Calgary Alberta, November 19, 2025
A five-year sponsorship from Energi Simulation, for a total amount of CDN$1,000,000, will support the renewal of the Industrial Research Chair in Underground Storage and Reservoir Management Optimization at the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), Brazil. The Chair, led by Dr. Leonardo Guimarães, will advance research at the intersection of geomechanics, reservoir engineering, and energy transition, focusing on safe and efficient subsurface storage solutions and optimized reservoir management. The renewal of the Energi Simulation Industrial Chair at UFPE reflects 15 years of steadfast support that has been key to advancing research in geomechanics, reservoir modeling and simulation, and robust optimization for real-world, industry-relevant challenges.
Research Objectives
The Chair will advance cutting-edge research in geomechanics applied to energy challenges, focusing on:
- Stability and long-term behavior of underground storage systems;
- Salt cavern construction and performance analysis;
- Safe and efficient CO₂ injection and storage in depleted reservoirs and aquifers;
- Evaluation of permanent CO₂ mineralization in basalts;
- Advanced modeling of fracture systems and fluid transport;
- Optimization strategies for reservoir management incorporating geomechanical constraints;
The research combines numerical simulation, experimental validation, and field data to develop innovative solutions for sustainable energy transition.
Dr. Leonardo Guimarães has been a Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering since March 2003, with more than two decades of expertise in geotechnical engineering, reservoir management, simulation, and geomechanics. He earned his Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering from the Technical University of Catalonia (UPC, Barcelona, Spain), a Master’s degree in the same field from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (COPPE/UFRJ, Brazil), and a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE, Brazil). Throughout his career, he has led multiple research projects funded by the Brazilian government and the oil industry and has supervised over 70 graduate students.
Reflecting on his research chair, Dr. Guimarães said, “I feel deeply fortunate that, 15 years ago, Energi Simulation, then Foundation CMG under Frank Mayer’s leadership, believed we could establish an Industrial Chair in Reservoir Simulation at UFPE, Brazil. Since then, this Chair has supported numerous students and, through them, profoundly enriched my own career. Today, I am once again grateful to Energi Simulation for renewing their trust for another five years, as we continue advancing our research with industry with the same enthusiasm as at the very beginning.”
Prof. Alfredo Macedo Gomes, Rector (President) of the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), commented, “I congratulate Professor Leonardo Guimarães for his leadership of the Energi Simulation Industrial Chair, coordinating a truly multidisciplinary team of faculty and graduate students from Engineering, Geology, Mathematics, and Computer Science. Over the past 15 years, the Chair has played a fundamental role in advancing research and developing technological solutions for the oil industry, addressing both the major challenges of Brazil’s pre-salt and the broader energy transition in our country. All of this work has been carried out with a clear purpose: to help build a more sustainable energy future.”
Duke Anderson, President of Energi Simulation, further noted, “We are truly excited to continue our relationship with Professor Guimarães for another 5 years! Our belief is that subsurface geoenergy will play a leading role in the energy future of the planet. We plan to contribute to that exciting future through the research that Professor Guimarães and his team will be conducting at UFPE.”
About UFPE
The Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE) is situated in Recife, the capital of Pernambuco state in Brazil’s Northeast region. As the leading university in the North and Northeast of Brazil, UFPE has its main campus in Recife, along with several satellite campuses across the state.
Established in 1946 through the merger of several independent colleges, UFPE includes the former College of Engineering, which became the Center of Technology and Geosciences (CTG) in 1995. This year marks 130 years of uninterrupted activity for the engineering school.
The CTG plays a vital role in undergraduate education, with nearly all faculty members engaged in teaching. However, its primary focus lies in research and the training of master’s and doctoral students. Committed to advancing science and technology, the CTG prioritizes innovation through people, ideas, equipment, and methodologies. This academic excellence is deeply aligned with societal needs, ensuring that its work has a meaningful impact.
UFPE recognizes energy, oil and gas as priority areas for academic and technological development. Marking a significant advancement, the CTG launched its state-of-the-art LITPEG research complex in 2019. This cutting-edge facility fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration, bringing together experts to address challenges throughout the entire oil production chain – from resource discovery to extraction and processing.
The modern seven-story structure accommodates 12 dedicated research laboratories, serving as a testament to UFPE’s dedication to pioneering research and industry-relevant innovation in the energy field. This investment strengthens the university’s position as a leader in energy sector solutions.
LITPEG (Laboratório Integrado de Energia, Petróleo e Gás) brings together UFPE’s principal laboratories dedicated to advancing research in petroleum, natural gas, and biofuels. This integrated structure promotes synergy, resource sharing, and optimized efficiency across these key energy sectors. The Chair team is located on half of the 5th floor (housing the numerical team) and operates the rock mechanics laboratory on the 3rd floor.
About Energi Simulation
Founded in 1978, Energi Simulation promotes and financially supports research and graduate students through research grants at universities. Our mandate is to invest in leading edge research and innovation in energy resource modelling. Energi Simulation partners with universities, governments, and industry sponsors to drive unique multi-year support of student education and world leading researchers at universities, in Europe, North America, South America, and Asia-Pacific region. Energi Simulation is a not-for-profit company registered in the province of Alberta, Canada.
For more information please contact:
Duke Anderson, President
duke.anderson@energisimulation.com
Energi Simulation
or
Leonardo Guimarães
leonardo.guimaraes@ufpe.br
Federal University of Pernambuco