Planeta Coppe Archive - COPPE

Coppe and UFRN partnership strengthens offshore structure decommissioning debate

Coppe/UFRJ and the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN) are strengthening a partnership that places coastal territories and their communities at the center of the sustainability debate. On June 9, members of Coppe’s Sustainable Decommissioning Research Group (DESCOM.SUB), led by researcher Laurelena Palhano, visited UFRN’s Pro-Rectory of Extension (Proex) and met with Pro-Rector Graco Aurélio Viana to discuss the socio-environmental impacts of offshore oil and gas structure decommissioning and the lessons this process can offer for the expansion of wind energy along the Rio Grande do Norte coast.

Rio Grande do Norte leads wind energy production in Brazil and also has significant potential in maritime areas. The sector’s rapid growth has revealed weaknesses in mechanisms for listening to and compensating local communities.

“Coppe is a respected institution in Brazil and worldwide. For UFRN, it is a source of pride to be part of this process,” said Pro-Rector Graco Viana. “We have tradition, know-how, and a real connection with the territories. Our coastline is being transformed by wind energy — and now also by decommissioning. The university must be at the center of this. Traditional communities are eager for information, and this partnership is helping to build that dialogue.”

Between June 9 and 13, Coppe’s agenda in the state included meetings with UFRN professors and researchers, field visits, and exchanges with local fishermen and shellfish gatherers. Coordinated by Professor Marcelo Igor from the Submarine Technology Laboratory (LTS), the group emerged from a Petrobras request for sustainable solutions for the end of life of subsea installations.

According to Laurelena Palhano, since the beginning of activities in Macau (RN) in 2023, Coppe has prioritized engagement with researchers and local communities. “Decommissioning is not done only with petroleum or naval engineering. It requires a powerful combination of knowledge to carry out the end-of-life processes of a productive system, considering even what it represents for the territories,” she explains, adding that our culture does not prepare us for endings, such as decommissioning, which is the closure of a cycle.

At the start of the activities, a workshop on criteria for assessing the impacts of decommissioning was held, coordinated by visiting professor Eduardo Infante from Coppe’s Production Engineering Program. The event brought together representatives from industry, academia, the public sector, and communities to discuss priorities and methodologies for this complex and increasingly urgent process.

*With Glácia Marillac, journalist and UFRN PPGCI student

Beaches at Risk: Coppe Study Reveals Real Threat to Rio de Janeiro’s Shoreline

Imagine a future without the sandy stretches of Copacabana or Ipanema. No space to lay out a towel, walk along the shore, or simply admire the ocean. This scenario, which may seem dystopian, is precisely the warning brought by a groundbreaking study from Coppe/UFRJ, published in the journal Natural Hazards.

The result of research led by specialists from Coppe’s Civil Engineering Program, the study presents highly detailed projections of the impacts of sea level rise in the Rio de Janeiro region — one of the most vulnerable areas along Brazil’s coastline. And what it reveals is alarming: urban beaches could disappear irreversibly by the end of the century.

Science with impact: novel modeling and alarming results
Using the ROMS (Regional Ocean Modeling System) coupled with a high-precision Digital Elevation Model, the researchers simulated the effects of sea level rise — projected to reach up to 69 centimeters by 2100 — on Rio’s coastal and urban areas. This approach, unprecedented in Brazil, offers a localized view that takes into account factors such as land use, bathymetry, tides, and environmental characteristics. “Global projections do not address coastal flooding in detail. The regional model allows us to capture specific dynamics, such as currents, tides, and sea level changes over time — aspects that global models cannot reflect,” explains researcher Raquel Toste, one of the study’s authors.

Beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema at risk
The study indicates that neighborhoods such as Copacabana, Ipanema, Leme, Leblon, Botafogo, and Flamengo are among the most threatened. In many cases, there is no physical space for the beach to migrate as the sea advances, which could lead to the complete loss of these recreational areas and cultural landmarks.

