Invited Speakers

Dr Ali H A Al-Waeli

Assistant Professor, Engineering Department, American University of Iraq — Sulaimani

Dr Ali H.A. Al-Waeli is an Assistant Professor in the engineering department at the American University of Iraq – Sulaimani (AUIS). He has obtained his bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Sohar University, Oman, in 2016. In 2019, Ali obtained a PhD in renewable energy from SERI, UKM. He has been included among “World’s top 2% scientists” published by Stanford University (version-4 in 2022, version-6 in 2023) as he has an h-index of 38 and 5159 research citations with over 50 publications in Web of Science (WoS), and Scopus indexed international journals. He has served as a reviewer peer in many international journals and as a guest editor. He is also a member of international organizations such as IEEE, WSSET, IAENG, and ISES. Moreover, Ali invented, and patented, the “Photovoltaic thermal (PV/T) collector with nano-PCM and nanofluids”. In addition to authoring the book “Photovoltaic/Thermal (PV/T) Systems: Principles, Design, and Applications” which is published in Springer Nature. He has participated in several national talks and presentations and international competitions. In 2017 he won the 2nd place prize in the sustainability challenge and a silver medal in PECIPTA 2017 international exhibition. In 2018 he won a gold medal at the UKM 3-minute thesis competition and qualified to the national level. Finally, in 2023, he won the gold medal in Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE23). Ali is interested in research and teaching in the field of energy efficiency, energy storage, thermofluids, renewable energy, and solar energy, particularly photovoltaics (PV) and hybrid Photovoltaic thermal collectors.

Abstract:

Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Framework for Solar Photovoltaic-Thermal (PVT) Systems
Ali H A Al-Waeli¹,*, Hussein A Kazem², Miqdam T. Chaichan³, Kamaruzzaman Sopian^4
1Engineering Department, American University of Iraq, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region, Sulaimani 46001, Iraq
²Energy and Renewable Energies Technology Center, University of Technology- Iraq, Baghdad, Iraq
³Faculty of Engineering, Sohar University, PO Box 44, Sohar, PCI 311, Oman
⁴ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, 32610, Seri Iskandar, Perak Darul Ridzuan, Malaysia
Corresponding author e-mail: ali.alwaeli@auis.edu.krd

The integration of photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems presents a promising approach to enhance the efficiency and versatility of solar energy utilization. However, selecting the most suitable PV/T system configuration for specific applications involves considering multiple criteria that span technical, economic, environmental, and social dimensions. In this research paper, we propose a comprehensive framework for evaluating and selecting PV/T systems using multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methods. We first define a set of criteria, including energy conversion efficiency, cost-effectiveness, environmental impact, reliability, adaptability, and integration potential, to assess the performance and suitability of different PV/T systems and to explore various MCDM methods to compare and prioritize the alternative PV/T system configurations. The findings highlight the strengths and limitations of each MCDM method, providing valuable insights into the decision-making process for selecting PV/T systems. Moreover, we discuss the implications of our research findings for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in the renewable energy sector, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches that balance technical performance with economic and environmental considerations.

Keywords
PV/T; MCDM; System design; hybrid solar thermal; energy efficiency

Prof Dr Eng Abdul Salam Darwish

Aeronautical Engineering / Environmental & Strategic Management, Professor at Excelia — La Rochelle — France Lecturer — Civil Engineering — University of Bolton – UK

Prof Darwish is a professor and program leader at the Excelia Group at La Rochelle Business School – France. He has taught strategic management tools and techniques, international strategic management, and production management since 2014. He is a lecturer in civil engineering at the University of Bolton – UK. He has delivered undergraduate and postgraduate modules in business management, strategic management, environmental management, aeronautical engineering, Artificial Intelligence, and mechanical engineering. Prof Darwish has previously supervised 12 PhDs, over 42 dissertations at the master’s level and a similar number of undergraduate dissertations. He is currently supervising 15 PhD candidates. In addition, he acts as a PhD internal and external examiner. His main research interests are renewable energy, wind energy systems design and management, strategic management, artificial intelligence applications, and environmental management. Prof Darwish has a bachelor's in mechanical engineering from the Engineering College in Baghdad – Iraq. His Master's Membership is in Aeronautics from the Cranfield Institute of Technology, UK, and his PhD in Aeronautics is from the University of Reading, UK. He has several business, environmental and quality management diplomas and a PGCE (Teaching Qualification) from Huddersfield University - UK. He has thirty-two years of practical aerodynamics experience, working in and creating many mechanical and environmental engineering laboratories. Professor Darwish is the chairman of the wind energy committee within the steering committee of the World Renewable Energy Network (UK) (WREN). In addition, he designed and built a multi-bladed wind turbine for water pumping for students' experimental work and designed and built several mechanical, aeronautical, and renewable energy labs. Prof Darwish organised and attended conferences, seminars and workshops on renewable energy and sustainable development themes. Besides being co-editor and a reviewer for academic journals and books. He acts as an invited panellist in question-and-answer sessions. Prof Darwish has published over one hundred papers and has contributed chapters to three books.

