Màster Oficial - Energies Renovables i Sostenibilitat Energètica

URI permanent per a aquesta col·leccióhttps://hdl.handle.net/2445/56089

Treballs Finals del Màster d’Energies Renovables i Sostenibilitat Energètica de la Facultat de Física de la Universitat de Barcelona.

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Desarrollo de un indicador de resiliencia desde el nexo Agua-Energía-Alimentos para viviendas ubicadas en Quito, Ecuador
(2026-07) Vizuete Chacón, Estefany Patricia; Fàbrega Gallego, Cristian; Ordóñez Malla, Freddy
This Master’s Thesis focuses on the development of a quantitative methodology to evaluate residential resilience from the water-energy-food nexus in dwellings located in Quito, Ecuador. To achieve this objective, a functional model is proposed, considering the dwelling as a basic unit of the urban system and analysing its capacity to maintain critical activities during scenarios of resource interruption or restriction. The model is conceived as a comparative assessment tool, organised into three subsystems: water, energy and food. The main factors considered in the analysis are resource availability, demand adjusted by changes in use, functional tolerance, scenario duration, service levels and the resilience mechanisms present in the dwelling. These mechanisms include accumulation, diversification, recirculation and adaptation of use practices. The methodology was computationally implemented in Python and applied to a resilient case-study dwelling and a conventional baseline dwelling, both located in Quito and evaluated under equivalent conditions of occupancy, location and disturbance. Based on the moderate compound crisis scenario, the results show that the case-study dwelling reaches a final resilience indicator of 0.947, compared to 0.723 for the baseline dwelling. This difference is mainly explained by the combined contribution of backup systems, alternative sources, recovery of internal flows and changes in demand. The results show greater improvements in the food and energy subsystems, while the difference in water is smaller due to the effect of consumption reduction and prioritisation. It is concluded that residential resilience does not depend only on the incorporation of sustainable technologies, but on the capacity to sustain critical functions through the integration of available resources, domestic infrastructure, adaptive mechanisms and functional continuity during crisis conditions. Keywords: residential resilience, water-energy-food nexus, sustainable dwelling, resilience indicator, functional continuity, resilience mechanisms, Quito, crisis scenarios
Avaluació del potencial geotèrmic de baixa entalpia al municipi de Lleida a partir de dades de perforacions històriques del subsol
(2026-07) Virgili Huguet, Damià; Himi, Mahjoub
The transition towards a decarbonized energy model requires diversifying renewable sources to reduce dependency on critical materials. This master’s thesis evaluates the potential of low-enthalpy geothermal energy in Lleida, addressing the technical challenges that caused the failure of the 1987 deep geothermal project “GeoLleida”. As opposed to this precedent, the present work focuses on a closed-loop, shallow geothermal system, coupled to a heat pump in a buildable plot in the Ciutat Jardí neighborhood (climate zone D3). Through detailed geological and climatic analyses, the subsoil thermal properties and building loads were calculated. The results show that, while the peak heating load in the worst-case scenario (7,12 kW) falls below the peak cooling load (11,73 kW), the annual heating demand (11.878,05 kWh) is higher than the annual cooling demand (8467,89). Consequently, this heating mode determines the heat pump model, and the depth of the geothermal borehole (76,81 m). Furthermore, an economic feasibility analysis was conducted comparing the geothermal heat pump system to a traditional heating and cooling system, constituted by a gas boiler and a split air conditioning unit. Given that the useful life of the conventional system is shorter (20 years) than the heat pump’s (25 years), this analysis was conducted comparing the Equivalent Annual Costs (EAC) for each system, under different discount rates and several energy price increase scenarios. This analysis proved that even though the heat pump system had much higher investment costs (CAPEX), its lower operation and maintenance costs (OPEX) made it a more economically viable option than the traditional system in most scenarios.