In addition, the simulation shows a concerning increase in the extent of coastal lagoons, such as Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas and Lagoa de Piratininga, as well as the risk of disappearance of the remaining mangroves in Guanabara Bay — ecosystems that are crucial for environmental balance and flood control.

More than a warning, the study, conducted by the Laboratory of Computational Methods in Engineering (Lamce), provides a strategic tool for public policy. Even under the most optimistic climate scenarios — with global warming stabilized by 2100 — the impacts on Rio’s coastline will be inevitable if local adaptation measures are not adopted immediately. The detailed analysis of areas most susceptible to flooding, including the frequency, depth, and duration of inundation, makes it possible to: map real risk zones; guide investments in drainage and containment infrastructure; evaluate engineering solutions for beach preservation; plan the relocation of vulnerable communities; and protect coastal ecosystems under threat.

Science that guides decisions
This study demonstrates that facing the climate crisis requires actions grounded in data, science, and long-term planning. Coppe’s research reinforces the strategic role of public universities in generating applied knowledge, with direct potential to inform public policies, protect vulnerable populations, and preserve the city’s environmental and cultural heritage.

Students explore the engineering behind robots and drones at Coppe

Have you ever stopped to think about who creates the drones that fly across the sky, the robots that explore the ocean floor, or the systems that make cities smarter? The answer lies in engineering — a field that connects creativity, science, and technology to transform the world we live in.

With this spirit, around 100 high school students filled the Coppe/UFRJ auditorium on Thursday, July 3, to take part in the second edition of the event “Why Engineering?” The goal? To spark curiosity, inspire future paths, and show that engineering is everywhere — even in the places we least expect.

Students from Faetec, Cefet, and even middle school students participating in the Brazilian Navy’s Forças no Esporte program immersed themselves in the world of intelligent machines, autonomous drones, and the logic behind the most advanced technological systems.

Robots That Fail (and Teach!)

In a light and engaging presentation, Professor Alessandro Jacoud, from Coppe’s Electrical Engineering Program, revealed the behind-the-scenes of real robot and drone development, carried out by GSCAR (Simulation and Control Group for Automation and Robotics).

Contrary to what many people believe, robots don’t always work perfectly the first time. Jacoud shared stories of unexpected failures — and how true learning often lies in investigating what went wrong. After all, engineering is built on tests, hypotheses, trials — and creative solutions.

During the session, students were also challenged to identify a mistake in geometric constructions — and eagerly embraced the challenge. It became a hands-on lesson on how logic, focus, and the courage to make mistakes are essential tools for anyone seeking to innovate. Jacoud, who once dreamed of building helicopters, spoke passionately about the importance of engaging young people with science early on. He emphasized how lab visits and outreach programs like this one are gateways for curious and creative minds eager to change the world.

Coppe hosts delegation from Innovation Norway

Professor Alessandro Jacoud (left) and Alfredo Renault (background) welcomed Patrick Reurink, Isabella Lacerda, and Pilar Neves from Innovation Norway at the Control and Automation Laboratory (Lead).

Recognized as a center of excellence in science and technology, Coppe/UFRJ reaffirms its position as a leading institution in cutting-edge research and innovation with high-impact potential for the productive sector.

On Tuesday, July 1st, the institution welcomed Patrick Reurink, Counselor for Science, Technology and Higher Education at Innovation Norway — the main Norwegian government agency dedicated to promoting innovation and the economic development of the country’s enterprises (learn more on the English website).

The Norwegian delegation visited Coppe to learn more about strategic projects developed by its laboratories, with a focus on global challenges and energy transition opportunities. The topics discussed are directly relevant to oil and gas companies seeking sustainable, innovative, and industrially applicable solutions, including low-carbon fuels, automation, robotics, renewable energy, and integrated modeling of energy and climate scenarios.

Professor André Lucena presented the various Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) developed by Cenergia.

