R - Dissertações de Mestrado / Master Dissertations
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Browsing R - Dissertações de Mestrado / Master Dissertations by Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) "07:Energias Renováveis e Acessíveis"
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- Artifical intelligence and sustainability : technology as an enabler and challenges. The examples of Google and MicrosoftPublication . Kilinç, Enis; Cruz, Nuno Moreira daThis Thesis examines the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in advancing corporate sustainability within the technology industry and focuses on studies of Microsoft and Google. Growing environmental challenges and stakeholder pressure prompts tech giants to integrate AI into their corporate sustainability strategies. While AI holds potential for positive environmental impact, its deployment also presents significant challenges which includes energy consumption and ethical concerns. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, to encompass literature review, case study analysis and expert interviews. The study investigates the alignment of AI initiatives with sustainability goals, challenges of the sustainable integration of AI and best practices in the technology sector. The analysis reveals that both Microsoft and Google leverage AI to enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, reduce water usage, and advance circular economy practices. Their initiatives contribute to key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). However, challenges persist, which includes high energy demands of data centers and algorithmic transparency. The thesis identifies best practices for AI-driven sustainability, such as AI-powered innovative systems and the use of renewable energy in data center operations. It also highlights the need for balancing technological advancements with ethical and environmental responsibilities. The thesis underscores the dual role of AI as a solution and a challenge in corporate sustainability and offers actionable insights for technology companies and policymakers who strive for a sustainable future.
- Assessing the impact of extreme weather events on power grid failures : a data-driven analysis in SicilyPublication . Galvagno, Chiara; Fernandes, Pedro AfonsoThis thesis investigates the impact of extreme weather events on electric transmission networks in Sicily. As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of such events, and as decarbonization and integration of renewable energy introduce new operational complexities, the need for resilient grid infrastructure has become increasingly urgent. Sicily presents a compelling case due to its central Mediterranean location, geological and island characteristics, aging infrastructure, and growing renewable capacity, all of which increase vulnerability to weather-induced disruptions. A three-stage modeling framework is developed to predict grid failure occurrence, severity, and economic impact using daily panel data from 2014 to 2023, combining high-resolution weather data with transmission outage reports. The first stage employs binary classification to forecast outage occurrence; the second, multiclass classification to assess severity; and the third, regression analysis to estimate unserved energy and associated economic loss. While acknowledging that outages may have multiple causes, the analysis identifies weather, especially wind, as a key driver. Results also show that interpretable models, such as logistic regression, can provide operational value for prioritization and planning. The study contributes to climate-resilient grid planning by demonstrating the utility of supervised learning for predictive diagnostics and highlighting the importance of improved data integration in critical infrastructure monitoring.
- Deepwater Horizon oil spill : stock performance effects on the energy industryPublication . Pereira, Pedro Miguel da Fonseca; Stahl, JörgThis dissertation investigates the financial implications of the largest marine oil spill in history (Deepwater Horizon oil spill) on the Oil and Gas and Alternative Energy industries. Employing event study and regression methodologies, the analysis spans US and European markets to assess intra-industry and cross-industry effects, with a focus on the role of Gulf of Mexico exposure in driving abnormal stock returns. Findings confirm significant negative market reactions for BP and its partners, with severe negative cumulative abnormal returns reflecting strong intra-industry contagion. The research further highlights the disproportionate impact of negative news on market reactions compared to positive developments, suggesting investors tend to overreact to adverse events. Additionally, exposure to the Gulf of Mexico during the spill was identified as a key driver of abnormal returns. The study provides key insights for stakeholders in assessing financial risks associated with environmental disasters and offers a foundation for further exploration into long-term industry ramifications, such as regulatory impacts and shifts in energy policy.
