Training of Engineers in Digital Transformation and Energy Transition

• Grant number: 25/03789-1
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2030
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Industrial Electronics, Electronic Systems and Controls
• Principal Investigator: Rodolfo César Costa Flesch
• Grantee: Rodolfo César Costa Flesch
• Host Institution: Centro Tecnológico. Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC). Florianópolis , SP, Brazil
• City of the host institution: Florianópolis
• Principal investigators: Armando Albertazzi Gonçalves Júnior ; Cintia Marangoni ; Daniel Ferreira Coutinho ; Eduardo Camponogara ; Eric Aislan Antonelo ; Eugênio de Bona Castelan Neto ; Felipe Gomes de Oliveira Cabral ; Gustavo Artur de Andrade ; Jader Riso Barbosa Junior ; Jaime Andres Lozano Cadena ; Jomi Fred Hubner ; Laio Oriel Seman ; Leandro Buss Becker ; Marcelo De Lellis Costa de Oliveira ; Marcelo Menezes Morato ; MARCUS VINICIUS AMERICANO DA COSTA FILHO ; Mauro Eduardo Benedet ; Max Hering de Queiroz ; Nestor Roqueiro ; Publio Macedo Monteiro Lima ; Ricardo Antonio Francisco Machado ; Tiago Loureiro Figaro da Costa Pinto
• Associated researchers: Daniel Juan Pagano ; Julio Elias Normey Rico

Abstract

The presented proposal aims to train human resources specialized in digital transformation and energy transition, with a focus on artificial intelligence, automation, optimization, and other enabling technologies. The goal is to train professionals to meet the technological demands of the oil, gas, and renewable energy industry, in accordance with CNPE Resolutions No. 2/2021 and CNPE No. 8/2024. The offer is aligned with concrete market needs, as companies such as Petrobras, ExxonMobil, and Equinor highlight the lack of specialists in artificial intelligence, automation, and data analysis. Unfortunately, the trend is for this lack to intensify in the coming years, causing digitalization processes to be unable to advance due to a lack of qualified people. The growing importance of digitalization in the sector is also reflected in research, development, and innovation (RD&I) projects in which artificial intelligence and machine learning are gaining more and more space, according to public data from the RD&I dashboard of the National Agency of Petroleum, Natural Gas and Biofuels (ANP). The proposing group has extensive experience in executing projects aimed at the digitalization and automation of the oil, gas, and renewable energy sectors. With over 30 years of experience, it has developed numerous research projects funded by companies such as Petrobras, Shell, Equinor, and Halliburton, in addition to international collaborations with renowned institutions in different countries. Historically, the group was responsible for the PRH 34 and the PRH 2.1, programs that trained several highly qualified professionals in automation, control, instrumentation, and optimization for the oil and gas industry. Currently, it conducts innovative research in artificial intelligence, machine learning, digitalization of offshore platforms, optimization of industrial processes, and integration of renewable energies, always in accordance with the technological demands of companies in the sector. In addition, the group has an advanced laboratory infrastructure, including pilot plants, artificial intelligence inspection systems, and renewable energy microgrids, becoming a center of excellence in human resource training. With over 170 million reais raised in RD&I projects in the last five years, the group maintains strong interaction with the industry and stands out in generating knowledge and innovation for the energy sector. The initiative, based on the successful history of PRH 34 and PRH 2.1, aims to qualify professionals to meet the demands of the industry, ensuring high employability and continuous innovation in the sector, enabling the development of digitalization processes in Brazil and keeping the national industry competitive. (AU)