During the visit, Professor André Lucena, from the Energy Planning Program, presented the Integrated Assessment Models (IAMs) developed by the Cenergia laboratory. With two decades of expertise, the group has created unique tools such as Caesar and Orion (refinery-focused), Bloem (bioenergy), Mesh (renewables), Hermes (transport), Blues (energy and land use on a national scale), and Coffee and Tea (global energy and economy models). Thanks to Cenergia, Brazil is the only country in the Global South with a globally scoped IAM focused on energy and climate change — a strategic advantage on the international stage.

Professor Henrique Pacheco, from the Chemical Engineering Program, presented the state-of-the-art infrastructure of the Nucleus of Catalysis (Nucat), a reference center for catalytic processes aimed at energy transition. Projects showcased included biomass and plastic waste pyrolysis, as well as catalytic reactions using ethanol and CO₂, yielding high-value products such as ammonia, ethylene, green hydrogen, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The Innovation Norway delegation also visited LabOceano, one of the world’s largest oceanic tanks, and the Control and Automation Laboratory (Lead), where aerial, land, and underwater robots and drones are developed for inspecting mining and oil exploration areas, with applications in large-scale industrial projects in collaboration with major companies.

The meeting was attended by Professor Marysilvia Costa, Coppe’s Director of Technology and Innovation; Alfredo Renault, Director of the Low Carbon Solutions Center; and Pedro Spadale, Coordinator of Coppe International. Representing Innovation Norway were Pilar Neves, Project Manager for South America, and Isabella Lacerda. The visit reinforces Coppe’s strategic role as a bridge between high-level scientific knowledge and global industry in pursuit of innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness.

Pedro Spadale (Coppe International), Isabella Lacerda, Pilar Neves, Alfredo Renault (Low Carbon Solutions Center), Patrick Reurink, and Professor Henrique Pacheco during a visit to Coppe’s Catalysis Nucleus (Nucat).

Coppe welcomes ExxonMobil representatives to discuss new partnerships in cutting-edge research

Coppe/UFRJ welcomed, this Monday, June 23rd, a visit from ExxonMobil specialists, which is one of the largest energy companies in the world, to discuss new possibilities of research collaboration. The meeting reinforces the global company’s confidence in Coppe’s excellence and the potential of its technological solutions. The partnership between the institutions already includes 12 ongoing projects.

During the meeting, Coppe professors presented research developed in four laboratories, highlighting advanced technologies focused on areas of strategic interest to ExxonMobil, such as advanced oil recovery, robotics and artificial intelligence applied to the automation of operations and the treatment of water generated in the oil and gas industry. The projects, many of them multidisciplinary, demonstrate Coppe’s ability to integrate different expertise into innovative solutions.

Coppe director, professor Suzana Kahn, emphasized that offshore engineering is a traditional area of activity for the institution, which is now adopting a more transversal approach, organized by themes and bringing together groups with different skills. Initiatives focused on energy transition, for example, are coordinated by the Virtual Center for Low Carbon Technological Solutions, led by Alfredo Renault, who was also present at the meeting, as was Coppe’s director for Technology and Innovation, Professor Marysilvia Costa.

Representing ExxonMobil, the head of Professional Services, in the R&D Technology area, Rogério Soares, praised the quality of Coppe’s laboratory infrastructure and highlighted the collaborative model between the research groups as a differentiator. The company’s executive director of commercialization and R&D, Camila Borges, also expressed satisfaction with the partnership, emphasizing the importance of student involvement in the projects. R&D Technology Advisor Carolina Vieira completed the ExxonMobil delegation.

Professors Paulo Couto (LRap – Civil Engineering), Sérgio Lima Netto (SMT – Electrical Engineering), Alessandro Jacoud (Lead/Gscar – Electrical Engineering) and João Paulo Bassin (LabPol – Chemical Engineering) presented their projects.

