Salomé Bessa

PhD Candidate at NOVA University of Lisbon



Salomé Bessa is currently pursuing a PhD in Environment and Sustainability, focusing on energy poverty and sustainable transitions. Her research aims to evaluate energy efficiency measures in policy evolution, analyzing them from the standpoints of energy poverty, energy justice and health. This involves an econometric and policy analysis to understand the limits of energy poverty indicators, the efficacy of applied resources and how to design more equitable energy transition policies.

A highly skilled civil engineer with a focus on Planning, Salomé holds a Master's degree with a dissertation on Policy Mix and Energy Poverty. In 2021, she started working as a researcher at the Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research (CENSE). Salomé has contributed to two significant European Union projects: PrioritEE PLUS and Energy Poverty Advisory Hub (EPAH), both aimed at promoting energy efficiency and reducing energy poverty.

In addition to her research, Salomé serves as the digital communication manager for the Portuguese Association of Energy Economics (APEEN) and has acted as an expert evaluator for the Portuguese Environmental Fund Programs "Edifícios + Sustentáveis 2021" and "Vales Eficiência." She has also worked as a teaching assistant in the FEUP Project unit course of the Bachelor in Civil Engineering program, focusing on the role of civil engineers in promoting sustainable development goals.

Salomé is a passionate advocate for energy poverty, energy ethics, health, and energy justice. She actively participates in workshops, webinars, and other events related to these topics, continually striving to make a positive impact on society.

National

"Vale Eficiência" Funding Program [2022-2024]

The Vale Eficiência (Energy Efficiency Voucher) Program is a Portuguese government initiative that aims to promote energy efficiency in households and businesses by providing financial incentives to invest in more efficient equipment and appliances.

International

EPAH - EU Energy Poverty Advisory Hub [2021-2024]

The Energy Poverty Advisory Hub (EPAH) is the leading EU initiative aiming to eradicate energy poverty and accelerate the just energy transition of European local governments.

National

2nd Phase of the "Edifícios + Sustentáveis" (More Sustainable Buildings) Support Program [2021-2023]

The 2nd Phase of the "Edifícios + Sustentáveis" (More Sustainable Buildings) Support Program is a government initiative in Portugal that aims to promote sustainable building practices and energy efficiency in buildings.

National

Energy Inclusion Project [2022-2023]

Provide support to EDP - Social Impact Office for their project on Social Inclusion

International

PRIORITEE PLUS: Transferring the PrioritEE Decision Tool to public authorities in public buildings at transnational level [2021-2022]

The PrioritEE PLUS project empowers Mediterranean regional and local authorities to create energy management policies for public buildings.

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November 21, 2023 Online
Honorable mention on the NOVA Impact Research Narratives - Collaborative research spearheading Europe’s fight against Energy Poverty
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March 03, 2023 Online
Public consultation on the National Long-Term Strategy for Combating Energy Poverty 2022-2050.
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December 18, 2022 Online
Carbon Tax and Portugal - Awarded Salomé Bessa's essay on ECO Journal
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April 19, 2022 Newspaper
Energy Poverty: what is it and how does it affect us?
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