After the debate "Life and Health", the session "Clean Energies and Sustainability" took place, featuring Pedro Carvalho, faculty member of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (DEEC) and researcher at INESC-ID, as well as Fátima Montemor, Tiago Domingos, and Manuel Duarte Pinheiro, faculty members at Técnico. The debate addressed the growth of renewable energies, the long-term changes required in the electricity grid, and the challenges researchers face in this field.

Pedro Carvalho highlighted that electricity consumption has increased considerably in recent years and is expected to double over the next 25 years, while simultaneously aiming for approximately 100% renewable energy sources. However, renewable resources exhibit high variability due to their dependence on natural phenomena, which contributes to grid instability. Therefore, solutions are needed to mitigate this issue, opening new avenues for research.

The researcher also pointed out that these fluctuations can lead to grid congestion if the system is not dynamically adapted. One example of a solution is the use of smart grids with real-time response capabilities. Additionally, it is necessary to adapt imbalances to the grid through flexibility services, taking into account energy generation and storage. In this way, Pedro Carvalho emphasized that researchers aim to minimize the problem both temporally and spatially, balancing energy production and consumption to avoid overloading the grid at specific points.

The session concluded with a Q&A segment from the audience.