Bernardo Llamas

Study of the Basque–Cantabrian basin as a suitable region for the implementation of an energy storage system based on compressed air energy storage (CAES)

The fight against climate change requires harnessing novel technologies to decrease CO2 emissions. Renewable energy must be among the main strategies for complying with the COP-21 agreements. Energy storage technologies will play a crucial role in increasing the efficiency and availability of this kind of energy source. Moreover, energy storage technologies will help reduce the supply risk of the electric power system, by overcoming the uncertainty of renewable energy generation. Compressed air energy storage (CAES) enables large amounts of energy to be accumulated reliably. Although there are different structures in the subsurface that may be considered for this purpose, the development of CAES in a salt dome offers several technical and economic advantages. Furthermore, currently this kind of structure is the only one used for this purpose on an industrial scale. In order to reduce the inherent risk associated with the definition and selection of subsurface structures, this study proposes a multi-criteria algorithm based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process methodology. In this scenario, the algorithm focuses on the process to rank salt domes for CAES development. The study applies this methodology in the Basque–Cantabrian basin, where as many as eleven structures have been examined.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Carbon Capture, Storage and Utilisation

According to the recent information, CO2 concentration in the atmosphere reached 402 ppm at the beginning of 2016. On the other hand, fossil fuels remain as the major source to produce energy. The International Energy Agency estimate that those fuels will remain as the most used source during coming decades.

Multi-criteria Method and Its Application for Compressed Air Energy Storage in Salt Domes

Energy storage technologies will play a crucial role in increasing both the efficiency, as well as the availability, of renewable energy, thus decoupling real generation from expected generation and from consumption demands. Compressed air energy storage (hereinafter “CAES”) enables the efficient and cost-effective storage of large amounts of energy. The development of CAES in a salt dome offers several technical and economic advantages. In order to reduce the inherent risk associated with the definition and selection of subsurface structures, this study proposes a multi-criteria algorithm based on the analytic hierarchy process. In this case, the study was focused on the Basque-Cantabrian basin (Spain) where it is possible to identify up to 11 surfacing diapiric structures. These peculiar characteristics allow considering new research topics: establish a new definition of energy storage capacity, considering not only the storage of compressed air at great depth, but also the definition of mini-CAES.

The Contingent Valuation Method Applied to the Mining Heritage of Extremadura (Spain)

In this study, the contingent valuation method is used to appraise the value and market potential of mining heritage, serving as a means to evaluate these heritage assets for the society, for the purposes of entertainment, culture or recreation. The method has been applied to the specific case of the region of Extremadura (Spain), an area with a prevalent mining tradition that dates back to prehistoric times, boasting countless mining-related remains of recognised value. Among those vestiges, 20 enclaves were selected for use in this study following research carried out by the Institute of Geology and Mining in Spain. A survey has been used to estimate the public willingness to pay for the conservation, restoration and protection of mining heritage assets that could be visited by both local people and others. Three payment values (7, 13 and 20 euros) were established to classify respondents’ responses and thus estimate the degree of interest expressed in currency units, which were shown by the mining heritage of Extremadura as a possible destination for a tourist trip. While a high percentage (43%) of respondents did not know what the mining heritage is, after the introduction to the survey included in the surveys, it is concluded that most would be willing to pay an amount to visit it. The results reveal a market potential of more than €130 million without bearing in mind the indirect value generated by these resources, underscoring the high value that society attaches to these mining remains.

Educando en competencias transversales a través de la asignatura de ingeniería de proyectos. Caso de estudio en el máster de Ingeniero de Minas. - [Teaching transversal competences in the project management subject. Case of study: Master of Mining Engineering]

The global context and accelerated technological change in many engineering sectors means that future engineers must provide competitive solutions. In the present work results are shown on transversal competences such as creativity, communication and teamwork. Creativity is one of the transversal competences most valued by the industrial fabric. Special relevance has the different roles of a team and the importance of one of them for success in developing a project. The case study is part of an exercise carried out in the master of mining engineer taught by the Polytechnic University of Madrid, where key roles have been identified for the development of innovative projects from a holistic view.