RELOP Working Group Session: Innovative Technologies in Biofuel Production

The Working Group on Oil, Gas and Biofuels (GT-PGB), held on August 19th of 2025, a technical session dedicated to the theme “Innovative Technologies in Biofuel Production”, within the context of the energy transition and the promotion of circular economy.

The event counted with the attendance of experts from the University of Aveiro, who presented scientific and technological advances in biomass conversion and the valorisation of organic waste. During the session, Prof. Dr. Luís Tarelho highlighted the challenges of thermochimical processes, such as gasification and pyrolysis, pointing out the heterogeneity of the biomass, the low calorific value and the presence of alkaline ash as technical obstacles. He explained that gasification allows for the production of clean lean gas, with potential for electricity generation in rural areas, while pyrolysis generates biochar and bio-oil with industrial and agricultural applications.

Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Flávio Silva approached the topic of biotechnological solutions for the use of organic waste, aligned with the principles of the circular economy: waste elimination, maximization of the value of materials and regeneration of natural systems. Different types of bioreactorsv were presented, with a focus on anaerobic digestion, capable of producing biogas, biohydrogen, and value-added compounds. According to the professor, 1 m³ of biogas can generate up to 7.3 kWh of thermal energy.

During the debate, the possibilities of integrating gasification into local energy chains were discussed, as well as the countries who are the most advanced in the production of biogasv and bio-hydrogen. Brazil was quoted as a reference, even though it faces challenges in the efficient purification of those gases.

The session closed with thanks to the participants and the speakers, reinforcing the importance of regional and international cooperation in the construction of sustainable energy solutions that can be adapted to the realities of lusophone countries.

Meet the winner of the previous edition

Marcio Andrey Roselli has served on behalf of ANEEL for over 15 years, having acted as Coordinator of Tariff Information Systems. Currently, he exerts the role of Coordinator of the Strategic Management Advisory.

He holds a post-doctorate awarded by the UNIFEI, a doctorate degree from Poli-USP, a masters from UFERJ and a degree in Electrical Engineering from UNIFEI. He also holds degrees in Physics (UCAM), Accounting (UniCV), IT Management (UniCV), and Law (UniCEUB). He also holds several specializations, including Public Management (UEG), Regulatory Law (UnB), and Safety Engineering (UFF).

REPORT ON THE PARTICIPATION OF THE PREVIOUS EDITION (Translated from Portuguese)

How was your experience participating on the PMCP?

Participating on the PMCP was a gratifying experience. I had the opportunity of presenting my work on “Economic Evaluation of the Energetic Transition in Systems of Electric Energy Distribution”, share knowledge and exchange enriching experiences during the in-person meeting. That moment was essential to amplify my vision on the theme and strenghten connections with other researchers and professionals in the field.

Could you tell us more about the awarded work and how it contributes to the energy regulation sector?

The work approaches methodologies to quantify, in monetary terms, the costs and benefits associated with the solar generation distributed , recharging electric vehicles and producing green hydrogen. Through the developed model, it is possible to evaluate the economic impacts of public policies geared towards the energetic transition. That approach contributes to the energy regulation sector, providing a more robust technical and financial foundation to take strategic decisions.

How was the experience of presenting your work in an international event promoted by RELOP?

Presenting my work in an international event promoted by RELOP was an unforgettable experience. The event took place on the Sal Island, in Cape Verde, a place with such unique beauty, with a very warm and welcoming population. Apart from the opportunity to showcase my research, I was able to exchange valuable knowledge regarding the energy transition with specialists from all over the world. It was a very enriching moment that broadened my perspective in regards to challenges and opportunities in the sector.

What was the impact of PMCP in your professional, academic or cientific trajectory?

The impact of PMCP in my trajectory was extremely positive, both in a profissional sense as well as in an academic and cientific sense. The theme of my work continues to be highly relevant, especially in Brazil, where the discussion about the costs and benefits of the energy transition is still evolving, with a focus on the compreension of the impacts of those changes. Professionally, I understand a gradual transition in approaches more discretionary for quantitative analysis, which strenghtens the data-diven decision making. Then, in the academic field, I continue deepening my research and contributing actively to study groups in universities, amplifing the debate about the theme and its implications for energy regulation.

What advice would you give to those who wish to apply to the next edition of PMCP?

My main advice is to search for a balance between academic knowledge and a practical application. Read scientific articles, deepen your knowledge on the theme and synthesise the informations in a clear manner. More than that, look into applying that knowledge to real problems in regulation. The capacity to transform theory into concrete solutions is essential and makes all the difference in the quality of the work developed.

RELOP Working Group Session: The Role of regulator on the New Energetic Paradigm

On the 28th of july, a session from the RELOP working group took place with a focus on the theme “The Role of ANP on the New Energetic Paradigm“.

The session, which took place online, accounted for the presence of several RELOP members, including Dr. Luciana Tavares, Environmental Data Advisor and Regulatory Specialist at The Brazilian National Agency for Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels – ANP.

The workshop opened with Eng. Abelina Chambule from the National Petroleum Institute (INP), who presented the objectives of the meeting, as well as the guest speakers invited.

During the event, the representatives of the diverse regulatory bodies shared their approaches:

INP (Mozambique) highlighted the integration of renewable energies, the role of natural gas and the challenges of decarbonisation.

ANP (Brazil) presented initiatives, such as the PDI clause, the promotion of clean technologies, and the recent regulatory marks.

ARENE (Mozambique) approached several technical and legal challenges of the integration of renewable energies, while emphasising the role of natural gas.

IRDP (Angola) presented the national energy matrix, the strategy for Angola Energy 2025, and the private initiatives in clean energies.

ARME (Cape Verde) discussed the costs of electricity, goals for energy transition and the mechanisms for sustainable financing.

ANPG (Angola) focused on the regulation for decarbonisation and the promotion of biofuels, with a special focus on the direct plans for natural gas.

After the contribution from all present members of RELOP, the event ended with a session of questions and answers, where themes such as, the role of regulatory bodies in the promotion of investments and the strategic use of the carbon index in regulatory decisions, were discussed.

During final contributions, the importance of a regional and international collaboration in order to advance towards a fair, efficient and sustainable energy transition was reinforced.