- Education : the key factor in developing Livo’s customer journeyPublication . Cintra, Teresa Vaz de; Xavier, RuteThis dissertation Education: The Key Factor in Developing Livo’s Customer Journey under Professor Rute Xavier’s supervision, explores how education can enhance Livo’s customer journey in integrating energy-efficient solutions into Ageas Portugal's insurance offerings. A mixed-methods approach was used to evaluate strategies, understand barriers, and uncover cross-selling opportunities. The research highlights the need to address two primary barriers: lack of consumer knowledge and financial constraints. Educational campaigns and clear communication can bridge awareness gaps, encouraging informed decisions. Moreover, emphasizing long-term cost savings and offering financing options could mitigate financial challenges. Key findings show that integrating Livo’s sustainable solutions with multi-risk insurance packages can elevate customer satisfaction and loyalty. Recommendations are structured around three phases of the customer journey, in the pre-purchase phase to build awareness through targeted campaigns, educational materials, and modular solutions tailored to diverse customer profiles. In the purchase phase to simplify decision-making with transparent pricing, and bundled incentives emphasizing long-term savings. In the post-purchase phase to reinforce trust with follow-up protocols, performance reports, and personalized service updates. The study concludes that aligning sustainability with insurance offerings presents significant opportunities for value creation. By addressing informational and financial barriers, Livo and Ageas can redefine the customer experience, enhancing loyalty and contributing to a sustainable future.
- Emissions trading and energy sector profitability : analysis of energy sector companiesPublication . Monteiro, Francisco Sousa Pedro Coutinho; Stahl, JörgThis dissertation examines how Phase III of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) influenced the financial performance of energy firms, specifically comparing oil and gas companies against renewable energy firms. Using a Difference-in-Differences (DiD) methodology, the analysis tracks changes in ROA, EBITDA/Assets and Capex/Assets before and after the regulatory intervention. The results indicate that Oil & Gas firms experience a significant negative impact on some profitability metrics, such as ROA. In contrast, EBITDA/Assets and Capex/Assets do not follow the same significant impacts. Placebo tests confirm that no pre-existing trends explain these effects, backing the conclusion that Phase III imposed a tangible financial limitation on carbon-intensive firms in the year regulations took place. Operating margins (EBITDA/Assets) and investment intensity (Capex/Assets) appear less sensitive to policy-driven cost pressures. These findings suggest that effective climate policies must weigh environmental goals against economic viability, highlighting possible differing responses from high and low-carbon firms in transitioning to greener energies.
- Green hydrogen market in Germany : the demand drivers and potential market scenariosPublication . Deubel, Tom Lennart; Ferreira, Duarte CardosoThis thesis aims to support green hydrogen firms in Germany to navigate regulatory and market uncertainties. By focusing on the key demand drivers and their future development, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive overview that enables firms to address challenges and position themselves strategically in the emerging green hydrogen market in Germany. A qualitative research methodology was employed, incorporating semi-structured expert interviews and analyzed using Kuckartz’s Structured Content Analysis. Market scenarios were developed based on expert insights and previous literature review, capturing potential regulatory and market developments and their implications for firm strategies. The results highlight the critical role of regulatory support and long-term stability as well as infrastructure development and technological advancements to create a stable market, driving green hydrogen adoption. Four market scenarios were developed to anticipate potential future outlooks, outlining strategic approaches for firms to mitigate risks and capitalize on opportunities. Limitations include the reliance on qualitative data, which may not fully capture the diversity of stakeholder perspectives, and the rapidly evolving nature of the green hydrogen sector, which could shift key findings over time. Thisthesis provides valuable practical implicationsfor firms and policymakers, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts acrossthe value chain, robust public-private partnerships, and scenario-based strategic planning. By addressing these elements, the thesis contributes to the understanding of how firms can adapt and thrive within the volatile green hydrogen market in Germany.
- The impact of renewable energy on the price linkage between crude oil and agricultural commodities: : comparing biofuel-related and non biofuel-related commoditiesPublication . Lourenço, Tiago Filipe Bento; Schliephake, EvaThis thesis explores how renewable energy usage affects the price linkage between crude oil and agricultural commodities, analyzing and comparing biofuel-related and non-biofuel-related commodities. Using monthly data from 1990 to 2020, the study employs complex regressions, causality tests and cointegration analysis to analyze changes over time, particularly before and after 2005 - a turning point marked by the expansion of biofuel policies and consequente production. The results show that biofuel-related commodities, such as Maize, Soybeans, and Wheat, experienced significant changes in their price dynamics with crude oil after 2005. Maize, as a key input for ethanol production, had a historical strong linkage with oil prices driven by production costs, however, post-2005, this linkage weakened as biofuel demand became the dominant driver of maize prices, reducing dependence on oil. Soybeans, widely used for biodiesel, saw a strengthening price linkage with oil after 2005 as a result of the growing integration of biodiesel into energy markets. Wheat, less tied to biofuel production, showed a moderately strengthening linkage post-2005, though its price dynamics remained relatively more stable compared to Maize and Soybeans. Non-biofuel-related commodities, such as Cocoa, Coffee, and Sugar, showed weaker and less linear relationships with oil prices, influenced primarily by regional renewable energy usage, situational production costs and local environmental policies. For Sugar, the dynamics varied significantly by region, with opposite results between the USA and the European Union.
