Capturing industrial CO2 to produce synthetic fuels seeking a sustainable transition to carbon neutrality in Portugal

This PhD thesis aims to provide a comprehensive, holistic assessment of potential Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) networks in Portugal by 2030. Focusing on the integration of CCU technologies into the national energy system, the project evaluates the cost-effectiveness and environmental impact and social impact of producing CCU fuels at scale. By leveraging advanced engineering models, the project will identify the potential costs and benefits of scaling up CCU infrastructure. A key aspect of this assessment will be the incorporation of parametric uncertainties using Monte Carlo simulations to quantify variability in the study outcomes, ensuring a robust and reliable analysis. Furthermore, the project proposes a new framework for integrating CCU as a decarbonization vector in future energy system models for Portugal. This will involve evaluating the techno-economic and environmental implications of CCU across different decarbonization pathways under varying demographic and macroeconomic scenarios.