The work developed by Diogo Lourinha Vilela in his Master’s thesis in Chemical Engineering at Instituto Superior Técnico was awarded 1st prize in the First Open Data Academy Challenge. The study focused on power grid optimisation applied to Portugal and the transition to a more efficient and sustainable energy system.

‘The [master’s] dissertation aimed to optimise the national grid and contribute to a more efficient and sustainable energy system’, explains the student. ‘I developed an economic-energy model that calculates local energy balances by cross-referencing production and consumption data across the country. In this way, we were able to identify the ideal locations for installing new consumption units, such as factories, thus maximising the system’s efficiency.’

The competition, promoted by E-REDES, challenged participants to explore and analyse open data sets, applying advanced data science and artificial intelligence methodologies to improve the operation of the power grid. The event brought together experts, researchers and professionals in the energy sector, who evaluated the solutions proposed.

During the event, a round table was held on the topic “The Role of Data in Challenging Innovation”, where experts analysed the impact of data science and artificial intelligence in modernising the energy sector. Mário Figueiredo, a professor at Técnico, gave a presentation on machine learning and artificial intelligence, emphasising its role in the technological evolution of the sector and in redefining business models.

Diogo Lourinha Vilela is currently following a different career path, working in financial consultancy and attending a postgraduate course in Data Science for Finance. ‘My future wasn’t 100% aligned with this dissertation, although I really enjoyed the process. It was an incredibly enriching and stimulating experience from a technical point of view. Engineering opens up these opportunities, allowing us to explore various paths.’

In reflecting on the experience, he emphasises the importance of resilience: ‘During both the master’s degree programme and the dissertation process, we exchange numerous emails and hold many meetings with our supervisors. In the end, it is up to us to find solutions. We have support, but it’s still up to us to find the answers and face the challenges.’

The First Open Data Academy Challenge is part of a wider strategy of E-REDES to foster innovation and collaboration between academia and the energy sector. The initiative enhances data sharing and analysis for improving power grids and facilitating the energy transition.

The winners of the First Open Data Academy Challenge were:

1.º Prize: Diogo Lourinha Vilela – Optimizing Local Electrical Energy Balances in Portugal (Instituto Superior Técnico)
2.º Prize: Miguel Cardinha – Análise do Impacto introduzido pelo Carregamento de Veículos Elétricos na Rede de Distribuição Elétrica de Lisboa (NOVA School of Science and Technology)
3.º Prize: André Ferreira – A Dimensão da Pobreza Energética nos Municípios em Portugal e os seus Determinantes (School of Economics and Management of University of Porto)
Honourable Mention: Miguel Neves – Control of a Smart Resilient Microgrid (Faculty of Science and Technology of the University of Coimbra)