Research in this area aligns with Portugal’s strategic commitment to decarbonizing its economy and ultimately achieving climate neutrality through reduction of all greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero. This transition requires large-scale deployment of renewable energy sources as well as systemic innovation across diverse components of the energy system, including storage, grids, electrification, efficiency and sustainable fuels. MPP is investigating deeper integration of technologies, markets, and industrial capabilities to meet multiple goals of resilience, affordability and sustainability.
Among the topics MPP is pursuing are renewable energy innovation, energy storage and other grid flexibility solutions, electrification of industry and mobility, energy efficiency in buildings and industrial processes, and energy system modeling. Supporting collaborative research across the entire energy system, projects in this area are aimed at speeding technology validation and industrial deployment, while informing strategic energy planning and policy.
Funded Projects
Calls: 2025 Call for Seed Grant Proposals
Research Areas: Energy
Abstract
We propose to develop diodes and prototype solar cells using chalcogenide perovskite thin films. We will deposit BaZrS3 thin films, and BaZr(S,Se)3 alloys with tunable band gap, using previouslyestablished methods of molecular beam epitaxy. We will select contact materials, and will develop methods to deposit and evaluate the contact materials as thin films. We will form p-n heterojunction diodes and test their electrical performance. Finally, we will evaluate the photovoltage and solar-cell performance of the top-performing diodes. Our project will build on a new collaboration between MIT and the International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL), leveraging world-leading expertise in chalcogenide perovskite deposition (MIT) and in scanning probe microscopy (INL). We will be the first to characterize and optimize chalcogenide perovskite thin-film diodes and photovoltaic performance, which will be a major advance in this growing research field.
MIT PI
Rafael Jaramillo, Associate Professor, Department of Materials Science and EngineeringPT PI
Sascha Sadewasser
Principal Investigator, Laboratory for Nanostructured Solar Cells International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory (INL)Calls: 2025 Call for Seed Grant Proposals
Research Areas: Energy
Abstract
The motivation for this project is the recent Iberian blackout. We study it by modeling and simulating multi-country interconnected electric power grid affected by this event using modified publicly available data of European Union grid known as PECASE. We will then use extended AC Optimal Power Flow software to assess the most vulnerable parts of the grid, and, to, consequently, reconstruct the events which led to massive loss of electricity service. Of particular interest will be to understand the role of coordinating inter-countries power exchanges, notably between France and Spain for preventing system voltages from collapsing. In parallel, we will introduce adaptive power electronically switched control of intermittent resources for stabilizing voltage and frequency during such extreme events. The study will set a basis for general framework needed in other parts of the world for the same purposes, including US. Results will be demonstrated using Power Digital Twin at MIT.
MIT PI
Marija Ilic, Senior Research Scientist, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer SciencePT PI
Pedro Carvalho Full Professor, IST Técnico Lisboa, Institute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Research and DevelopmentCalls: 2025 Call for Seed Grant Proposals
Research Areas: Energy
Abstract
Offshore wind energy leverages the high intensity and consistency of oceanic winds, playing a key role in the transition to renewable energy. As energy demands grow, larger turbines are needed to optimize power generation and reduce costs. However, upscaling introduces structural design and manufacturing challenges. Designing better wind turbines is therefore essential. A key challenge is the time-consuming nature of multiphysics simulations, involving interactions between wind, waves, and ocean currents, limiting exploration of design alternatives. While AI provides a promising way to help alleviate this challenge, most current AI-accelerated models lack the capability to capture multi-physics, leading to untrustworthy or structurally invalid designs. We propose a physics-guided generative design framework that combines Graph Neural Nets (GNNs) and diffusion models, trained on high-fidelity multiphysics simulation data and validated against experimental data from full-scale offshore structures, to design and evaluate offshore structures. This approach enables faster development, improved accuracy, and scalable digital twins for Portugal’s partners in the offshore wind sector.
MIT PI
Faez Ahmed, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical EngineeringPT PI
Sérgio Tavares (University of Aveiro),
Filipe Magalhães (University of Porto)Calls: 2025 Call for Seed Grant Proposals
Research Areas: Energy
Abstract
Boiling of refrigerants enables high heat dissipation and is critical in heat pumps, refrigeration, solar power systems, and emerging microsystems. Understanding refrigerant boiling can drive the development of clean technologies for process heat, cooling, and power while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by replacing harmful refrigerants with eco-friendly alternatives. This project aims to enhance boiling heat transfer using next-generation low-global-warming-potential refrigerants. We will conduct pioneering experiments using advanced optical and infrared diagnostics, paired with engineered surfaces, to identify designs that maximize performance. These surfaces will be tested in prototypical conditions, focusing on applications such as refrigeration systems, concentrated solar power and passive, thermally powered cooling. Insights gained will also benefit broader water-based thermal systems, including steam generation and solar cooking.
MIT PI
Matteo Bucci, Associate Professor, Department of Nuclear Science & EngineeringPT PI
Prof. Ana Moita Universidade de Lisboa Instituto Superior TécnicoCalls: 2025 Call for Seed Grant Proposals
Research Areas: Energy
Abstract
Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) waste presents a major challenge to circular materials management due to its high chlorine content and incompatibility with existing recycling systems. This project, a collaboration between Prof. Luís Branco (NOVA FCT) and Prof. Yuriy Román (MIT), will develop a catalytic process to convert PVC into energy-dense liquid fuels using mild thermochemical treatment in tailored solvent systems. The approach integrates solvents with tunable acid–base properties (NOVA FCT) and selective hydrogenolysis catalysts (MIT) to enable dechlorination and C–C bond cleavage under mild conditions. Key innovations include nucleophilic, low-volatility solvents that stabilize reactive intermediates and catalysts that promote high selectivity without over-cracking. Unlike existing chemical recycling methods, which suffer from low carbon yields, proof-of-concept results demonstrate dechlorinated PVC carbon recoveries approaching 80%. Portuguese PVC-containing waste streams will be used to validate the process and guide scale-up. This collaboration offers a high-yield, lowimpact route to valorize halogenated plastic waste while supporting national energy and sustainability goals.
MIT PI
Yuriy Roman, Professor, Department of Chemical EngineeringPT PI
Prof. Luís Branco, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, Principal Investigator, Fotoquímica Research Group NOVA School of Science and Technology (FCT NOVA)