Análisis de viabilidad de un sistema eólico-solar fotovoltaico en las Islas Galápagos, Ecuador
(2026-07) Sagnay Pilamunga, Bryan Daniel; Fàbrega Gallego, Cristian
This work presents a technical and economic feasibility study of a wind-solar electricity generation system on San Cristóbal Island, located in the Galápagos Islands of Ecuador, with the aim of increasing the share of renewable energy sources and reducing the dependence on fossil fuels in the island’s electricity system, where more than 85% of the electricity generated comes from diesel-fired thermal power plants supplied with fuel imported from mainland, resulting in high greenhouse gas emissions and significant risks to biodiversity conservation. To this end, an analysis was carried out of the island’s energy situation, the applicable regulatory and environmental framework, the characterization of wind and solar resources, the selection of the locations considering the territorial and environmental constrains of the area, and the technical and economic design of the proposed facilities. The results show that the island has favorable conditions for the utilization of wind and solar resources, with an average wind speed of 8,68 m/s at height of 90 meters in the highest areas of the island and an annual solar irradiation of 2.110,82 kWh/m2. Based on these data, the wind power plant was sized with two wind turbines od 2 MW each one, and the photovoltaic pant with a capacity of 2,4 MW, they reach an installed capacity of 6,4 MW and an estimated annual electricity production of 23.798 MWh. Through the economic analysis of the proposed system, an investment of 10,88 million USD and, under the conditions considered over a 25-year period, the project proves to be viable, obtaining a positive Net Present Value of 1,76 million USD, an internal Rate of Return of 14% and a payback period of 7 years. The sensitivity analysis revealed a strong dependence of project’s profitability on variations in the electricity selling price. In conclusion, the proposed wind-solar generation system represents a technically and economically viable and environmentally compatible alternative for San Cristóbal Island, contributing to the energy transition and the decarbonization of the Galápagos Islands, as well as to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13 of the 2030 Agenda
Guía Metodológica para la Evaluación de la Viabilidad de Proyectos de Hibridación Eólico-Fotovoltaica
(2026-07) Ruz Lizana, Karla; Fàbrega Gallego, Cristian
Spain's energy transition (PNIEC 2023-2030: 81% renewable electricity generation, 76 GW solar and 62 GW wind) faces challenges such as grid connection point saturation and scarcity of suitable land for new installations. Wind-photovoltaic hybridization of existing (brownfield) wind farms, which leverages already-built grid evacuation infrastructure, emerges as a strategy to increase the capacity factor without expanding the grid. This work develops a practical methodological guide to assess the technical, regulatory, and economic feasibility of hybridization in existing wind farms in Spain, structured in four phases (energy resource, technical feasibility, regulatory feasibility, and economic feasibility), and applies it to the case of the Torozos II wind farm (Naturgy, 35.2 MW), evaluating five photovoltaic scenarios (8.8 to 52.8 MWp). The site's seasonal complementarity (correlation coefficient of −0.634) confirms strong hybridization potential. Scenarios E1 through E4 prove profitable at an energy sale price ≥35 €/MWh and curtailment ≤8%; the optimal scenario (E4, 21.12 MWp) achieves an IRR of 8.6-9.2%, an NPV of €1.63-2.33 M, and an LCOE of 30.15-31.46 €/MWh, while E5 is not viable as it exceeds the available evacuation capacity. Since curtailment was estimated by literature due to the absence of real hourly production data, definitive validation of the optimal size would require field data.
Nucleació i passivació de fotocàtodes de Cu₂O per a la producció fotoelectroquímica d'hidrogen
(2026-07) Rigo Bordoy, Maria de Lluc; Fàbrega Gallego, Cristian
Cu2O is a promising low-cost, p-type semiconductor for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting, but its performance is highly sensitive to film morphology and remains limited by photocorrosion. This work investigates whether introducing a seed layer prior to Cu2O electrodeposition on FTO substrates improves film quality and PEC performance, and how this effect depends on deposition time (15, 30, 45 and 60 min). All samples were protected with a thin carbon layer to mitigate photocorrosion. Cu2O films were characterized structurally and optically, and their PEC behaviour was assessed through linear sweep voltammetry, pulsed chronoamperometry and incident photon-to-current efficiency (IPCE) measurements. The results position the seed layer as a simple, low-cost strategy to improve Cu2O photocathodes, provided it is combined with a suitably tuned deposition time
Evaluación técnico-económica de emplazamientos para el desarrollo de parques eólicos marinos flotantes en España
(2026-07) Pou Calderón, Laura; Fàbrega Gallego, Cristian
Floating offshore wind is considered one of the most promising technologies for expanding renewable energy generation in countries with deep coastal waters, such as Spain. This Master's Thesis presents a preliminary techno-economic assessment of three representative offshore wind farm locations: Bilbao-Vizcaya, Villano-Sisargas and Las Palmas Este. The study includes wind resource characterization, metocean and bathymetric analysis, technology selection, preliminary wind farm design, and the estimation of annual energy production (AEP), capital expenditure (CAPEX), operational expenditure (OPEX) and levelized cost of energy (LCOE). The results show that water depth is the main factor influencing the economic feasibility of offshore wind projects, as it directly affects the support structure and installation costs. Bilbao-Vizcaya provides the most favourable balance between energy production and investment cost, while Las Palmas Este represents a competitive alternative. Although Villano-Sisargas has the highest wind resource, its greater water depth results in higher LCOE values. Overall, the results confirm the strong potential of floating offshore wind for the future development of offshore renewable energy in Spain
