Sharing and knowledge
The Energy Transition Education and Research Program began at the University of Barcelona under the direction of Mariano Marzo, professor of Stratigraphy and lecturer of Energy Resources and Oil Geology. It has since been extended to the Polytechnic University of Madrid (UPM), where it is led by Óscar García, director of the School of Industrial Engineering (ETSII-UPM); to the Comillas Pontifical University, where it is led by José Ignacio Linares, industrial engineer, professor of Thermal Machines and Engines, and professor of Thermodynamics and Energy Engineering at Comillas ICAI; and to the University of Navarra, where it is led by Tomas Gómez-Acebo, professor in the Tecnun Mechanical Engineering and Materials Department.
The University of Barcelona program primarily centers on promoting the knowledge and dissemination of CO2 recovery and re-use systems, a major objective in the fight against climate change. The UPM program is focused on sustainable mobility; the Comillas program on the keys to decarbonizing industry from a technological, economic, and social point of view; and the Navarra program on hydrogen and key aspects related with the production, distribution, and end-user availability for sustainable mobility.
A Chair within a network of universities
CO₂ capture, utilization and storage against climate change
The value of CCUS technologies
Technologies for carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS) have high potential for complementing renewable energies in the electricity system with their minimal emissions. In addition, they are key for reducing emissions in sectors like steel, cement, and chemicals, since the CO2 captured can be reused, thanks to other necessary technologies, as raw material in a wide range of possibilities.
In the words of Mariano Marzo, "the goal is to open a debate forum and a center for sharing thoughts and knowledge on the energy transition. This is a complex topic that is usually addressed from a lax point of view with proposals for simple solutions, when in reality we are entering a world full of uncertainty, although also of opportunity".
Within the framework of the collaboration with the University of Barcelona, a World Observatory for Innovation is being developed to discuss the latest advances in recovery and re-use of CO2.Challenges for students and workshops with all the pertinent parties of the energy transition debate will also take place.
The challenge of sustainable mobility and decarbonizing industry, and hydrogen
The Repsol Foundation – UPM Energy Transition Education and Research Program is centered on two lines of action: the improvement of air quality and mobility's carbon footprint.
The program facilitates forums and debates such as: an observatory on sustainable mobility, a challenge directed at ETSII students, and a workshop on automobile greenhouse gas emissions and future challenges, uniting sector specialists and researchers.
The Repsol Foundation – Comillas Energy Transition Education and Research Program analyzes the methods for achieving sustainable industry decarbonization, using carbon footprint and life-cycles analysis as tools.
To do this, it will initiate an observatory to monitor new technologies that can be applied to decarbonizing industry, both at a national and international level. It will also organize meetings and conferences that will include the participation of experts in the field. Additionally, students can participate in "hackathons" to seek solutions to these challenges.
The Tecnun (University of Navarra) – Repsol Energy Transition Education and Research Program will be focused on hydrogen as an energy source for driving the energy transition. An annual observatory will take place where teachers and experts from the school will encourage research and the dissemination of knowledge via doctoral theses, Bachelor's and Master's Degree final projects, training courses, and webinars.