Coppe strengthens cooperation with Chinese university and technology transfer center

Representantes da Coppe, da Dongguan University of Technology e do China-LAC Technology Transfer Center

Coppe/UFRJ welcomed a delegation from Dongguan University of Technology (DGUT) and the China-LAC Technology Transfer Center to deepen the cooperation between Brazil and China in the areas of teaching, research, innovation and technology transfer.

DGUT is an institution created in 1992, but has grown rapidly, reaching 20 thousand students. The university is located in Guangdong province, one of the most socioeconomically developed regions in China, and in the so-called Greater Bay Area, which includes cities with great scientific production and technological development, such as Macau, Hong Kong, Dongguan and Shenzhen.

Coppe and DGUT already have an agreement for academic exchange signed last December.

The project director of the China LAC Technology Transfer Center, Jason Le Yu, introduced the China LAC Technology Transfer Center, the only Chinese technology transfer institution focused on Latin America and the Caribbean. Created in 2023, China-LAC is a strategic think tank that seeks to develop a three-dimensional system (platform, network, mechanism) for technology transfer between China and Latin America, working in teaching, research, trade and intellectual property.

Coppe’s director, professor Suzana Kahn highlighted The director of Coppe, Professor Suzana Kahn, highlighted the partnerships established between Coppe and the Chinese institutions, and spoke about interaction with society as one of the pillars of the institution. “For us, it is very important to have these partnerships with companies and to prepare our students for the market and also for entrepreneurship. Researchers need to know the real world, to know what it lacks and what they can develop as innovation”, she highlighted.

The meeting was attended by more representatives from DGUT, in addition to the deputy director for Technology and Innovation, Professor Thiago Aragão, and the executive secretary of the China-Brazil Center, Rejane Rocha.

The meeting reaffirms Coppe’s international protagonism and its strategic role in articulating global partnerships focused on innovation and development.

Coppe and IIASA host international debate on climate justice and a just transition

On June 26, Coppe/UFRJ, in partnership with the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis (IIASA), Austria, will co-organize the international event Advancing Justice Considerations in Climate Policy – Bridging National and Global Perspectives. The initiative will be held as a side event to the United Nations Climate Change Conference, taking place in Bonn, Germany, from June 16 to 26, in preparation for COP 30, scheduled for November in Belém, Brazil.

The meeting will bring together leading global experts to discuss how to incorporate climate justice into national and international adaptation and mitigation strategies. Speakers include Professor Andréa Santos from Coppe’s Graduate Program in Transportation Engineering; Keywan Riahi (IIASA), lead author of IPCC reports and one of the world’s most cited experts in energy and climate; Tejal Kanitkar (National Institute of Advanced Studies – India); Fatima Denton (United Nations University – Ghana); and Puneet Kamboj (King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center – Saudi Arabia).

According to Professor Andréa, the event will be a key opportunity to bring the priorities and challenges of the Global South to the forefront of the climate and energy transition agenda. “Brazil has enormous potential in bioeconomy and biosocioeconomy to generate low-emission wealth, create green jobs, and promote inclusion. However, for this transition to be just, Global South countries need access to financing and technologies. Developed countries, with greater historical responsibility for emissions, must fulfill their role in this process,” she stated.

The activity takes place under the scope of the SBSTA (Subsidiary Body for Scientific and Technological Advice) of the UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change). Since 2022, Brazil has participated in the UNFCCC with observer country status, a milestone made possible through an initiative led by Professor Andréa Santos with the organization’s secretariat.

Coppe’s presence in this international dialogue underscores the importance of Brazilian science in global climate negotiations and reaffirms the institution’s commitment to contributing to just and sustainable solutions aligned with the needs of developing countries.

Want to learn more? Access the report “The Environmental Power of Biodiversity: An Innovative Pathway for Brazil”, produced by the Brazilian Panel on Climate Change (PBMC), and coordinated by Andréa Santos, Suzana Kahn (Coppe’s Director), Fábio Scarano (Institute of Biology/UFRJ), and Carlos Nobre (USP).

