3rd SATSDIFACTION Learning Deep Dive in The Azores
The 3rd SATSDIFACTION Learning Deep Dive was organised successfully by the Azores region. The LDD commenced on June 27, 2024, in the picturesque city of Sao Miguel island, Ponta Delgada at the renowned Teatro Micaelense. The LDD opened with welcoming remarks from Paulo Ricardo Quental, Coordinator of the Azores Mission Structure for Space. Next, Federico Bastarolo, Representative of the Veneto region, highlighted the importance of the project and its outcomes so far. The morning session featured high-profile speakers discussing pivotal issues in the domains of Energy, Environment, and Climate Change. Key presentations included the Azorean Energy Strategy by Joana Rita, the Renewable Energy Scenario in the Azores by Alexandre Pereira, and the Roadmap for Carbon Neutrality by Ana Rodrigues. The first session was moderated by Margarita Chrysaki, NEREUS Communication/Policy/Project Officer.
The afternoon was equally engaging with a focus on SDI, Earth Observation, and Space Infrastructures. Highlights included a presentation on the Azores Interactive Spatial Data Infrastructure by Ana Moreira and insights into the Portugal Space GEO HUB by Joan Alabart. Additionally, a live demonstration on the detection of solar panels was conducted by Emanuel Castanho from the Air Centre. The session was moderated Carlo Masetto and Federico Bastarolo, Veneto regional representatives.
Following the end of the sessions, the third in-person Steering Committee of the Project convened, focusing on various critical aspects. Financial management and reporting were addressed. Details about upcoming project events, including the meeting organised by Occitanie 10-12 December and Wallonia beginning 2025, were also outlined. The day concluded with a networking session and a social dinner, allowing participants to taste Azorean delicacies while exchanging ideas and forging new connections.
The second day of the conference began with an early departure from Ponta Delgada for a field trip to the Ribeira Grande Geothermal Powerplant. This visit provided a hands-on learning experience about sustainable energy practices in the Azores. The mission then arrived to Furnas, where they enjoyed a scenic tour and a lunch, followed by an exploration of the Caldeira Velha Natural Monument. This immersive experience underscored the importance of environmental preservation and showcased the Azores' natural beauty.
This two-day deep dive not only facilitated knowledge sharing among regional stakeholders but also highlighted the Azores as a hub for innovation in energy, environment, and space infrastructures.