Evaluación del hidrógeno verde como estrategia de descarbonización de la industria siderúrgica europea
(2026-07) Otiniano Ruiz, Brenda; Heras Domingo, Javier
The steel industry is responsible for approximately 7 % of global CO2 emissions, making it one of the priority sectors for achieving European climate neutrality objectives. In this context, green hydrogen has acquired a strategic role by offering an alternative capable of partially or fully replacing the use of fossil fuels in steel production. This master’s thesis analyzes the potential of hydrogen as a tool for the decarbonization of the steel industry through a review of scientific literature and a multicriteria analysis based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). First, the properties of hydrogen, its value chain, and the main steel manufacturing routes are examined. Subsequently, the two main strategies for integrating hydrogen are evaluated: its use as a reducing agent in direct reduction iron processes (H2-DRI) and its employment as a thermal fuel in auxiliary steelmaking operations. The analysis incorporates environmental, technological, and economic criteria, considering emission reduction potential, degree of technological maturity, implementation costs, and the European regulatory context. The results obtained using the AHP method show that the combined strategy, based on the use of hydrogen both as a reducing agent and as a thermal fuel, constitutes the alternative with the greatest potential for advancing towards low-emission steel production. However, the study highlights that the widespread implementation of hydrogen is still subject to significant challenges, including high production costs, the need to increase renewable electricity generation capacity, the development of storage and transport infrastructure, and the consolidation of a regulatory framework that incentivizes industrial investment. Overall, the findings demonstrate that hydrogen does not represent a standalone solution, but rather a strategic element within a broader transformation process that combines technological innovation, electrification, renewable energy, and industrial policies aimed at climate neutrality.
Caracterización de materiales bajo ensayos de corrosión, para su aplicación como medio de almacenamiento de energía
(2026-07) Coello Pérez, Nicolás; Dosta Parras, Sergi; Betancor Cazorla, Lorena
The increasing development of concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies has reinforced the need for reliable thermal energy storage (TES) systems capable of operating under high-temperature and chemically aggressive environments. In this context, molten nitrate salts, particularly Solar Salt composed of 60 wt.% NaNO₃ and 40 wt.% KNO₃, are widely used as heat transfer and storage media due to their suitable thermophysical properties. However, prolonged exposure of metallic components to molten salts may promote oxidation, corrosion and surface degradation, compromising the durability, safety and long-term efficiency of TES systems. Therefore, the application of protective coatings represents a relevant strategy to improve the performance of structural materials used in CSP plants. This work evaluates the corrosion behaviour of 316L stainless steel coated with AlTiN and AlCrN by physical vapour deposition (PVD), with the aim of assessing their potential application as protective barriers in thermal energy storage systems. The coated samples were exposed to commercial Solar Salt under static isothermal conditions at 450 °C for 1200 h. The materials were characterized before and after corrosion testing by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In addition, a two-dimensional steady-state thermal simulation was developed in ANSYS to analyse the influence of the micrometric coatings on heat transfer through a representative multilayer wall section of a TES tank. Prior to corrosion exposure, both coatings showed continuous and relatively homogeneous cross-sectional morphologies. The AlTiN coating presented an average thickness of approximately 3.72 μm, while the AlCrN coating exhibited a higher average thickness of approximately 4.92 μm, indicating good coating uniformity over the 316L substrate. After exposure to molten Solar Salt, SEM observations revealed noticeable surface modifications in both systems, including dark irregular regions and localized deposits, which may be associated with oxidation/corrosion products or salt-derived residues. EDS analyses showed high oxygen contents together with significant Fe, Cr and Ni signals, suggesting the participation of the stainless steel substrate and the formation of oxidized regions. Minor Na and K signals further indicated interaction with the molten salt environment. The XRD patterns obtained after corrosion were mainly dominated by Fe-Cr-Ni phases associated with the 316L substrate, while no clear diffraction peaks attributable to the original AlTiN or AlCrN coatings were conclusively identified. This behaviour may be related to the low volumetric contribution of the coatings, peak overlapping with the substrate, partial degradation of the coating layers or the formation of poorly crystalline corrosion products. The thermal simulation showed nearly identical heat flux values for both coated systems, indicating that, due to their micrometric thickness, the coatings have a negligible effect on the overall heat transfer of the tank wall. Therefore, their main contribution should be understood as protective rather than thermal-insulating. Overall, the results indicate that both AlTiN and AlCrN coatings were affected by prolonged exposure to molten Solar Salt. Nevertheless, AlCrN showed a potentially more favourable protective behaviour due to its higher initial thickness and chromium-containing composition. Further studies involving gravimetric measurements, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, grazing-incidence XRD and adhesion tests are recommended to confirm the corrosion products and quantify the protective efficiency of each coating