The Rede Refugia Platform celebrates one year of fostering the integration of refugees in Brazil

In this month that marks World Refugee Day (June 20), the Rede Refugia Platform — an initiative linked to the Center for Studies and Practices in Disaster Engineering (Ceped) at Coppe/UFRJ — celebrates its first anniversary.

Conceived by PhD candidate Estevão Leite during his master’s studies in Production Engineering at Coppe, the platform was created to strengthen existing support networks among migrants, serving as a digital tool to facilitate connections without replacing the State’s responsibility to guarantee rights. Over the past year, the team has participated in national discussions on migration policies, such as the 2nd National Conference on Migration, Refuge, and Statelessness held in 2024.

With a participatory approach, Rede Refugia has already directly impacted over 50 individuals and supported more than 20 projects through partner organizations that promote services and opportunities directly through the platform. According to Ceped’s coordinator, Professor Tharcisio Fontainha, this reflects a new perspective in the field of disaster response and humanitarian aid, where refugees themselves play an active role in their integration. “Technology serves as a means to enhance these relationships,” he states.

Among those who have benefited is Maria Gabriela, a migrant and owner of the microenterprise Comida Chévere. Originally from San Joaquin (Carabobo), Venezuela, she was one of the contributors to the platform’s design and says that her life improved after engaging with Rede Refugia, where she even provided catering services. “Through this initiative, we began receiving inquiries from people interested in our services. Additionally, the platform’s dynamic fosters valuable connections among entrepreneurs, businesses, and service providers, offering us guidance and support in multiple ways,” says Maria Gabriela, who has lived in Rio de Janeiro since 2017.

The results of this initiative will be showcased by the Ceped team during the Rio Refugia event, taking place on June 21 and 22, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at Sesc Tijuca, with free admission. In addition to platform demonstrations and new user registration — with gifts from Rede Refugia — the event will feature a wide range of multicultural activities, including workshops, music, dance, and a food fair highlighting traditional flavors from the home countries of refugees. The program is organized by Sesc-RJ in partnership with Abraço Cultural, Feira Chega Junto, and Pares Cáritas RJ.

Initiatives like this reinforce Coppe’s role as a hub of innovative and socially impactful solutions, combining academic excellence with a deep commitment to addressing the pressing challenges of our time.

Coppe Incubator promotes Demoday Energia, an event dedicated to innovation in the sector

The Coppe/UFRJ Business Incubator, in partnership with Porto Maravalley, shall promote the “Demoday Energia” event on July 17th, which will be dedicated to innovation in the energy sector, including oil & gas.

The event will bring together startups from the Coppe incubator and other guests, who will present technological solutions with a potential to impact the market.

It will be an excellent opportunity to learn about innovative projects and network with entrepreneurs, industry experts and investors. We look forward to seeing you for an evening of connections and innovation!

Date: July 17th 2025
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Porto Maravalley – Praça Mauá, Rio de Janeiro

Subscribe here:
https://lu.ma/kwdwoq9f

Coppe participates in Climate Change Conference in Bonn

The Climate Change Conference, a preparatory event for COP30 which will take place in Brazil in November, began this Monday, June 16th, in Bonn, Germany. Representing Coppe/UFRJ, professor Andréa Santos, from the Transport Engineering Program, will participate in two central activities from the schedule.

On Wednesday, June 18th, Andréa will be one of the panelists at the Sharm el-Sheikh Dialogue workshop, on the panel “Transition planning for low GHG emission and climate resilient development pathways and financing just transition pathways in diverse contexts”. The debate shall approach financial instruments and policies to support the just transition in high emission sectors, in addition to strategies to mitigate socioeconomic impacts and good practice examples in different regions of the world.

On Friday, the 20th, she will participate in the event “The Compass for Net Zero: Navigating Ambition, Justice and Development”, promoted by the Elevate organization. In the session “Advancing just and ambitious national commitments: evaluation of 2035 NDCs, good practices, and expectations for future submissions”, Andréa and other specialists will analyze the national commitments (NDCs) for 2035, discussing ways to align climate ambition, development and social justice.

