Portuguese architect designing indoor solar solutions announced as finalist in 2024 European Sustainable Energy Awards

Rita Gomes, an architect with a decade of experience, is the Chief Executive Officer of Seenergy, an award-winning start-up that pioneers the use of renewable energy solutions integrated into household objects.

‘The DSSC (dye-sensitised solar cells) technology transforms furniture and household objects into renewable energy sources, offering an innovative, scalable solution to advance the EU's clean energy transition,’ says Rita.

Based in Porto, Portugal, the challenge for Rita’s start-up is to develop a range of cost-effective, eco-friendly furniture designed to harness and store energy.

‘Our mission is to bring the advantages of solar technology in furniture to a worldwide audience, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally-conscious future.’

At the heart of her design is the process of incorporating dye-sensitised solar cells (DSSCs) into furniture and household items. ‘This fusion of design and technology allows for aesthetically pleasing products that not only enhance living spaces but actively contribute to reducing the carbon footprint,’ Rita explains.

Seenergy makes use of coloured solar cells that mimic the process of photosynthesis in plants, converting light into electricity. Unlike regular solar panels, the cells can be used indoors as they do not need direct sunlight. Once collected, the energy is stored in a battery integrated into the furniture, and can be used to charge devices or power lights through USB ports.

‘We are successfully developing a range of products, such as a solar-powered bedside table, where the entire tabletop consists of coloured DSSCs,’ Rita adds.

The ground-breaking entrepreneur hopes her journey will inspire a greater number of women to assume leadership roles in the energy sector. 

‘I've faced unique challenges, primarily due to persistent stereotypes concerning women's roles and capabilities in technology,’ she admits. ‘These challenges have fuelled my commitment to excel, reinforcing my belief that innovation and leadership transcend gender.’

In November 2023, Seenergy won a first prize of €10 000 in the New European Bauhaus category of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology’s EIT Jumpstarter final, awarding deep-tech innovations that can help Europe tackle some of its most pressing challenges.

Rita now plans to invest the EIT prize money into the project, and with partnerships established with the University of Porto and with industry leaders, Seenergy aims to ramp up development and launch its product by next year.

‘Beyond an award, it was validation that our efforts align with the European Union’s goals for sustainability and inclusivity, and that we can make a meaningful impact in the field,’ says Rita.

Rita Gomes is one of three finalists shortlisted for the European Sustainable Energy Awards 2024 in the Woman in Energy category. The award recognises women who lead outstanding activities that, if replicated, help to advance the clean energy transition in Europe. Particular attention is placed on efforts to drive the gender mainstreaming agenda and support equality and equal opportunities in the energy sector.

The other finalists are Françoise Réfabert from France, and Karolina Attspodina from Germany. Françoise has developed an innovative vision to provide accessible financing for home energy renovations. Karolina is on a mission to bring solar energy to your balcony with lightweight DIY kits.

EUSEW Awards ​celebrate Europe’s best clean energy projects and leaders 

The ​ European Sustainable Energy Awards ​ (EUSEW Awards) recognise outstanding individuals and projects for their innovation and efforts in energy efficiency and renewables. The nine finalists have been selected by a high-level jury in three categories: Innovation, Local Energy Action, and Woman in Energy. The finalists will be submitted to an online public vote, which is open now until 2 June, and the winners will be announced during the EUSEW Awards Ceremony in June 2024. ​ 

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EUSEW 2024 

European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), the​ biggest annual event dedicated to renewables and efficient energy use in Europe, takes place on 11-13 June under the theme ‘Net- zero solutions for a competitive Europe’. The event will bring together public authorities, private companies, NGOs and consumers to promote initiatives accelerating decarbonisation through green technologies and solutions towards a fair and just transition for people and competitive businesses.

Registrations for onsite attendance in Brussels and online participation are now open. 

For interview requests with the EUSEW Awards finalists or additional media information, please contact ​ mediaeusew [dot] eu (media[at]eusew[dot]eu)