Simulation and Control Group (GSCAR), which has been advancing the use of autonomous drones for complex missions, such as takeoff, trajectory tracking and landing in dynamic environments. The technology employs sensor fusion — combining RTK, Lidar and visual marker data — to make more precise and safer operations, including the ability to avoid obstacles during flight.
One of the examples presented was the application of drones in detecting oil spills at sea, through the analysis of images captured by RGB and thermal cameras — a solution that combines robotics, computer vision and sustainability.
The event brought together specialists and professionals from this sector in order to discuss the latest innovations and practices in the use of drones, with a focus on pipeline inspection.
Coppe and IFP School renew partnership for advances in energy and refining technology
Coppe/UFRJ and IFP School, a renowned French public institution for research and training in the areas of energy, transportation and the environment, renewed their academic partnership this Thursday, March 27th. The agreement, which reinforces the collaboration between the two institutions, provides for academic and scientific activities in areas of common interest, such as missions, exchanges of professors, students and researchers.
The partnership, which has existed since 2007, was initiated by Professor Alexandre Szklo, from the Energy Planning Program, and has had significant results, such as the joint supervision of three doctoral students. According to Professor Szklo, “together we have published dozens of papers at conferences, four indexed scientific articles and we are currently contributing to an international book on innovative refining technologies, with two chapters. In addition, we have written two working papers for the IFPEn journal and developed two open source optimization tools, which are in the process of being improved”.
Among the developed tools, the Oil Refining Industry Optimization and syNergies (Orion) stands out, which shapes oil refineries, considering biomass co-processing strategies and integration with petrochemicals. Another important tool is the Hydrogen Economics and Infrastructure Optimization Model (Hera), which optimizes the hydrogen value chain, considering production routes, transportation in pipelines or trucks, and energy storage systems.
Present during the renewal of the partnership were professors Szklo and Roberto Schaeffer, from PPE, Coppe’s director for Academic Affairs, professor Jean-David Caprace, IFP School director, professor Pascal Longuemare, IFPen president, Pierre-Franck Chevet, IFPen’s director of international relations, Said Nachet. The collaboration between both institutions continues to generate significant innovations in the areas of refining, hydrogen and energetic technologies.
Applications open for the 20th Women in Science Program
🔬✨ Women in Engineering, this is your chance! ✨🔬
Applications are now open for the 20th edition of the For Women in Science Program, a partnership between the L’Oréal Group, ABC and UNESCO in Brazil. This year, for the first time, the program includes Engineering and Technology Sciences, alongside the traditional areas of Life Sciences, Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
💡 What do you get?
- A R$50,000 grant to invest in your research.
- International recognition for your work
🚺 Who is eligible to participate? Women with a doctorate completed by January 1st of 2017. For mothers, the deadline is extended depending on the number of children they have.
🗓️ Applications until June 11th, 2025!
This is a great opportunity to showcase your research and impact the future of science. Don’t miss out!
🔗 Learn more and subscribe: www.forwomeninscience.com/challenge/show/131
Coppe and ORE Catapult sign agreement on offshore wind energy
UFRJ, through Coppe, and the British company ORE Catapult signed, this Monday, March 24th, a memorandum of understanding for research and development in the offshore wind energy sector. The agreement was formalized during the Brazil-UK Workshop on Offshore Wind, an event which is part of a joint project funded by the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
The main focus of the agreement is to develop a pilot project: a floating concrete platform designed to support a 15MW turbine. This project is being developed at Coppe by the Renewable Ocean Energy Group (Gero), which was presented by professor Milad Shadman from the Ocean Engineering Program (PEnO). The project encompasses the development of the constructive method for these structures, the use of artificial intelligence and Digital Twin in operation and maintenance, as well as the production of hydrogen from offshore wind energy.
Coppe’s director, professor Suzana Kahn, complimented the partnership and highlighted the similarities between Coppe and ORE Catapult. “We’re deeply involved with renewable energy, especially offshore. For this reason, I believe we shall have a lot to accomplish together in the following years” she stated.
David Findlay, Senior Project Development Manager at ORE Catapult, also welcomed the signing of the agreement: “It is great to have this opportunity to formalise this partnership. There are many synergies between Coppe and ORE Catapult, and I am sure that many opportunities will arise for us to work together to find solutions to the challenges of this sector” he said.
ORE Catapult, as highlighted by Findlay, is an innovation accelerator that has major laboratory facilities, such as the Levenmouth Demonstration Turbine, the Floating Offshore Wind Centre of Excellence and the New and Renewable Energy Centre. The institution operates test facilities valued at £1.4 billion and maintains important international research partnerships, such as the Floating Wind Technology Research Association (Flowra) and the Floating Wind Supply Chain Acceleration Programme (Flowb), which aims to accelerate the industry’s supply chain. “ORE Catapult was the first institution to sign an agreement with Flowra, an association created in Japan to reduce risks and costs in the development of floating wind energy technologies. I believe that Brazil and Coppe could join this initiative as well,” suggested Findlay.
In addition to Findlay, ORE Catapult representatives Edvaldo Mendes and Ben Moverley-Smith presented short, medium and long-term plans for the institution.