As Executive Secretary of the Brazilian Panel on Climate Change, the professor will also highlight city initiatives to promote a just and resilient transition, in addition to identifying common challenges and opportunities faced by urban contexts in mitigating climate change.

The conference will run until June 26.

professor Andréa Santos’ participation schedules (Bonn local time | Brasília time):

Wednesday, 18/06 – Sharm el-Sheikh Dialogue Workshop: 10:15 am to 11 am | 5:15 am to 6 am (Brasília)
Friday, 20/06 – “Advancing just and ambitious national commitments” Session: 11 am to 1 pm | 6 am to 8 am (Brasília)

Coppe Advances the Electrification Debate through the AcoplaRE Project

On June 4 and 5, Coppe/UFRJ hosted the 5th Workshop of the AcoplaRE Project (Sector Coupling and Green Economy), a high-impact initiative aimed at promoting integration between the energy, transportation, and industrial sectors as a strategy to accelerate the decarbonization of the Brazilian economy.

With a focus on research, development, and innovation in public urban electromobility, the event brought together experts from various institutions and represented another important step in the construction of concrete solutions to the challenges of Brazil’s energy transition. Coppe’s active participation reinforced the institution’s role as a technical and scientific reference in the formulation of sustainable and innovative public policies.

During the workshop, Coppe’s Director, Professor Suzana Kahn, emphasized the urgency of integrated approaches:
“Sector coupling is essential at this moment when we seek to accelerate decarbonization in Brazil. Traditionally, this process has been addressed in a siloed and fragmented manner. However, it is through integration and joint action among different sectors that we will truly be able to reduce emissions and enhance the performance of the national economy.”

Coppe contributed by presenting strategic projects in the areas of urban mobility, industry, and technological innovation. Professor Andrea Santos, from the Transportation Engineering Program (PET), also took part as a member of the Research Working Group, which is tasked with formulating public policy recommendations for the electrification of the transportation sector in Brazil.

“This project is fundamental for the development of public policies that connect energy and transportation—two key sectors for decarbonizing the Brazilian economy,” stated Andrea Santos.

What is the AcoplaRE Project?

The AcoplaRE Project is an initiative of the Brazil-Germany Cooperation for Sustainable Development, implemented by GIZ (German Agency for International Cooperation) in partnership with the Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME). The project aims to establish viable and sustainable pathways for Brazil’s energy transition by bringing together government, businesses, municipalities, and research institutions.

Structured around three key pillars—Mobility, Industry, and Research—AcoplaRE is already impacting five Brazilian municipalities through technical assistance for the decarbonization of urban transport. It also explores alternatives for industrial electrification using renewable sources and develops public policy proposals focused on social and gender equity.

With technical meetings ongoing since 2024, the research group will remain active until June 2026, when it is expected to present a comprehensive set of recommendations grounded in evidence and interdisciplinary studies.

“The meeting at Coppe was particularly meaningful as it brought the academic and technical perspectives of one of the country’s leading research institutions,” Professor Andrea added.

Why Engineering? The pathways of Robotics: underwater, terrestrial and aerial

On July 3rd, Coppe/UFRJ will promote the second edition of “Why Engineering?”, which shall have as its theme “The Pathways of Robotics: underwater, terrestrial and aerial”. The event is free, interactive and part of the science outreach. It will be led by professor Alessandro Jacoud from the Electrical Engineering Program (PEE) at Coppe, who will present robots developed by Coppe’s Automation and Robotics Simulation and Control Group (GSCAR).

The robots to be presented are aimed at real and inspiring applications: from monitoring oceans and underground tunnels to remotely inspecting industrial and offshore environments.

This is the second meeting which brings a young audience closer to the fascinating engineering universe, its technologies and possibilities. If you are curious, enjoy science and technology and want to understand how engineering works in society on a daily basis, this event is for you.

