Electrical Power Systems
Work description
The energy transition is driving the development of Power-to-X (P2X) solutions, in which renewable electricity is converted into energy carriers such as hydrogen and synthetic fuels, playing a key role in the decarbonisation of hard-to-electrify sectors. In Portugal, the high potential for offshore wind energy and the national strategic framework create favourable conditions for integrating these solutions into more flexible and sustainable energy systems. In this context, the offshore–onshore interface is particularly important, as energy produced at sea is converted, stored, and integrated into onshore energy value chains. Ports emerge as preferred locations for the development of “onshore energy hubs” that integrate multiple energy vectors, including electricity, hydrogen, and synthetic fuels. The development of such systems involves challenges related to their technical and economic complexity, requiring advanced methodologies for modelling, optimisation, simulation, and decision support. The work to be carried out under this fellowship aims to advance the state of the art in this domain by developing integrated methodologies for multi-energy systems, including interpretable decision-support approaches based on explainable artificial intelligence (XAI), applied to the planning of “onshore energy hubs”. The proposed topic is aligned with the research activities of INESC TEC, namely within the Centre for Power and Energy Systems (CPES), in the areas of energy systems, integration of renewable energy sources, and application of artificial intelligence, as well as with the initiatives of INESCTEC.OCEAN, fostering the integration between energy systems and ocean engineering in the context of offshore renewable energy integration.
Academic Qualifications
Master's degree in Electrical and Computers Engineering or any other field that the jury considers aligned with the call.
Minimum profile required
• Hold a Master's degree in Electrical and Computers Engineering or any other field that the jury considers aligned with the call.• Not have previously been awarded a doctoral grant or a doctoral grant in companies directly funded by FCT, regardless of its duration.• Reside permanently and habitually in Portugal at the start date of the period of the work plan to be carried out abroad, should the proposed work plan include a period at foreign institutions (mixed grants). This requirement applies to both Portuguese and foreign citizens.• Not hold a doctoral degree.
Preference factors
The candidate should have: • Solid knowledge of Power and Energy Systems, particularly regarding the integration of distributed energy resources into the grid and flexibility assessment. • Experience in modelling and optimisation of energy systems, including mathematical programming (e.g., MILP), stochastic modelling, and artificial intelligence techniques. • Experience in programming in Python, C, and C++ for data analysis, simulation, and optimisation. • Knowledge and research experience related to port electrification and/or integration of renewable energy in maritime environments. • Experience in the design or implementation of coordination strategies for smart grids, involving renewable energy sources and energy storage systems. • Research experience, including participation in European research projects.
Application Period
Since 01 May 2026 to 15 May 2026
Centre
Power and Energy Systems