Caracterització del clogging en Solucions Basades en la Natura per al tractament d'aigües residuals domèstiques mitjançant polarització induïda: cap a una gestió eficient de sistemes de flux subsuperficial
(2026-07) Carreras García, Núria; Sendrós Brea-Iglesias, Alexandre
This study analyzes the use of induced polarization as a non-invasive diagnostic methodology to characterize clogging in nature-based treatment systems. The main objective is to validate a tool capable of optimizing the life cycle of constructed wetlands and reducing the environmental impact associated with maintenance tasks. To achieve this, the time-domain induced polarization technique was applied at a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), using normalized chargeability (Mn) of the filter media as an indirect and quantitative indicator of the functionality of the granular media. The results obtained through three-dimensional mapping show that clogging is a heterogeneous process conditioned by operation time and the nature of the substrate, given that, while the renewed treatment units exhibit preserved porosity, the ponds with more than twenty years of operation show signs of clogging in some sectors. At the same time, the diagnosis has allowed the identification of preferential flows and potentially clogged zones that compromise treatment efficiency. Overall, the study confirms that the electrical response of the medium can effectively predict the filter's state and the end of its functional life cycle without interfering with the treatment operation. The application of this technique promotes predictive and selective management aligned with SDGs 6, 7, and 13, as it reduces unnecessary material transport, minimizes the carbon footprint, and helps prevent greenhouse gas emissions derived from anaerobiosis, while ensuring the correct reuse of domestic wastewater.
Transició energètica residencial: Avaluació tècnica, ambiental i econòmica d'alternatives per a la descarbonització d'un habitatge unifamiliar a la zona climàtica D1
(2026-07) Calafell Valeri, Aniol; Fàbrega Gallego, Cristian
The decarbonization of the residential sector is a critical step towards achieving global climate neutrality, given that building operations account for approximately 28% of global final energy consumption and 37% of energy-related CO2 emissions. In Spain, domestic heating and domestic hot water (DHW) remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels, highlighting the urgent need for a clean energy transition. This Master's thesis aims to evaluate the technical, environmental, and economic feasibility of various renewable alternatives to replace an existing fossil fuel (diesel) heating and DHW system. The case study is a single-family home located in Santa Maria d'Oló, a severe winter climate zone (D1). The study employs a rigorous multi-criteria evaluation. The building's thermal envelope and current energy demands were modeled using dynamic simulation software, primarily DesignBuilder and CE3X. Based on the baseline demand, four main decarbonization alternatives were dimensioned and analyzed over a 25-year life cycle: 1) Advanced Biofuel (HVO 100), 2) Biomass (pellet boiler), 3) Aerothermal heat pumps (using R32 and R290 refrigerants), and 4) Geothermal heat pumps. The comparative analysis assesses final and non-renewable primary energy consumption, Life Cycle Assessment (Well-to-Wheel) for CO2 emissions mitigation, and financial metrics including Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), and Payback period, considering scenarios with and without public subsidies. The findings demonstrate that heat pump systems (Geothermal and Aerothermal) achieve the highest thermodynamic efficiency, reducing final energy consumption by up to 84% and 80%, respectively. However, their long-term economic performance is penalized by high initial investments (CAPEX) and the rising cost of grid electricity. The application of HVO 100 acts as an excellent zero-CAPEX drop-in transitional measure, cutting emissions by 87%, but its high market price makes it the least financially viable option over 25 years. Conversely, the biomass pellet boiler achieves the greatest environmental impact mitigation, avoiding 96% of greenhouse gas emissions. Economically, biomass provides the most solid long-term financial performance, achieving the highest NPV and a 13-year payback period when public subsidies are applied. The final decision is heavily conditioned by two site-specific architectural limitations: the inability to install solar photovoltaic panels due to adjacent building shading, and the retention of existing high-temperature radiators. Under these specific constraints, the pellet biomass boiler emerges as the most robust global alternative, perfectly balancing optimal environmental commitment, thermal comfort, and structural economic viability required for residential energy transition.