Secure your spot and come get inspired by the engineering that changes the world!

Registration must be carried out through Sympla.

Service:

Date: July 3rd (Thursday)

Time: 10 a.m.

Location: Coppe’s Auditorium – UFRJ’s Technology Center, at Avenida Horácio Macedo, 2030, Block G – room 122, Cidade Universitária

Coppe and Naval Postgraduate School form partnership

Professor Suzana Kahn, among Admirals Márcio Rocha, INPG director (left), and Arthur Fernando Bettega (right), Chief of Naval Staff.

Coppe/UFRJ and the Naval Postgraduate School (INPG) signed a memorandum of understanding this Thursday, May 29, to formalize a partnership between the institutions for collaboration in teaching, research, academic mobility, and outreach.

The agreement outlines joint efforts in areas such as submarine acoustics, ocean sciences, artificial intelligence and cybernetics, logistics, materials, nanotechnology, nuclear, and quantum technologies, among others.

Professor Jean-David Caprace and Admiral Márcio Rocha (center of image)

The Chief of Naval Staff, Fleet Admiral Arthur Bettega Corrêa, emphasized that the collaboration between UFRJ and the Navy has brought significant benefits to the country since the 1980s, with the creation of computational codes used in the simulation and operation of uranium enrichment ultracentrifuges, which has been fundamental for the country’s autonomy in the nuclear fuel cycle.

“Furthermore, the partnership with Coppe has been crucial in strategic areas such as ocean engineering, submarine acoustics, and signal processing. Specific projects also stand out, such as patrol vessel designs, maritime policies, and research in the health sector, in addition to customized courses in acoustic warfare, naval propulsion, electricity control, and the management of natural and human emergencies and disasters. The success of these initiatives demonstrates the potential of this collaboration and paves the way for new joint projects,” the admiral enumerated.

Among the authorities present were Admiral Márcio de Vasconcellos Rocha, director of INPG; Coppe’s director, Professor Suzana Kahn; Coppe’s vice-director, Professor Marcello Campos; and Coppe’s director of Academic Affairs, Professor Jean-David Caprace.

Coppe launches studies for Metro Line 3 Implementation of the Rio de Janeiro

Coppe/UFRJ announced, this Tuesday, June 3rd, the start of technical studies that will support the implementation of Line 3 of the Rio de Janeiro Metro. The new subway line is expected to connect the municipalities of São Gonçalo, Niterói, Itaboraí, and the state capital (Rio de Janeiro), representing a significant advance for urban mobility and metropolitan integration.

During a ceremony held at Coppe, Professor Rômulo Orrico from Coppe’s Transportation Engineering Program (PET), who is the project coordinator, presented the objectives, methodology, timeline, and expected results of the study, named PRISMA-RJ – Project for Integration, Sustainability, and Development in Mobility in Rio de Janeiro. Federal, state, and municipal authorities, researchers, transportation sector specialists, and other strategic urban mobility stakeholders in the state were present.

With a 30-month deadline for completion, the project aims to provide a robust technical basis for strategic decisions regarding the line’s route, economic viability, and social impacts. “There isn’t a route yet. The decision on the route depends on the cost to be analyzed and the responsibility of whoever will make the decision,” stated Orrico.

The work will involve benchmarking with similar projects in Brazil and abroad, collecting and structuring urban and transportation data, holding public hearings, and the technical conception of the line. The drafting of the tender document and monitoring of the bidding process are also planned.

The study will involve a multidisciplinary team, bringing together specialists from Production Engineering, Systems and Computer Engineering, and the university’s Institute of Mathematics. This diversity of knowledge will allow for a broad and integrated approach, covering everything from data modeling and simulations to the analysis of social, economic, and environmental impacts.

According to Orrico, public participation will be one of the pillars of PRISMA-RJ. “Open and total participation from everyone is fundamental. We will seek it, and we will be sought. The population is a data provider. We want to know how the project can boost the local development plans of the cities involved. We will encourage every type of participation possible,” he emphasized.

