João Paulo Fontoura

A driven engineer and researcher, committed to advancing and shaping the transition to a sustainable energy future. Drawing on a solid foundation of 14 years in engineering, including a decade spent navigating the complexities of the Oil and Gas industry, I bring a unique perspective to pioneering research at INESC TEC while pursuing a PhD in Sustainable Energy Systems.

Over the last 4 years, as a Research Assistant at INESC TEC, I have focused on decarbonization solutions, multi-energy systems, and enhanced energy efficiency across diverse sectors, including agri-food, buildings, road transportation, maritime ports, and urban environments. Additionally, as part of my PhD thesis, I am investigating the challenges posed by injecting renewable gases, such as biogas and hydrogen, into natural gas networks. I excel at translating complex challenges into actionable strategies, optimizing energy systems, and developing power-to-gas strategies.

Furthermore, I work effectively in multicultural teams and thrive in collaborative research environments. I am strongly committed to integrity, and I am also flexible, broad-minded, and organized. Combining rigorous analytical skills with a practical approach, I always strive to achieve outstanding results.

Domains

Power and Energy Systems

Projects

AmBIENCe

Active managed Buildings with Energy performaNce Contracting

MAGPIE

sMArt Green Ports as Integrated Efficient multimodal hubs

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Publications

Virtual power plant optimal dispatch considering power-to-hydrogen systems

Rodrigues, L;Soares, T;Rezende, I;Fontoura, J;Miranda, V;

2024

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY

Optimal Operation of Gas Networks with Multiple Injections of Green Hydrogen

Fontoura, J;Soares, J;Coelho, A;Mourao, Z;

2023

2023 International Conference on Smart Energy Systems and Technologies, SEST 2023

Economic Analysis of a Hydrogen Power Plant in the Portuguese Electricity Market

Rodrigues, LM;Soares, T;Rezende, I;Fontoura, JP;Miranda, V;

2023

ENERGIES

Optimising green hydrogen injection into gas networks: Decarbonisation potential and influence on quality-of-service indexes

Fontoura, J;Soares, FJ;Mourao, Z;Coelho, A;

2024

SUSTAINABLE ENERGY GRIDS & NETWORKS

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Centres

Power and Energy Systems

The Centre for Power and Energy Systems (CPES) is a global reference in the large-scale integration of renewable-based electricity generation into the power system.We research and develop advanced solutions that enable the monitoring, control, optimisation, and forecasting of electricity production and consumption, as well as multi-energy systems. Our work supports the decarbonisation of the energy system, the electrification of society, and the large-scale integration of renewables, making power grids more flexible, intelligent, and resilient.Our research results include models, methodologies, hardware, and software (much of it open source) designed for various energy sector stakeholders, including citizens, communities, service providers, system operators, regulators, policy-makers, and governmental bodies.We operate a Smart Grids and Electric Vehicles Laboratory – the X-Energy Lab (link) – where we validate technological advancements in real-world conditions, ensuring that our solutions have a tangible impact on the energy sector.Thanks to our expertise, we hold a prominent role in both national and international projects supporting the energy transition, while also providing direct services to key players in the electricity sector.