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Considering the advantages associated with the port sector concerning the potential of offshore wind energy, several international ports are aiming to achieve a solid integration in offshore wind energy clusters. This article performs an analysis of several seaports and offshore wind energy clusters in Europe to assess the feasibility of implementing an offshore wind energy cluster in the Port of Aveiro, Portugal. A deep literature review and a case study methodology were performed. Based on the analysis of the offshore energy market, and of the value chain of the company case study (ASM Offshore), it was concluded that the Portuguese market in this sector is not competitive, compared with other international markets. Nevertheless, the development of an offshore wind energy cluster could increase the included companie's prospects, as well as dispute the growth of other companies associated with this sector. This research is relevant, because there is a lack of research that links the importance of seaports in offshore wind energy projects, in particular with a cluster structure, and because it contributes to knowledge for the development of the Aveiro region and Portugal, based on the exploitation of the renewable energy market and to the increase of related activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, there has been an increase in the adoption of quality tools by companies. As such, there has been a commitment to innovation by the organizations to obtain competitive advantages by the development of new products and technologies focused on the creation of economic value but also on delivering sustainability. This study aims to develop an application model of the inventive resolution theory in conjunction with the Eco-Compass ecological innovation tool, in order to allow solutions to be obtained systematically, and to present a performance increase of certain environmental parameters, promoting thus sustainable innovation. The case study research methodology is used to frame the research. The company under study is Nokia enterprise, located in Portugal, which offers a set of services related to telecommunications infrastructures. The unit of analysis is the department of transformation and continuous improvement, and the study illustrated the application of combined use of theory of inventive problem solving (TRIZ) and Eco-compass to develop innovative solutions systematically. The results show that it is possible to achieve innovation according to a certain level of established sustainable environmental parameters, while at the same time solving the identified inventive problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to evaluate the implications of the use of maritime pine non-debarked wood chips as an alternative solid fuel in industrial boilers in Portugal, highlighting the energy properties and chemical composition of the produced ash. Several samples are collected from different sources, on which a proximate analysis is carried out in order to determine the volatile matter content, fixed carbon content, ash content and higher heating value (HHV). The chemical composition of the ash samples is determined by the scanning electron microscope (SEM) method. Then, empirical indices were used to assess the utilization of the ash and its tendency to create slagging and fouling deposits in industrial boilers during the combustion process. It was concluded from the obtained results that the use of maritime pine non-debarked wood chips can significantly contribute to the formation of slagging and fouling phenomena in industrial boilers. These phenomena will be responsible for a higher number of technical stoppages of the equipment and for an increase in maintenance costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper an overloading prevention of a private customer power distribution transformer (PDT) in an island in Portugal through the means of a new smart electric vehicle (EV) charging scheduler is proposed. The aim of this paper is to assess the repercussion of the penetration of additional power to restore the full level of EV battery state of charge (SoC) on dielectric oil deterioration of the PDT of a private industry client. This will allow EVs to charge while their owners are at work at three different working shifts during the day. In addition, the system is part of an isolated electric grid in a Portuguese Island. A transformer thermal model is utilised in this paper to assess hot-spot temperature by having the information of the load ratio. The data used for the main inputs of the model are the private industry client daily load profile, PDT parameters, the characteristics of the factory and EV parameters. This paper demonstrates that the proposed solution allows avoiding the overloading of the PDT, thus mitigating the loss-of-life, while charging all the EVs plugged-in at the beginning of each working shift. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biomass industry is growing due to the current search for greener and more sustainable alternatives to fossil energy sources. However, this industry, due to its singularity, presents several challenges and disadvantages related to the transportation of raw materials, with the large volumes that are usually involved. This project aimed to address this internal logistics situation in torrefied biomass pellets production with two different biomass storage parks, located in Portugal. The main park receives raw material coming directly from the source and stores it in large amounts as a backup and strategic storage park. The second park, with smaller dimensions, precedes the production unit and must be stocked daily. Therefore, a fleet of transport units with self-unloading cranes is required to help to unload the biomass at the main park and transport the raw material from this park to the one preceding the production unit. Thus, the main goal was to determine the dimensions of the fleet used in internal transportation operations to minimize the idle time of the transport units using a methodology already in use in the mining and quarrying industry. This methodology was analyzed and adapted to the situation presented here. The implementation of this study allows the elimination of unnecessary costs in an industry where the profit margins are low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nowadays, there is a growing promotion to label products ecologically in European markets. Knowing that daily products have relevant environmental impact associated with their production, it is of utmost importance to analyse all the related production processes for a better understanding of each process impact. The present study analysed the potential environmental impacts of a Portuguese regional product, the Beira Baixa cheese, coming from the largest national sheep milk region. So, a life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology is used from -cradle-to -gate, including the supplying of the animal feedstock. Impact calculations are performed using the ReCiPe midpoint 2008 method, allowing an analysis of the environmental impacts contributing to climate change, terrestrial acidification, freshwater and marine eutrophication of all productive processes. The results have shown that the greatest impacts occur within the milk production process for all four selected impact categories. This happens mainly due to the fodder cultivation process, also necessary to produce animal feed, which contain processes of fertilization and land preparation. The enteric fermentation and manure management processes have also shown relevant contributions. The impact assessment also showed that the cheesemaking industry has practically insignificant impacts. Nonetheless, the cheesemaking industry can promote their business with these results, by advertising and marketing their product as environmentally friendly, with production processes causing reduced impacts, and therefore also their products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rural fires are currently one of the main global disasters, and Portugal is among the countries that have suffered from them for decades. These fires pose economic, environmental, and social threats to the country. A primary cause of rural fires is the burning of biomass to clear agroforestry residues. Thus, combating rural fires requires more effective forest management, particularly the removal of forest residues that serve as fuel. These residues, also known as biomass, have significant potential for energy production and biofuel use. This paper proposes a model that integrates the PROMETHEE decision-making method with the roadmapping. This proposed model includes 7 steps, including the planning of the roadmap, the definition of the decision problem, gathering information and building the roadmap. The proposed model was applied to develop a roadmap proposal for the recovery of surplus agroforestry biomass in Portugal, identifying the most emerging conversion technologies in the national context. With the roadmap developed, it was possible to understand that the recovery of surplus agroforestry biomass in Portugal involves several sectors. The energy sector is one of those that can benefit from the recovery of leftover agroforestry biomass, both from the point of view of carbon neutrality and energy independence. Forestry management is another of the great advantages of recovering leftover forestry biomass and, consequently, reducing the number of fires. In the context of recovery, combustion is the most widely used technology for producing energy or heat. The technology identified as most emerging in the upcoming years is gasification. Investment in scientific research is essential for the success of this sector, as is the development of public incentive policies and more engagement from all stakeholders. This paper conclude that valorizing agroforestry residues can reduce rural fire risks while promoting energy independence, sustainable regional development, and innovation in Portugal. • The paper proposes an integrated PROMETHEE II-Roadmap model. • The proposed model is applied to the valorization of residual agroforestry biomass in Portugal (RAFB). • Benefits of RAFB valorization include reduction of rural fires, increased renewable energy alternatives, and sustainable regional development. • An evaluation of biomass conversion technologies is performed, and gasification is identified as the most emerging. • The paper emphasizes the need in the sector for research investment, stakeholder engagement and development of supply chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]