Based at PCT Guamá, Ceamazon celebrates 15 years as a reference in energy in the Amazon

The Center of Excellence in Energy Efficiency of the Amazon (Ceamazon), linked to the Federal University of Pará (UFPA) and resident at the Guamá Science and Technology Park (PCT), celebrates 15 years of operation with the seminar "15 Years of Energy Efficiency in the Amazon: Aiming for Energy Transition," held this Wednesday (9) and Thursday (10) in Belém. The program brings together specialists, managers, researchers, and representatives from the productive sector to discuss sustainable solutions aimed at the energy reality of the Amazon region.

The opening ceremony was attended by the directors of the Guamá Foundation, João Weyl and Danilo Cosenza, the science and technology institution (ICT) responsible for managing the Park. The event marks a moment of experience exchange, presentation of results, and debate on the directions of energy efficiency, promoting dialogue between academia, the market, and society.

The program includes lectures, round tables, mini-courses, exhibitions of projects developed by Ceamazon and partner institutions, as well as cultural presentations. The coordinator of the Center, Professor Maria Emília Tostes, highlighted the growth of Ceamazon, especially in the provision of consulting and specialized services, as well as in the development of innovative solutions for the electric sector. "Our work in research and development has become increasingly significant, especially in collaboration with companies in the sector. This strengthens Ceamazon's impact in the Amazon," she stated.

Committed to sustainability, the seminar adopts responsible environmental practices, such as the elimination of disposable cups, the use of recyclable materials, and encouragement of electric mobility, with electric buses circulating on the UFPA and PCT Guamá campus for the transportation of the community from both spaces.

Representing the rector of UFPA, the professor and pro-rector of Research and Graduate Studies of the University, Maria Iracilda Sampaio, emphasized the strategic role of Ceamazon in training human resources, scientific production, and technological innovation, especially in the context of energy transition. "In just 15 years, Ceamazon has stood out for excellence in training people, scientific production, and the development of innovative solutions. It is essential to have more investments so that UFPA, through initiatives like this, continues to contribute decisively to sustainability and addressing environmental emergencies," she stated. She also praised the Institute of Technology (Itec) and the work of Professor Emília Tostes, honored during the event, as an example of female leadership in engineering.

The president of the Guamá Foundation, João Weyl, reinforced the relevance of Ceamazon as a strategic space within the science, technology, and innovation ecosystem of Pará. "Ceamazon has a historical role in building innovation in Pará. Since its creation, it has acted as a reference in research, training, and technological development, leading initiatives now recognized throughout the state," he stated. He recalled that the Center was the first building of PCT Guamá and housed the first board of the Guamá Foundation, consolidating itself as the anchor of the Park.

Also present at the ceremony, the scientific director of the Amazon Foundation for Support of Studies and Research (Fapespa), Marcel Botelho, congratulated Ceamazon and highlighted the importance of mission-oriented scientific projects with social impact. "Science cannot be an end in itself. It must serve society. Ceamazon is an example of this, combining scientific excellence with a commitment to transforming the Amazonian reality," he pointed out, reinforcing the role of funding agencies in supporting research aimed at sustainable development.

Innovation and sustainability in practice - Located at PCT Guamá, Ceamazon is the first center in the Amazon focused exclusively on energy efficiency. Created through a partnership between Eletrobrás, UFPA, and the Government of the State of Pará, the Center acts as a public institution for Research, Development, and Innovation (PD&I) aimed at sustainable solutions for the energy challenges of the region.

With an interdisciplinary approach, Ceamazon brings together researchers from the fields of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Architecture, and Urbanism. It has become a reference in pioneering initiatives, such as the first electric mobility project in the Amazon, which enabled the acquisition of two electric buses for UFPA, the first electric-propulsion catamaran in the region, the development of the first Amazonian green corridor, and the implementation of the first hybrid microgrid with batteries and supercapacitors.

"We managed, for example, to bring this project in partnership with Norte Energia, which boosted electric mobility in Pará. We also developed a management system that monitors university buildings. We have made significant progress on various fronts," highlighted Professor Maria Emília Tostes.

The Center has seven specialized laboratories focused on research, teaching, and service provision. It conducts technical analyses in lighting systems, refrigeration, and thermal performance of buildings, in addition to developing software and hardware aimed at monitoring and efficient use of electric energy. It also offers consulting services to companies and public agencies, always focusing on innovation, sustainability, and social inclusion.

Partnerships and specialized services - The Research & Development (R&D) laboratories at PCT Guamá combine scientific knowledge with market competitiveness. Public and private projects can access the resources of PCT Guamá by presenting their demand via email [email protected] or by phone (91) 3321-8908 and 3321-8909.

Reference in Innovation in the Amazon - PCT Guamá is an initiative of the Government of Pará, through the State Secretariat for Science, Technology, and Higher, Professional, and Technological Education (Sectet), with partnerships from UFPA and the Federal Rural University of the Amazon (Ufra), and managed by the Guamá Foundation.

It is the first technological park in the Northern region of Brazil and aims to stimulate applied research and innovative and sustainable entrepreneurship to improve the quality of life of the population.

Located on the banks of the Guamá River, which gives its name to the complex, PCT is situated between the campuses of the two universities and has a rich biodiversity ecosystem, extending over 72 hectares, designated for buildings and the Environmental Protection Area (APA) of the Metropolitan Region of Belém.

The complex has more than 30 resident companies (physically installed in the Park), more than 40 associates (linked to the Park but not physically installed), 12 research and development laboratories for processes and products, and a technical school.

PCT Guamá is part of the National Association of Promoters of Innovative Enterprises (Anprotec) and the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (Iasp), and is part of the largest innovation ecosystem in the world.