The signing of the memorandum was also attended by other authorities, such as Coppe’s Director for Technology and Innovation at UFRJ, Professor Marysilvia Costa, and Professors Segen Estefen and Carlos Levi, from the Ocean Engineering Program. Also present on the UFRJ side were Professor Papa Matar Ndiaye, Superintendent of International Relations, and Professor Milad Shadman himself.
ORE Catapult is part of a network of eight Innovate UK technology and innovation centers, with an investment of £1 billion, both public and private. Focused on offshore wind, wave and tidal energy, ORE Catapult conducts priority research and collaborates with industry, government and academia to reduce the cost of offshore renewable energy.
Furthermore, the strengthening of relations between Brazil and the United Kingdom in the offshore wind energy sector was addressed at a recent event in Brasília. The previous week, Professor Milad Shadman and Professor Marysilvia Costa participated in the Brazil-UK Forum on Offshore Wind Energy. The event featured lectures by representatives of the Brazilian and British governments, addressing topics such as regulation, socioeconomic impacts and challenges related to energy transmission and distribution.
A significant achievement for Coppe was the appointment of Professor Milad Shadman by the Department of Energy Transition (DTE) of the Ministry of Mines and Energy to join the working group on offshore wind energy. This group will be responsible for defining the next steps in the development of the sector in Brazil, further highlighting UFRJ’s leading role in research and innovation in renewable energy in the country.
Coppe welcomes new students and reinforces its strategic role in innovation and development
Coppe/UFRJ officially initiated its academic year of 2025 with a reception ceremony for the new students of its 13 graduate academic programs, which was carried out yesterday, March 17th. More than a traditional reception, the event reinforced the institution’s commitment with academic excellence, innovative research and social impact, pillars which consolidate Coppe as a national and international engineering reference.
During an interactive survey carried out at the ceremony, 60% of the new students pointed out Coppe’s reputation and curriculum value as determining factors for their choice. In addition, the new students’ motivations align with their strategic career goals: 39% seek excellent qualifications for the job market, while 30% are interested in pursuing an academic career.
The event was led by Coppe’s Director for Academic Affairs, Professor Jean-David Caprace, who presented the structure of the institution and highlighted the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship. He emphasized Coppe’s multidisciplinary nature, mentioning strategic areas such as Energy, Smart Cities, Artificial Intelligence and Health Engineering. Coppe’s Director, Professor Suzana Kahn, added that she encouraged interaction between different programs and research groups, emphasizing that engineering is increasingly transversal and plays an essential role in the technological development of Rio de Janeiro.
Internationalization and Science Outreach were also key points of the ceremony. International advisor Jorge Alison highlighted the 63 academic agreements in force, which enable exchanges and double degrees, expanding students’ opportunities in the global scenario. Outreach Director, Cleide Lima, reinforced the importance of the connection between scientific production and society, making research more relevant and applicable.
Another key aspect addressed at the event was encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation. Sabrina Dias, from Inova Coppe-EQ, and Marcos Chaves, from Coppe’s Business Incubator, highlighted the institution’s innovation ecosystem and the support it offers for the development of market-oriented technologies, including patents and the creation of startups.
In addition to academic and professional support, Coppe also cares about the well-being of its students. The Acolhe Coppe Psychosocial Center, presented by psychologist Josiane Barros, offers emotional support and individualized care. The UFRJ Postgraduate Association (APG), represented by Gabriel Batista, highlighted recent achievements in student benefits, such as increased access to university restaurants.
The academic year’s opening program will be complemented by the Open Inaugural Lecture on March 20th, which will be given by Mayor Eduardo Paes. Choosing Paes as the speaker reflects Coppe’s connection with Rio de Janeiro’s urban and technological challenges, reinforcing its leading role in building solutions for the future.
More than just the beginning of the semester, the reception for students reaffirmed Coppe’s strategic role in training qualified professionals, producing knowledge and transforming society through science and innovation.
Alliance for Innovation: Coppe and State Grid discuss partnerships in the electricity sector
On Thursday, March 13th, Coppe/UFRJ welcomed a delegation from State Grid Brazil Holding and its vice-director, Cui Dawei. With 24 transmission lines crossing 13 Brazilian states, the holding is part of the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC), one of the largest companies in the world. The meeting presented the research lines, expertise and accumulated experience of three Coppe laboratories: the Power Systems Laboratory (Laspot), the Power Electronics Laboratory (Elepot) and the Alternative Energy Sources Laboratory (Lafae).
The meeting was attended by professors Glauco Taranto, Edson Watanabe, Robson Dias and Bráulio Oliveira, all from the Electrical Engineering Program.
In November of last year, State Grid and 14 other institutions, including UFRJ (through Coppe) formalized the creation of the Electric Innovation and Sharing Alliance (EISA), an initiative that brings together the participation of the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), the National Electric System Operator (ONS), Brazilian and Chinese universities and companies in the electricity sector.
Professor Glauco Taranto, coordinator of Laspot, highlighted that “we have a lot of experience with big data, modern computational intelligence and simulation techniques. We have already carried out two projects in partnership with State Grid, in Battery Energy Systems Storage (BESS) and studies on the impact of large-scale wind and solar power generation on the National Interconnected System (SIN)”.
