Rúben Gonçalves, Master’s graduate in Sustainable Energies from Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto (ISEP), was awarded the Innovation Prize in Renewable Energy on September 25, 2025, during the “3rd Energy And Water Innovation & Technology Trade Show”, a conference recognized for showcasing innovative solutions in water management and renewable energies. 

The award recognizes his master’s thesis, entitled “Optimization and economic analysis of energetic systems in a wastewater treatment plant”, developed as part of the Master’s in Sustainable Energies at ISEP. This distinction is granted to research projects that stand out in the field of water technology and renewable energies, promoting solutions for a greener and more efficient future. 

The thesis was developed for SIMDOURO, a company responsible for sanitation services in multiple municipalities in the Douro e Sousa region. The project is currently being implemented at the Gaia Litoral Wastewater Treatment Plant by the Master in Sustainable Energies alumni, where it is expected to have a significant impact on energy management.