Vasco Zeferina

The Future Energy Leaders Portugal (FEL.PT) program is an initiative aimed at developing the energy leaders of tomorrow in Portugal. As a member of the program, I have had the opportunity to engage with like-minded individuals, learn, and develop a diverse set of skills. My experience with FEL.PT has allowed me to enhance my communication skills, public engagement and energy research. I have contributed to the program's efforts by collaborating on several press articles on important topics such as biogas, wind energy potential, energy security, and have recently taken on a leadership role coordinating the writing and research of a white paper on the energy potential of residual biomass from forest land management. Through this role, I have been working with experts in Portugal to identify challenges in establishing effective supply chains and public policies for collection and utilization of residual biomass. Overall, FEL.PT has provided me with a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions about the energy transition in my home country while developing critical skills. • Collaborated on press articles on topics such as power load management, wind energy capacity expansion and biogas applications, • Coordinating the writing and research of a white paper on residual biomass from forest land management • Working with experts in Portugal to identify challenges in establishing effective supply chains and public policies for residual biomass • Enhanced communication skills, particularly in energy debate, research, and public engagement • Engaged in meaningful discussions about the energy transition.

Senior Energy Modeller focused on energy modelling tasks for strategic energy planning projects. Specializing in developing analytical models to support energy system optimization, decarbonization strategies, and long-term planning initiatives.

Description As an Energy Analyst at OFGEM, I work in the Retail and Consumer Intelligence team, driving data-driven insights through data management, data science and advanced analytics. My role is very data-driven, and I am responsible for the preparation and management of relevant datasets, migration of these datasets to Azure, and the creation of Power BI dashboards. I have also implemented data ingestion pipelines for aggregating data from different sources into a common platform. Additionally, I have overseen data quality assurance and data relationship checking of new databases. I have worked closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the understanding and adequacy of relevant metrics, datasets, and validation approaches for data submission. My experience has honed my skills in data science, advanced analytics, data preparation, and stakeholder engagement. Skills: Skills: • Proficient in data management and data science techniques; • Skilled in advanced analytics, including data migration to Azure and creation of Power BI dashboards; • Experienced in data preparation and ingestion pipelines for data aggregation; • Knowledgeable in data quality assurance and data relationship checking; • Effective stakeholder engagement through discussions and collaboration.

YES-Europe's vision is to accelerate the energy transition. Our role in making it happen is to build a stronger community of future energy leaders across disciplines and countries through online and in-person opportunities

Leading a short research project on FlyingLess in Academia, looking on how we can keep aeromobility reductions registered the appearance of Covid-19, in a post-pandemic future. Outlining an update to the article on how UK universities are establishing sustainable workplace travel routines – reviewing developments to university actions to reduce business travel, consulting and interviewing other researchers and sustainability team

PhD researcher in the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, at the University of Manchester, funded by UK research council, via the UK research and innvotation energy (UKRI) research program. My research looked at ’ The Impacts of Climate Change for Office Buildings and the Effects to the Power Network’, and the project was integrated into the Centre for Doctoral Training in Power Networks. The PhD aimed to explore the implications of climate change upon the space cooling requirement for office buildings (using EnergyPlus building models) in different world regions, operating in different representative future climates over this century (up to 2100). The research methodology was organised in three specific steps: 1) exploring the sensitivity and uncertainty of operational and design input parameters of the models; 2) exploring the sensitivity of weather parameter changes into the electricity demand of buildings; 3) evaluating the impact of climate change on the electricity demand of buildings, using an innovative climate pathway approach that mimics a vast range of possible future weather scenarios. The preparation of my PhD methodology, helped me acquiring skills in building energy simulation (EnergyPlus), future weather data, statistical analysis, risk analysis, assess impacts of climate change and programming (R, Python and SQL). The management of more than 200 000 simulation runs, and the analysis and visualisation of such large datasets helped me develop a set of relevant data-science skills for energy analysis: data mining, data manipulation and data visualisation. Research Publications • Published 3 research papers in collaborations with academics in different international research institutions; • Two further research papers derived from PhD thesis results are currently in preparation. Skills: Data Science, Energy Modelling, Impacts of Climate Change. Research: Energy Transition, Energy System Technologies, Energy Markets, Energy Flexibility.