Development and Sustainability

More than just meeting the growing demand for quality public transport in the Rio de Janeiro Metropolitan Region, the project aims to articulate different mobility modalities and contribute to reducing dependence on individual motorized transport. Expected impacts include improving the quality of life for the population, reducing fossil fuel consumption, and generating jobs.

The study is also expected to boost chains of knowledge, innovation, and culture through the involvement of laboratories, universities, and technical consultancies, in addition to contributing to the reduction of social inequalities by expanding access to services and opportunities.

According to Suzana Kahn, director of Coppe, the initiative reaffirms the institution’s strategic role in contributing to the formulation of public policies. “Coppe plays a fundamental role in building technological solutions for Brazil’s development. There are countless public policies we have managed to structure based on studies like this, covering essential areas such as infrastructure, environment, energy, and urban mobility,” she highlighted.

She added that the project represents a new stage for the development of the Metropolitan Region, with the potential to positively impact the lives of over two million people.

Tradition in Innovation

Coppe’s Transportation Engineering Program has a consolidated history of contributions to Brazilian urban mobility. Notable projects include the automatic traffic light synchronization system implemented in Rio de Janeiro in the 1990s, the green hydrogen pilot plant inaugurated in 2023, and the studies for the implementation of the Salvador subway, also led by Professor Rômulo Orrico, who participated in drafting the terms of reference and the bidding document for the Bahian capital.

Nanotechnology in Paint: Coppe Develops Solar-Activated Self-Cleaning Coating

Imagine a Paint That Doesn’t Just Color Surfaces It Cleans Itself with Sunlight — No washing, no constant maintenance. Researchers at Coppe are pioneering this breakthrough with a new generation of self-cleaning paint based on advanced nanotechnology.

Unlike existing commercial formulas, which rely on conventional titanium dioxide (TiO₂) particles, Coppe’s team is using TiO₂ nanowires—elongated structures thousands of times thinner than a human hair. These nanowires form a highly reactive 3D network within the paint, dramatically boosting sunlight absorption and the efficiency of the self-cleaning process.

“Nanotechnology gives this paint revolutionary properties. We’re talking enhanced durability, longer lifespan, and functionalities like self-cleaning, antimicrobial action, thermal regulation, magnetism, self-healing, and optical effects,” explains Felipe Anchieta, a Ph.D. candidate in Coppe’s Nanotechnology Engineering Program (PENt).

How the Technology Works

The innovation lies not just in the formula but in performance. When exposed to sunlight, the painted surface activates the TiO₂ nanowires, generating free radicals—highly reactive compounds that chemically break down accumulated dirt, soot, and pollutants. Unlike conventional self-cleaning paints that merely repel impurities, Coppe’s paint destroys them chemically, keeping surfaces clean far longer.

And it doesn’t compromise aesthetics or application: the paint retains the color, texture, and usability of conventional products—with cutting-edge technology built in.

A New Benchmark for the Industry

While nanotechnology in paint isn’t new (e.g., Rome’s Jubilee Church facade), Coppe’s research stands out due to the particle shape. The nanowires capture more light, produce more free radicals, and reinforce the coating’s structure, ensuring not just self-cleaning but superior durability.

Another breakthrough is the study of the ideal nanowire dosage, balancing functionality and longevity. The team is validating the technology in real-world conditions—running long-term tests across different environments and climates—while developing a scalable process for industrial production.

If results hold, this paint could revolutionize sustainability in construction—slashing maintenance costs, saving water, and reducing chemical use.

With this innovation, Coppe reaffirms its role as a leader in applied research, proving how nanotechnology can turn everyday materials into smart, sustainable solutions for the urban challenges of tomorrow.

Institutional Brochure 2025

Artificial Intelligence and Multicriteria Analysis: The New Frontier in Offshore Decommissioning

Photograph: Itaiua Lukasewicz Rago – Petrobras

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).

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