Speakers Bio & Abstract

Biography
Semida Silveira is Professor in Energy Systems Planning at KTH. Since 2007, she has built up the Energy and Climate Studies (ECS) group at the Dept of Energy Technology with focus on energy and sustainable development. She has a professional degree as engineer architect from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a PhD in Regional Planning from KTH, with focus on development and sustainability. Previously, Prof. Silveira worked as sustainability expert at the Swedish Energy Agency, and as energy and climate program manager at the Stockholm Environment Institute. Her most recent activities include bioenergy and climate change policy work, energy and development, energy efficiency in industries, urban sustainability, promotion of Swedish knowledge and technologies, and international business cooperation with corporate responsibility. Prof. Silveira won the Jaboti Literature Prize 2001 in Brazil in the category physical sciences, technology and informatics for her book "Electricity for Sustainable Development", published in Portuguese. She is also the author of various articles and books including an anthology of the Swedish energy development, "Building sustainable energy systems – Swedish experiences", and the book "Bioenergy – realizing the potential". She has done research at MIT, IIASA and University of Tübingen, and advised in various committees and board of directors of Swedish companies. In the early 1990s, Silveira launched the first Master's program with sustainability focus at KTH - this was also the first program in English aimed at global recruitment. She has developed and managed projects in collaboration with academics, development banks, policy makers and the private sector in both industrialized and developing countries. Prof. Silveira directs KTH cooperation with Brazil and coordinates cooperation with UN organisations such as UNCTAD and UNFCCC.