During my PhD, I won a funding award for a three-month placement at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. For this, I prepared and carried a research plan to explore research opportunities with academics in China and collaborate with several partners in China. Research placement focused on investigating Chinese building energy regulation, analysing benchmarking data for office buildings, and exploring datasets of hourly electricity meters. For example, I developed algorithms for data mining, analytics and visualisation of hourly electricity consumption from 28 large office buildings in China, with over 3 million square meters. I also wrote a conference paper in collaboration with my interim supervisor at Tsinghua University. Finally, due to a research collaboration initiated during this period, I wrote a research paper in collaboration with Wei Tian from the Tianjin University of Science and Technology. As a result, I have relevant experience disseminating my research findings, networking, building collaborative research, and exploring new research contacts. - Data mining, visualisation and analytics of hourly energy consumption of floor space over 3 000 000 square meters; - Published a conference paper in collaboration with the supervisor at Tsinghua University: ‘Sensitivity analysis of a simplified office building’, CISBAT 2019 - Published a Journal paper through a collaboration with another academic begun during this period: ‘Sensitivity analysis of cooling demand applied to a large office building’, published at Energy and Buildings Journal (Impact factor 5.879) Relevant skills: Data mining, Data visualisation, Collaboration and Dissemination.

Ecorustics is a long-term project, which I co-founded,aiming to stimulate the rural local economy in Portugal. We aim to facilitate the exploration of unspoiled locations and traditions otherwise hidden to travellers and make a bridge with locals. This is an initiative to address the challenges brought by the rural exodus that has affected rural regions of Portugal and has left these areas unexplored and isolated. This project so far has originated two B&B projects and rural travel blog/website. Relevant skills: Decision making, recognising opportunities and goal setting.

Responsible for burner design and testing on research and product development projects of gas water heaters. My project roles focused on burner equipment development for combustion emissions optimisation and thermoacoustic robustness. I also contributed to the development and testing of the combustion management system (combustion control). As the technical responsible for burning systems, I coordinated the testing of a small project team. Thus, I analysed and aggregated results from different tests and reported them for R&D projects. I developed system thinking skills and applied design for failure mode techniques. I used system engineering tools, namely several DRBFM methods, for burner design development. To apply these methods, I had weekly meetings with senior and certified engineers that provided mentorship[ in developing the necessary skills. Subsequently, I was awarded DBRFM level 2. I conducted several activities on product industrialisation, mainly on optimisation at the end of track combustion tests and adjustment. In addition, I contributed to the development of testing procedures and the modernisation of testing facilities in the R&D laboratory. For this, I analysed product specifications and studied the underlying mechanisms of different types of equipment and access based on testing requirements. Relevant skills: Problem-Solving, Critical thinking, Collaboration, Planning, Management, System Thinking, Data Analysis, Leadership, Combustion, Time management and Organisation;

To complete the Graduate Specialist Program development plan, I took on an international assignment to promote knowledge transfer and understand and assimilate procedures and concepts from different perspectives. My research activities were related to thermoacoustic resonance instabilities on premixed combustion systems in boilers. Engineered combustion tests of boilers, either deploying solutions to damp and avoid resonances or thermoacoustic mapping instabilities. Completed research activities on ignition instabilities in burner surfaces. Relevant skills: Perseverance, Adaptability, Drive, Self-direction.

