http://hdl.handle.net/10174/37664 2026-05-27T12:29:14Z 2026-05-27T12:29:14Z Barata, Madalena Caeiro, Maria Helena Carneiro, Júlio Pereira, Pedro Martins, José Miguel Ribeiro, Carlos http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42049 2026-05-27T10:05:00Z 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Fracture Network Characterization in a geological complex considered for carbon dioxide (CO₂) injection in the offshore of the Lusitanian Basin Authors: Barata, Madalena; Caeiro, Maria Helena; Carneiro, Júlio; Pereira, Pedro; Martins, José Miguel; Ribeiro, Carlos Abstract: This study investigates fracture network characterization in a geologically complex offshore sector of the Lusitanian Basin to evaluate its suitability for long-term carbon dioxide (CO₂) storage in deep saline aquifers (DSA). As Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) becomes increasingly important for climate change mitigation, ensuring caprock integrity is essential to prevent CO₂ leakage and maintain storage security. Using the 3D Cabo Mondego seismic dataset as an analogue, the study performed fracture interpretation and statistical characterization of fracture systems within the sealing formation. Key fracture attributes—including length, height, orientation (strike and dip), aspect ratio, and fracture intensity—were analysed to assess fracture distribution and their potential influence on storage performance. The characterization framework enabled evaluation of possible leakage pathways and supported assessment of the feasibility and integrity of geological CO₂ storage under existing data constraints. Conducted within the scope of the PilotSTRATEGY project, this work contributes to improving understanding of fracture behaviour in deep saline aquifers and provides important input for modelling the long-term evolution and containment of injected CO₂ plumes in European storage sites.

2025-01-01T00:00:00Z Mazezo, Augusto Pereira, Pedro Karwan, Khudhur http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42038 2026-05-27T10:01:14Z 2025-12-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Site screening requirements for hydrogen geological storage in saline aquifers Authors: Mazezo, Augusto; Pereira, Pedro; Karwan, Khudhur Abstract: Underground hydrogen storage (UHS) in deep saline aquifers is a promising solution for large-scale, long-duration energy storage, vital for addressing renewable intermittency and enabling deep decarbonization. This study presents a benchmarking of requirements and a comprehensive framework for site screening of saline aquifers for hydrogen storage. It integrates technical parameters – such as reservoir quality, seal integrity, and geomechanical stability – with non-technical aspects, including economic viability, regulatory readiness, environmental risk, and social acceptance. Particular focus is given to hydrogen-specific challenges affecting storage integrity, especially geochemical and geomechanical factors. Drawing from experience with natural gas and CO2 storage, the study proposes a multidisciplinary screening workflow to support early-stage project assessment. The findings provide a foundation for future pilot projects, policy development, and regulatory frameworks tailored to UHS in porous media, contributing to the strategic expansion of hydrogen infrastructure and energy system resilience.

2025-12-01T00:00:00Z Khudhur, Karwan Pereira, Pedro Carneiro, Júlio Goldman, Matthew Blin, Gwendoline Santos, Mário Casacão, João http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42036 2026-05-27T10:00:51Z 2025-05-31T23:00:00Z

Title: Optimization Under Geological Uncertainties for CO2 Injection in CCUS: A Case Study from the Lusitanian Basin Authors: Khudhur, Karwan; Pereira, Pedro; Carneiro, Júlio; Goldman, Matthew; Blin, Gwendoline; Santos, Mário; Casacão, João Abstract: This study presents a workflow for optimizing CO₂ injection under geological uncertainty for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), using the Q4-TV1 prospect in the offshore Lusitanian Basin (Portugal) as a case study. The approach integrates a high-resolution 3D static geological model with dynamic reservoir simulation through the Big Loop™ framework and Bayesian optimization techniques. The objective was to maximize total CO₂ injection over a 30-year operational period while ensuring long-term containment and minimizing leakage risks associated with intersecting faults and a legacy well. Geological uncertainty was represented through 16 variable subsurface parameters, including porosity–permeability relationships and fault behaviour. A total of 948 simulation scenarios were evaluated, with unsuitable scenarios excluded where plume migration approached critical geological features. The selected optimal scenario identified a well location and perforation interval that achieved an estimated maximum injection capacity of approximately 24 million tonnes of CO₂, with a probabilistic median (P50) of 8.8 million tonnes. Extended simulations over 1,000 years demonstrated sustained plume containment away from faults and the legacy well. Sensitivity analysis showed that injection performance was primarily controlled by bottom-hole pressure targets and perforation depth. The results demonstrate that combining stochastic geological modelling with Bayesian optimization provides a robust and scalable framework for improving the safety, efficiency, and reliability of CO₂ storage projects under uncertainty.

2025-05-31T23:00:00Z Almeida, Domingas de Oliveira Duarte, Edicle de Souza Fernandes Gomes, Ana Carla dos Santos Batalha, Sarah Suely Alves Mandú, Tiago Bentes Nascimento, Fernanda Souza do Silva, Glauce Vitor da Costa, Maria João http://hdl.handle.net/10174/42008 2026-05-13T16:12:02Z 2026-03-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Spatiotemporal assessment of wildfire smoke exposure using a low-cost air quality monitoring system in a developing Amazonian city Authors: Almeida, Domingas de Oliveira; Duarte, Edicle de Souza Fernandes; Gomes, Ana Carla dos Santos; Batalha, Sarah Suely Alves; Mandú, Tiago Bentes; Nascimento, Fernanda Souza do; Silva, Glauce Vitor da; Costa, Maria João Abstract: Biomass burning is the dominant source of seasonal air pollution in the Amazon, yet local-scale exposure remains poorly characterized due to sparse monitoring. This study aims to quantify the spatiotemporal dynamics and drivers of PM2.5 pollution in Santarém, Brazilian Amazon, by integrating measurements from a dense network of low-cost sensors, satellite-derived fire radiative power (FRP), and reanalysis meteorology throughout 2023. We applied Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) to evaluate the daily influence of fire activity and meteorological conditions on local PM2.5. Mean PM2.5 concentrations increased from ∼5 μg/m3 in the rainy season to ∼16 μg/m3 in the dry season, with 94% of exceedances occurring from July–December and a fine-particle dominance (PM2.5/PM10 ≈ 0.79). Peri-urban communities experienced earlier-season pollution peaks, whereas the urban core showed more persistent late-season accumulation. FRP emerged as the primary driver of PM2.5, with effect sizes strengthening from 10% (wet season) to 25% (dry season) per standard deviation, while meteorological factors such as wind speed and boundary-layer height played secondary but modulating roles. A negligible weekend–weekday contrast confirmed that smoke overwhelmingly dominates over local traffic emissions. Finally, we operationalized these relationships into a low-computational-cost FRP–Meteo–PM2.5 polar radar tool for identifying high-risk smoke transport corridors. These results provide actionable evidence for early warning and highlight the urgent need for targeted fire management to reduce public health risks in developing Amazonian cities.

2026-03-01T00:00:00Z