Cui Dawei, deputy director of State Grid Brazil, pointed out that Brazil and China have many similarities and many common challenges. “We operate very large systems and are also integrating renewable energy on a large scale into our systems. It is very important to have this partnership and, if possible, also to bring this expertise to face the challenges we have in China”, he highlighted.
Coppe welcomes Petronas delegation
On Tuesday, March 11th, Coppe/UFRJ welcomed a delegation from the Malaysian oil company Petronas, led by the company’s country head, Suhana Sidik, for a meeting on projects of common interest, especially carbon capture. The first agreement between the parties will be signed in April and deals with gas storage in salt caverns, which will be carried out at the Multiuser Laboratory for Centrifugal Modeling (LM²C), under the coordination of professors Maria do Carmo Cavalcanti, a Polytechnic School (Poli/UFRJ) professor and Marcio Almeida, from Coppe’s Civil Engineering Program.
According to professor Maria do Carmo, “the technology is known, but its application in deep and ultra-deep waters is unprecedented,” she explained.
Next, professor Gustavo Rabello dos Anjos, a professor in the Mechanical Engineering Program, addressed the possibility of carbon capture in saline aquifers, with the development of softwares to predict storage capacity and simulate injection.
The meeting was attended by Coppe’s director, professor Suzana Kahn; Director for Technology and Innovation, professor Marysilvia Costa; and the director of the Center for Solutions in Low-Carbon Technology, Alfredo Renault.
After the meeting, the Petronas delegation visited LM²C and two other Coppe laboratories, the Oceanic Technology Laboratory (LabOceano) and the Computational Methods in Engineering Laboratory (Lamce). In addition to country head Suhana Sidik, representatives included Jonas Queiroz de Castro, Leonardo Berriel, Flavia Freire Oliveira and Felipe Nascimento.
In January, Coppe signed a memorandum of understanding with UTP on biofuels, CCUS, low-emission hydrogen, corrosion and other issues: https://coppe.ufrj.br/planeta-coppe/coppe-recebe-pesquisadores-da-universidade-tecnologica-petronas/.
About Petronas
Petronas (short for Petroliam Nasional Berhad) is a global energy company, present in more than 100 countries, and whose portfolio includes oil, gas, petrochemicals, renewable energy, carbon capture and storage.
Fully state-owned, the company owns all of Malaysia’s oil and natural gas reserves. It is recognized as one of the “new seven sisters”,* influential state-owned companies in the oil and gas sector outside the OECD.
*1) Aramco, Saudi Arabia; 2) Gazprom, Russia; 3) CNPC, China; 4) NIOC, Iran; 5) PDVSA, Venezuela; 6) Petrobras, Brazil; and 7) Petronas, Malaysia.
Coppe and Cefet students reach the Invent for the Planet 2025 finals
The Gaia team, composed of Coppe/UFRJ and Cefet-RJ students, was one of the seven teams selected for the final round of Invent for the Planet 2025 (IFTP 2025), a global challenge that seeks innovative solutions to improve the quality of life on our planet. IFTP brings together undergraduate, master’s and doctorate students from several Engineering areas to present, in 48 hours, technological proposals that shall positively impact the world.
This is the fourth year in which a Brazilian team has reached the finals of the world innovation marathon promoted by Texas A&M University, in the United States.
The Gaia team, winner of the local round, was selected during the first phase of the event, carried out between 7th and 9th of February at Cefet-RJ’s Maracanã campus. The team’s project seeks to mitigate the impacts of flooding in urban areas, a problem aggravated by climate change. The proposal consists of developing modules with a high capacity to drain rainwater, allowing the rapid creation of rain gardens in impermeable grounds, such as sidewalks.
The team is coordinated by professors Marcelo Savi, from Coppe, and Pedro Pacheco, from Cefet-RJ. In addition to both coordinators, the team is composed of: João Marins da Silva and Gabriel Ricardo Güntensperger Sousa (master’s and doctorate students, respectively, at Coppe’s Mechanical Engineering Program), Paulo Gustavo de Andrade Vasconcellos Luz (undergraduate student in Industrial Engineering at Cefet-RJ), Rogério Oliveira de Azevedo Júnior (master’s in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Technology, Cefet-RJ) and Yayenca Yllas Frachia (doctorate student in Science, Technology and Education, Cefet-RJ).
The IFTP 2025 winning team will be chosen between the 15th and 17th of April, at Texas A&M University, USA.
The seven IFTP 2025 finalist teams are:
- Agri-AI Team from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (USA)
- Aquarentures Team from Al Hussein Technical University (Jordan)
- Carbon Catch Team from Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Arts et Métiers (France)
- DeepBlue Team from Hamad Bin Khalifa University (Qatar)
- Gaia Team (Coppe/UFRJ and Cefet – Brazil)
- HydroShield Team fromTexas A&M University – College Station (USA)
- Iris Team from Atlantic Technological University (Ireland)
With information from the Mechanical and Materials Engineering Program – PEMM / Cefet-RJ.