I joined Bosch Thermotechnology through the Bosch graduate specialist program, aimed for rapid personal and professional development of recent graduates in engineering specialist roles. Thus, I was early involved and given responsibility in projects in collaboration with different departments, academic partners, in research and development duties and on problem-solving of production quality issues. This scheme helped me gather extensive experience in research, product development, and production roles for combustion systems. I was supported by a technical supervisor and a mentor during this period and collaborated with different managers and technical experts. In the first stage of the program, I spent several weeks working in different departments and various functions. I excelled in learning about combustion processes and chemistry, combustion system and product engineering in this program. My first assignment was on an innovative burner concept project, where I had to iterate and test different designs. Afterwards, I was responsible for the quality improvements of an existing product and its production testing process. • Co-author of 3 patents on combustion systems Relevant skills: Problem-solving, Project management, time-management, Combustion,

I was a junior energy analyst responsible for executing energy audits in large service and retail buildings and small industries. Independently prepared and conducted energy surveys, so I acquired strong data collection skills, assessing blueprints, design specifications, and energy metering data. In addition, I analysed the data collected, conducted market research, prepared energy models, and executed scenario analysis to generate insights on potential energy efficiency measures. Furthermore, I collaborated with other project members, for whom I had to report concise summaries of the data collected and generate data visualisation to support the energy insights and recommendations provided. I also developedextracts of the reports provided to clients, which communicated summaries of the energy survey data collection and provided insights into potential energy measures identified. During this role, I developed excellent organisational skills to conduct efficient energy surveys. I also developed effective communication skills to formally and informally engage with a variety of stakeholders. Additionally, it was an excellent opportunity to systematically analyse different types of energy systems and conduct market research on energy technologies and energy markets. Relevant skills: Data analysis, Data collection, HVAC, Energy Efficiency, Energy Survey, Organisation, Market research and Project Management

Ting LTD produces and installs equipment and structures in metals in Kochani - Macedonia, where I made my work abroad placement by the IASTE program. It was my first working experience abroad and after graduation. It was an excellent opportunity to open my perspectives beyond EU/Western society. Relevant skills: Adaptability, Cross-cultural Communication, Flexibility and Problem Solving.

Industrial placement aimed to develop an energy assessment tool for the steam network in Celbi, the second-largest pulp paper factory in Europe. During six months, I had first to understand the primary production process and ancillary energy services. Thus, I studied the process flow of the technical drawings, process heat requirements, inspected the whole process instrumentation and metering equipment available. Then, I created seven online displays of energy flows for the factory distributed control system and a VBA macro tool to extract relevant data from the control system to analyse the energy balances of the process. Finally, I executed a quantitive analysis of the energy flows and balances, using the tools developed to propose recommendations to the industrial team. I was awarded the 3rd prize of the energy efficiency training program Galp-UA 20-20-20 – 2010, for the work. This award demonstratesmy ability to work independently, my organisation skills, effective communication skills, and capacity to remain focused through long and arduous journeys. Relevant skills: Energy survey, Data analysis, Project Management, Energy analysis, Data collection and Control systems

I decided to enter a PhD program to develop my technical, research, and academic skills and acquire knowledge around the energy transition domain. Being part of the CDT power network and the Tyndall Centre for climate change research enabled me to engage in exciting events, discussions and projects related to decarbonisation, carbon budgets, power networks, energy markets, sustainability and impacts of climate change. My first year of the PhD program was dedicated to studying topics in a selection of courses related to Power Networks: I further fostered my deep interest in these topics and showed my social activism by leading the PhD listening event for the Greater Manchester Green Summit event and running several events in the PhD energy research community at the UoM. Relevant skills: Energy Markets, Energy Policy, Low Carbon Energy transition, Impacts of Climate Change

Postgraduate degree in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy., whilst full working time. Technical skills: Energy analysis, Energy policy assessments, Energy project feasibility, Energy technologies, Energy efficiency retrofit. Course Units: • Energy Policy and Energy Markets • Rational use of energy • Energy and sustainability • Management and project finance • Analysis of energy systems • New Energy technologies • Bioclimatic constructions • Electric Power systems

Thesis: “Optimisation of Natural Ventilation Systems in Buildings”. Major: Thermal engineering and energy systems. Course Units: • Energy Management • Energy, Mobility and transports • Industrial Refrigeration • Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning • Thermodynamics • Power technology • Engineering and Heat Machines

Exchange Year - Erasmus Program Escola Tècnica Superior d'Enginyeria Industrial de Barcelona