Energía asequible y no contaminante

The ESPOL participated in the Second Meeting of the Network of National Centers of Excellence in CCUS, co-organized by the IEA Greenhouse Gas R&D Program and the Gulf Coast Carbon Center. The meeting brought together centers from Asia and Latin America to exchange advances, strengthen capacities, and promote projects in carbon capture, use, and storage.

Researchers from FICT–ESPOL published a study in the journal Geoenergy Science and Engineering (Q1–Decile 1) on polymer-enhanced CO₂ foams (HPAM) to control their mobility in enhanced oil recovery and geological storage processes. The experimental results demonstrate greater sweeping efficiency compared to conventional foams. The work was carried out in collaboration with the University of Bergen, strengthening international scientific cooperation.

ESPOL joined an international CCUS network, strengthening its position in carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies. The process was led by FICT, which presented the institutional capabilities in this strategic area. The integration promotes international cooperation, scientific exchange, and the development of projects related to the energy transition.

M.Sc. Raúl Ortiz, an international petroleum advisor, presented a technical analysis on the strategic role of natural gas in strengthening the country’s energy security, highlighting its potential as a transition source toward a more diversified and sustainable energy matrix. The session fostered academic reflection and technical dialogue on viable solutions to Ecuador’s energy challenges.

A recent study proposes a passively tuned wave energy converter that significantly improves efficiency and adaptability to different wave climates, outperforming conventional systems and opening new opportunities for sustainable wave energy harvesting.

ESPOL’s FICT is gearing up for THE FINAL PITCH, an academic event where five finalist Capstone Projects from the Petroleum Engineering, Mining Engineering, and Civil Engineering programs will showcase their ability to communicate innovative proposals that address real-world national challenges. The event aims to strengthen communication, argumentation, and presentation skills, promoting innovation and the comprehensive training of future professionals.

FICT researchers from ESPOL presented the results of the Specific Geophysics Agreement to CELEC-SUR in Cuenca, during the seminar commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Mazar Hydroelectric Power Plant. The presentation detailed the application of geoelectrical studies in unstable zones, highlighting their contribution to safety, planning, and risk reduction for the country's strategic hydroelectric infrastructure.

As part of their comprehensive training, Petroleum Engineering students from ESPOL conducted a technical field trip to the Pacifpetrol S.A. facilities in Ancón, where they strengthened their knowledge of artificial lift systems, refining, and the innovative use of solar panels in the industry. The activity, led by M.Sc. Christian Sánchez Rodríguez, allowed future engineers to link theory with operational management in mature fields, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4, 7, 9, and 12) by promoting a technical, efficient, and responsible vision of the national energy sector.

FICT-ESPOL successfully hosted the 5MinPitch PAO II 2025 semifinals, where students from Geological Engineering, Mining Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Civil Engineering presented their capstone projects in five minutes before a specialized jury. This initiative strengthened communication skills and technical argumentation, leading to the selection of five finalist projects focused on solving real-world engineering challenges.

Petroleum Engineering students from FICT-ESPOL participated in a technical debate analyzing the current reliance on Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESP) versus alternative artificial lift systems in Ecuador's mature fields. The activity integrated environmental, economic, and technological impact assessments, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthening critical thinking applied to real-world challenges in the national energy sector.