Production and transport infrastructure of green H2 in Morocco towards Europe: technical analysis and geopolitical and territorial implications
(2026-07) Assanhaji Chilah, Fadoua; Fàbrega Gallego, Cristian; Campins Eritja, Mar
This thesis analyses the production of green hydrogen in Morocco and its potential transport to Europe from a technical, economic, geopolitical and social perspective. It starts from the idea that green hydrogen should not be understood as a universal solution for decarbonisation, but as an energy vector whose value depends on how it is produced, transported, used and governed. Morocco is used as the main case study because of its strong solar and wind resources, its proximity to Europe, its existing energy links with Spain and its growing national strategy around green hydrogen. At the same time, the Moroccan case raises questions about infrastructure scale, water use, land governance, European demand and unequal forms of energy cooperation. The thesis combines a techno-economic model with a broader critical analysis. The quantitative model evaluates a hybrid renewable system composed of 300 MWp of solar photovoltaic capacity, 200 MW of onshore wind and a 200 MW electrolyser. Under the base assumptions, this system produces approximately 22,293.7 tonnes of hydrogen per year, with an electrolyser load factor of 66.63%. The delivered levelised cost of hydrogen is estimated at around 3.56 EUR/kg H₂ in Europe. The results show that production and transport are technically plausible, but that a single 200 MW electrolyser project would be too small to justify large cross-border pipeline infrastructure on its own. In the case of the existing Maghreb-Europe Gas Pipeline, the main challenges are not only hydraulic, but also material, regulatory and operational. The main conclusion is that Morocco has real potential to become a relevant green hydrogen and green ammonia actor, but this potential is conditional. The corridor will depend on project scale, financing conditions, European certification rules, domestic industrial integration and fair governance of water, land and local participation. The thesis argues that the most credible pathway is not a purely export-oriented model, but a phased strategy that first strengthens domestic value creation, especially through green ammonia and fertilizer production. Overall, a Morocco-Europe green hydrogen corridor can be technically plausible and economically credible, but it will only be socially legitimate if it is designed as a balanced partnership rather than a simple supply chain. Green hydrogen can support both Morocco’s energy transition and Europe’s decarbonisation, but only if it avoids extractive dynamics and contributes to long-term industrial, territorial and social value.
Anàlisi estratègica del repowering de parcs eòlics de primera generació a Espanya: proposta d’una metodologia multicriteri aplicada a territoris representatius
(2026-07) Àgreda Bassà, Albert; Fàbrega Gallego, Cristian
The energy transition in Spain and the European Union requires a significant increase in renewable electricity generation, together with a more efficient use of existing energy infrastructure. In this context, wind power plays a key role due to its technological maturity, competitiveness and contribution to the decarbonisation of the electricity system. However, part of the first-generation wind farm fleet is approaching the end of its design lifetime or is based on technologies that are less efficient than current wind turbines. This master’s thesis analyses wind farm repowering as a strategic option for modernising existing wind assets in Spain. The aim is not to carry out the technical design of a specific wind farm, but to propose a multicriteria methodology to prioritise repowering opportunities at territorial level. The methodology is based on a weighted scoring matrix that evaluates five representative Spanish regions: Galícia, Castella i Lleó, Aragó, Navarra and Catalunya. Seven criteria are considered: age of the wind farm fleet, wind potential, grid capacity, regulatory and administrative framework, environmental sensitivity, social acceptance, and economic and industrial opportunity. The results show that Navarra and Castella i Lleó present the highest strategic priority, although for different reasons. Navarra stands out for its mature wind sector and recent repowering experience, while Castella i Lleó is mainly favoured by its large installed wind capacity and strong technical potential. Aragó and Galícia also show relevant opportunities, but with specific territorial, regulatory or environmental constraints. Catalunya appears as a more selective and conditioned case for repowering. Overall, the proposed methodology provides a transparent and replicable tool to support strategic decision-making. It shows that repowering should not be assessed only through installed capacity or wind resource, but as a multidimensional decision involving technical, regulatory, environmental, social and economic factors. 4 Índex