- Logotype change and perceived quality : an analysis of the new EDP brand imagePublication . Oliveira, Maria Francisca Tavares de; Fernandes, Anna Carolina Boechat ChavesEDP, a major Portuguese energy company, recently underwent a rebranding process and unveiled a new logo. The new logo represents a change in the company's visual identity, with the aim of reflecting the evolution of its values and strategic focus on sustainability and innovation. The updated design features a more modern and simplified aesthetic compared to the previous logo, which had a more traditional appearance and was red. In the context of brand strategy, a strong brand identity is very important for establishing a distinctive brand image and improving customers' perception of quality and reliability. Given the importance of these elements for business success, this research aimed to assess the impact of EDP's new logo on perceived brand quality. The study collected opinions from a sample of 242 Portuguese participants to assess how the rebranding influenced the perceived quality of the EDP brand. For this purpose, quantitative methods were used, collected through an online survey. The conclusion is that the change of logo is generally evaluated positively, establishing an association with sustainability and the energy transition. However, it is important to note that a significant proportion of the sample was not fully aware of aspects of the new logo, suggesting the need for marketing efforts to bridge this gap. It was also observed that the brand was already perceived with high levels of perceived quality, positive image, reputation, association with sustainability, quality of service and overall positive opinion. Based on these results, it was clear that the new logo has no impact on perceived quality, since this variable remained at the same high level with both the new and old logos.
- A managerial perspective on generative AI’s role in digital twin- enabled positive energy districtsPublication . Schmidt, Vanessa; Bohnsack, RenéAs cities worldwide strive toward more sustainable energy systems, Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) have emerged as a promising approach to achieving net-positive annual energy balances. However, the complexity and variability of urban energy supply and demand pose significant challenges for effective energy management. This thesis investigates how the integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) with Digital Twin (DT) technologies can enhance PEDs. Based on a comprehensive literature review, project proposals, and qualitative interviews with industry experts, the research explores how GenAI can strengthen DT capabilities by improving forecasting accuracy, scenario testing and resource allocation. Key findings show that GenAI can fill data gaps, support adaptive modelling and facilitate proactive energy distribution decisions. In addition, the research identifies organisational and regulatory barriers - such as privacy, interoperability standards and the need for capacity building - that must be overcome to realise these benefits. By providing actionable insights into how GenAI can augment DTs, this work contributes to the theoretical and practical knowledge of sustainable urban energy systems. It highlights the importance of strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration and robust governance mechanisms to guide managers and policy makers towards more efficient, equitable and forward-looking energy solutions in DTs.
- Navigating uncertainty : quantifying residual load and enhancing portfolio resilience for EDP PortugalPublication . Rauser, Daniel Marco; Nogueira, MiguelDecarbonizing the energy sector is crucial to achieve climate goals set by international agreements. Energias de Portugal (EDP), which relies heavily on renewable energy, may face significant challenges due to increased potential variability and uncertainty in energy generation caused by climate change. These changes significantly influence the residual load, which is formally defined as the difference between total electricity demand and renewable energy supply. The thesis employs an innovative methodology that uses climate data with advanced predictive analytics to first assess EDP9s current residual load and later estimate future residual loads and its implications until 2045. It is novel in integrating different data, including company-specific data, high resolution climate data amongst others, to provide climate scenario risk assessments. Simulations are conducted to explore strategic mitigation paths such as energy storage expansion, optimizing investments, or bitcoin mining for excess energy utilization. The results show increased residual load in the future, mainly influenced by intensified climate extremes, including anticipated droughts that significantly affect hydropower production, which makes up 75% of EDP9s generation portfolio in severe climate scenarios. The originality of the study is in translating climate risks into interpretable financial terms for EDP and providing concrete recommendations for strategic adaptation especially concerning portfolio expansions. While EDP's current investments, including large-scale batteries and diversified renewable assets, are increasing resilience, this research quantifies further diversification. Ultimately, this thesis highlights the need for proactive, data-driven planning to ensure long term financial stability and operational reliability of renewable-centric energy providers in a climate-uncertain future.