Book of Abstracts: Energy Transition Research & Innovation Conference - ETRI 2024

Welcome to the Book of Abstracts of the 7th Energy Transition Research and Innovation Conference (ETRI 2024)

It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the Book of Abstracts of the Energy Transition Research and Innovation Conference 2024 (ETRI 2024).

Organised by the Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Innovation (RCGI) at the University of São Paulo, and held from 5 to 7 November 2024 at USP’s Butantã campus in São Paulo, Brazil, this seventh edition of ETRI reaffirmed its role as a key international platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and interdisciplinary dialogue on the energy transition.

Guided by the theme “Climate Action through Advanced Technologies for a Sustainable Future”, ETRI 2024 brought together more than 750 participants, including researchers, policymakers, industry leaders, government representatives, and civil society actors. The programme featured 52 speakers contributing to two keynote talks and nine panel discussions. The conference also included the presentation of over 320 papers across nine thematic tracks, delivered in twenty-four short oral sessions. These sessions were organised into six programme slots—each comprising five parallel sessions—demonstrating the event’s scale and interdisciplinary reach.

Beyond the rich academic content, ETRI 2024 invited industry and government representatives to visit one of the most innovative projects developed by RCGI and its partners: the Ethanol-to-Hydrogen Pilot Plant—the first of its kind in the world.

The programme also offered participants a truly immersive experience. Attendees explored the innovative and interactive RCGI Digital Lab and engaged with science installations designed to make energy and sustainability concepts accessible to a broader audience. Experiences included interacting with carbon nanotubes and the DNA molecule, as well as enjoying a panoramic virtual tour from the Atto Tower in the heart of the Amazon Forest—enhanced by the scent of the forest, developed by our partner Natura.

Participants also experienced activities developed with USP technologies, such as a pedal-powered bicycle that generated electricity to light a bulb—capturing the imagination of attendees, especially those less familiar with technical aspects of energy systems. These initiatives reflected a deliberate effort to engage diverse audiences—from specialists to the general public—fostering broader understanding and enthusiasm for climate action.

The growing engagement with ETRI was evident in the record number of 320 abstracts presented. In parallel, overall attendance increased by 35% compared to 2023, and participation from external researchers rose by more than 200%—demonstrating remarkable growth across all sectors. The conference also received significant media coverage, with over 60 organic publications and widespread engagement on social media—underscoring the broad interest and commitment to energy innovation across society.

The abstracts compiled in this volume reflect not only the scientific excellence of our community but also a shared commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals—particularly SDG 7 (Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with over 90% rating the event as Excellent or Very Good, and nearly 95% expressing interest in attending ETRI 2025.

We hope this Book of Abstracts serves as a valuable resource and source of inspiration for continued research, innovation, and collaboration. Thank you for your contributions to ETRI 2024—we look forward to welcoming you again at the next edition, from 4 to 6 November 2025.

With our sincere thanks,
Karen Louise Mascarenhas – Conference Chair
Julio Romano Meneghini – Conference Co-chair
Suani T. Coelho – Scientific Committee Chair