Desarrollo de un workflow integrado entre softwares de modelización de reservorios (MRST) y de simulación técnico-económica (GEOPHIRES) para la evaluación de sistemas geotérmicos con análisis de sensibilidad. Estudio sobre el modelo geotermal en 3D de la Fossa del Camp
(2026-06) Valdés Larraín, Diego José; Herms Canellas, Ignasi; Gómez Rivas, Enrique
The open-source evaluation of deep geothermal projects with industrial applications faces a structural gap between subsurface reservoir conditions and its surface financial analysis, which has traditionally been bridged through manual and inefficient tool coupling. This work develops, implements, and validates an automated workflow for the coupling of computational tools, orchestrated via Python. The workflow integrates the 3D thermo-hydraulic reservoir simulation of the MRST (MATLAB Reservoir Simulation Toolbox) software with the techno-economic evaluation engine provided by GEOPHIRES-X. This eliminates human intervention in data integration, transforming simulations into auditable, traceable, and reproducible numerical processes. The architecture of the developed workflow relies on advanced sequential control through on-disk data serialization and synchronous batch-mode calls. It incorporates an algorithmic bypass of GEOPHIRES-X, overriding its native homogeneous subsurface simplifications to enforce the direct assimilation of petrophysical data and CAPEX correction factors calculated in MRST. To validate the workflow and the necessity of this coupling, the pipeline was applied to a case study in the Jurassic aquifer of La Fossa del Camp (Tarragona, Spain), a carbonate basin with an estimated geothermal resource at a depth of 2,000–3,000 meters, with temperatures ranging from 70–90 °C and high permeabilities of up to 2,930 mD. This case evaluates a J-type directional doublet with a 1,200-meter well separation designed to supply industrial heat to the Mas Batller industrial park in Reus over a 30-year operational horizon. The main result is the quantification of the bias introduced by analytical models when applied to heterogeneous basins. The standalone GEOPHIRES analytical model overestimates the NPV by more than tenfold and underestimates the LCOH by 72% relative to the coupled workflow results. This divergence is caused by the software's inability to capture the real confinement of the thermal plume, alongside the petrophysical and geometric characteristics of the system. Consequently, the actual extracted thermal power is reduced by 39%, triggering cascading errors across other financial indicators. This discrepancy shifts the project's classification from highly profitable to marginally viable, a finding evidenced by the implemented parametric sensitivity analysis (OFAT). The analysis demonstrates that the reservoir's high transmissivity renders the local geology a non-limiting variable. This shifts the financial risk toward the operational efficiency of the surface plant, where the production flow rate and reinjection temperature emerge as parameters with the greatest leverage on the evaluated financial indicators. In conclusion, the developed workflow establishes itself as a transferable and open-source methodological contribution, remaining entirely reservoir-agnostic. Its primary value lies in demonstrating that the gap between physical simulation and techno-economic evaluation using open-source tools directly distorts the financial reliability of geothermal projects, mitigating risks in capital allocation.
Modelización y simulación del potencial de almacenamiento geológico de CO₂ con MATLAB Reservoir Simulation Toolbox (MRST): caso de estudio de la estructura Lopín
(2026-06) Quintero Tejada, Camilo Antonio; Gil Ortiz, Marc; Herms Canellas, Ignasi
This Final Master’s Thesis develops and implements a numerical model for geological CO₂ storage in the Lopín structure, located in the Ebro Basin, in the northeast of the Iberian Peninsula. The simulation is performed using a vertical-equilibrium implementation developed in MATLAB (MathWorks), within the open-source MATLAB Reservoir Simulation Toolbox (MRST) developed by SINTEF and based on the logic of its MRST/co2lab module. The model is built from geological and petrophysical data from the European PilotSTRATEGY project, and integrates the geometry of the Buntsandstein B1 reservoir, petrophysical properties, hydraulic boundary conditions and the main CO₂ retention mechanisms. A total of 15 cases are simulated, organized according to three dimensions of variation: the P10, P50 and P90 probabilistic realizations of the geological model, the injection-well configuration and the hydraulic boundary conditions. The reference scenario corresponds to the P50 realization, with two active wells and mixed boundary conditions. In this case, the model allows 8.46 Mt of CO₂ to be injected over 30 years while keeping the maximum reservoir pressure below the geomechanical safety thresholds defined for the site. The maximum injectable mass under the bottom-hole pressure criterion reaches 10.71 Mt in the reference scenario. The results show that lateral hydraulic connectivity is one of the factors with the greatest influence on the dynamic response of the system. Mixed boundary conditions, which allow lateral pressure dissipation, increase the maximum injectable mass by a factor of 1.6 to 1.9 compared with the closed model. Therefore, the main limiting factor is not the available pore volume, but the pressure evolution during injection. The trapping inventory analysis shows that, at the end of the simulated period, corresponding to 1,030 years, mobile free CO₂ under stratigraphic confinement represents approximately 77 % of the stored mass. Residual trapping accounts for around 18 %, structural trapping for approximately 4 %, and dissolution in brine for less than 1 %. These results indicate that most of the plume remains mobile at the simulated time scale, although it remains confined beneath the caprock and within the modelled domain. Overall, the results confirm the technical feasibility of the Lopín structure for a pilot phase of geological CO₂ storage. They also identify the hydraulic characterization of faults, validation with well data and the incorporation of geomechanical coupling as priorities for subsequent evaluation stages
Análisis del apagón ibérico desde una perspectiva ambiental
(2026-06) Piscitelli, Franco Martín; Daví-Arderius, Daniel
This Master’s Thesis investigates the environmental impact resulting from the ’reinforced operation’ implemented in the Iberian electricity system following the blackout on April 28, 2025. Using data from the ESIOS platform, this research evaluates how the prioritization of inertial stability —following the loss of robust synchronous capacity— has transformed electricity dispatch management. By developing stability and fragility indices, the study demonstrates that the transition to a decarbonized model reached a critical point where the lack of rotational inertia compromised operational security. The findings confirm a paradigm shift: the System Operator has drastically reduced risk events (alerts and alarms) through massive interventions prioritizing synchronous assets. However, this increased resilience has come at a significant environmental toll, resulting in an excess of 2,679,418 tCO2-eq emitted due to technical constraints between the blackout and the end of 2025. The study concludes by proposing digitization and the use of Grid Forming technologies as the necessary path to decouple grid security from fossil fuel dependency
Análisis de Ciclo de Vida del Sistema Eléctrico Español: Comparación de Tecnologías Renovables mediante Sphera GaBi y SimaPro
(2026-06) Gaviria Rosso, Natalia; Martínez López, Mònica; Serra Rada, Joaquim
The transition towards renewable electricity systems represents a crucial pathway for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing the decarbonization of industrial processes. This study examines the environmental performance of the Spanish renewable electricity system projected for 2025 using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and explores its influence on electric arc furnace (EAF) steel production. The modelling was conducted with datasets from the ecoinvent 3.11 database and the LCA software tools Sphera GaBi and SimaPro. The renewable electricity mix was developed based on representative Spanish technologies, including wind, photovoltaic, concentrated solar, hydropower, and biomass. Environmental impacts were assessed using the IPCC 2013 GWP100, ReCiPe Endpoint (H), and Primary Energy Demand methods. Three scenarios were considered: a baseline steel production case, a renewable electricity scenario reflecting the projected Spanish mix, and a 100% wind-powered scenario. Additional analyses addressed technological contributions, historical emission trends, and seasonal variability in renewable electricity generation across Spain. The findings reveal that replacing conventional electricity with renewable sources substantially reduces greenhouse gas emissions, primary energy demand, and impacts on human health, ecosystems, and resource depletion. The wind-based scenario achieved the best overall environmental performance. Moreover, the comparison between Sphera GaBi and SimaPro showed consistent environmental trends, with quantitative differences arising from methodological features specific to each platform. Taken together, these results underscore the potential of renewable electrification as an effective strategy to mitigate environmental impacts and promote the decarbonization of energy-intensive industrial systems.
Predicció de degradació en sistemes d’emmagatzematge electroquímic d’energia mitjançant intel·ligència artificial
(2026-06) Casas Cros, Àlex; Calvo de la Rosa, Jaume; Calderón Díaz, Alejandro
This work develops and evaluates a machine learning-based methodology to predict the State of Health (SOH) of lithium-ion batteries using the NASA Battery Dataset. The study is based on experimental discharge cycles, from which a tabular dataset is constructed, the SOH is defined as the target variable, and a conservative data quality review is applied. The methodology follows a progressive structure: first, a model is built within a base domain composed of batteries tested under relatively homogeneous experimental conditions; then, the analysis is extended to domains with different temperatures, currents, and discharge profiles. The results show that, within the base domain, Linear Regression achieves the best overall performance, with a mean R² of 0.9629. However, when more heterogeneous domains are incorporated, Gradient Boosting provides better relative performance, especially after feature enrichment and hyperparameter optimization. Nevertheless, the final model still shows generalization limitations, particularly in the low-temperature domain and in the external test performed on a discharge profile not included during training. Overall, this work shows that SOH prediction does not depend only on the algorithm used, but also on the representativeness of the dataset, the experimental domain, and the validation strategy applied
Estudi d’impacte energètic i ambiental de cinc sistemes d’aïllament interior en un edifici
(2026-01) Maudos Bonjoch, Núria; Formosa Mitjans, Joan
Nowadays, concern about sustainability and climate change is growing in our society. In the building sector, one of the best ways to reduce CO2 emissions and decrease the high energy consumption of buildings is the implementation of thermal insulation systems. Great thermal insulation in the facade can lead to energy savings of 50%, depending on the case, and consequently reduce the amount of pollution that comes from the necessary energy consumption to keep the house at a comfortable temperature. The aim of this research consists of evaluating and proving the importance of a good insulation system in buildings, showing the amount of pollution and consumption of energy that can be avoided. Furthermore, different types of materials that are in the inner layer of a thermal insulation system are going to be studied and compared with other common materials that are used in the same way. The research group DIOPMA developed these four studied materials, mainly composed of MPC. The final results show the best insulation material and verify the necessity and the efficiency of any type of insulation system. The report is also going to show the current qualification system for buildings in Europe and prove how the insulation, the HVAC system and the climate zone are the most important parameters in terms of building qualification.
Análisis temporal del NO2 en Sabadell y evaluación del uso de sensores low-cost como herramienta complementaria en la monitorización de calidad del aire
(2026-01) Huertas Rojas, Luisa Fernanda; Udina Sistach, Mireia
Urban air pollution is one of the main environmental problems affecting cities, due to its negative impacts on human health and quality of life. Among the various air pollutants, nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) stands out because of its close relationship with combustion processes—particularly those associated with road traffic—and its relevance in densely populated urban environments. This study analyses the behaviour of NO₂ in the municipality of Sabadell (province of Barcelona), considering its temporal evolution and placing it within the broader supramunicipal context of the Vallès Occidental area. To this end, data from official monitoring stations of the Xarxa de Vigilància i Previsió de la Contaminació Atmosfèrica (XVPCA) for the period 2019–2024 are used, together with measurements obtained from low-cost sensors during 2023 and 2024. The analysis focuses on the spatial and temporal characterisation of the pollutant, with particular attention to seasonal and hourly variability, as well as comparisons with regulatory limit values and health-based guidelines. The results show a similar temporal pattern across the analysed municipalities, with higher concentrations in 2019, a marked decrease in 2020, and a more stable evolution in subsequent years. In the case of Sabadell, a clear seasonal pattern is observed, with higher concentrations during winter and hourly peaks associated with traffic rush hours on working days. Although annual mean concentrations comply with the current legal limit values, frequent exceedances of the guideline values recommended by the World Health Organization are recorded. The comparison between low-cost sensors and the official reference station indicates that, despite differences in absolute concentration levels depending on location, several sensors are able to reproduce the temporal evolution of NO₂ in a consistent manner. These findings highlight the potential of low-cost sensors as a complementary tool to expand the spatial coverage of air quality monitoring, support citizen science initiatives, and improve the understanding of air pollution at the local scale.
Singularitats de les fotovoltaiques flotants i el seu potencial de desplegament a Catalunya
(2026-01) Marsó Garcia, Marta; Vidrier López, Julià; Peñalver, Alexandre
Floating photovoltaic systems are renewable energy installations that generate electricity from solar radiation through photovoltaic modules installed on floating platforms over artificial water bodies. They offer high energy yields, do not require land occupation, and contribute to reducing water evaporation. However, their design and installation require careful consideration of specific technical aspects to ensure structural stability and system durability. This is a mature technology that has been widely deployed internationally, but it remains underdeveloped in Catalonia. The objective of this study is to compile and analyse existing knowledge on floating photovoltaic technology, assessing its advantages and limitations, associated environmental impacts, and the applicable legal and regulatory framework. Furthermore, the study aims to evaluate its deployment potential on artificial water bodies in Catalonia and to identify the main barriers that currently limit its implementation The methodology is based on a specialised literature review, an analysis of the current regulatory framework in Catalonia, and case studies of projects under implementation, such as the ASG project in Lleida and the irrigation pond solarisation project promoted by the Balearic Government. The results indicate that this technology has high deployment potential in Catalonia, due to the benefits it provides, the availability of suitable locations, a favourable regulatory context, and a high level of sector professionalisation. Nevertheless, monitoring and corrective actions derived from the first local experiences, as well as their dissemination, will be necessary to ensure successful consolidation in Catalonia

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