Abstract:

The development of floating wind energy systems for enhanced green hydrogen generation: towards a sustainable energy future
Prof Abdul Salam Darwish
a.darwish@bolton.ac.uk

Sustainable energy sources are becoming more popular due to mounting environmental concerns. In this paper, the floating wind systems discussed emphasise their ability to significantly increase green hydrogen production. The challenges of conventional energy sources underscore the need for clean alternatives. Green hydrogen emerges as a promising fuel contender, but large-scale production depends on renewable energy sources. The traditional land-based wind farms have limitations, including the scarcity of land and the potential for environmental damage. With floating wind systems, previously untapped expanses like oceans and lakes can be exploited, land-use conflicts are minimised, energy yields are maximised by factors such as wind speed and cooler water temperatures, and existing offshore infrastructure can be co-located. Aside from being more resilient to extreme weather events, these systems can also be deployed in remote areas more easily. Furthermore, floating systems have the potential to reduce emissions of pollutants, including carbon dioxide, that contribute to climate change. As floating platforms, mooring systems, and wind turbines become more advanced, large-scale deployment is expected. The combination of these systems with electrolysis technology allows for efficient, sustainable, and green hydrogen production. While economic and environmental concerns remain, the possible impact of these advancements is undeniable. To fully unlock their transformative potential, further research and development are required. These technologies offer a beacon of hope in the transition toward a sustainable energy future. The findings of this paper suggest that floating wind systems are likely to revolutionise hydrogen generation and tackle conventional energy challenges. With these systems, land-use conflicts can be minimised and energy yields maximized by harnessing untapped expanses like oceans and lakes. To maximise their transformative potential and accelerate the transition to a sustainable energy future, further research and development are necessary. The paper presents a newly developed framework designed to optimise the synergy between wind energy and hydrogen production, aiming for maximum efficiency.

Keywords:
Green Hydrogen, Floating Wind, Renewable Energy, Sustainable Energy, Offshore Energy, Climate Change.

Prof Josh Byrne

Curtin University, Australia

Josh Byrne is an environmental scientist and urban design professional whose career intersects professional practice, academia, policy and media. He is Dean of Sustainable Futures in the Faculty of Humanities at Curtin University where he supports research, teaching and engagement activities.

Well known for his work with ABC TV’s Gardening Australia program, Josh’s approach is leadership through demonstration by engaging in projects that provide opportunities to test innovation, build capacity and share learnings with stakeholders and the wider community.

In January 2025 Josh was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to conservation and the environment, and as a media presenter and author.

Abstract:

Pathways to Net Zero Precincts
Prof Josh Byrne

Pathways to Net Zero Precincts is a three-year research project that aims to identify, develop and implement innovative strategies for transitioning urban precincts towards net zero emissions. As a collaborative initiative between Curtin University, the RACE for 2030 Cooperative Research Centre and a consortium of industry and research partners from across the country, the project is drawing on a range of case studies as a testing ground for real-world interventions. With urban centres responsible for a significant portion of the world’s greenhouse gas emissions, precincts are important places to innovate to achieve net zero outcomes. Their practical scale allows technologies such as solar PV, batteries and electric vehicles to be readily incorporated. With good governance practices, these technologies can operate reliably and affordably at the precinct scale. Precincts are also a common scale for urban development, or re-development, providing opportunities to integrate net zero measures in project delivery. Josh’s presentation will provide an overview of this ambitious project and highlight learnings.

Prof Guedi Capeluto

Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning
Technion – Israel Institute of Technology

Guedi Capeluto is a Professor of Architecture at the Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, former Dean of the Faculty and Chair of The Architecture Program. He was a Visiting Researcher at the Building Technologies Department, Ernest Orlando Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL).

His research is centered on the fields of sustainable architecture, zero-energy buildings and communities, intelligent buildings, energy-conscious design as well as daylight and solar rights in urban design. He is responsible for teaching lighting in architecture at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Prof. Capeluto is co-founder of the Climate and Energy Laboratory in Architecture (CeLA), a member of the Israeli Climate Change Information Center (ICCIC) and is involved as research partner in various financed researches and projects, among them the development of an Energy Rating System for Buildings in Israel, and the European Projects MeeFS – Multifunctional Energy Efficient Façade System for Building Retrofitting and BRESAER – BREakthrough Solutions for Adaptable Envelopes in building Refurbishment. He has supervised over 30 Master's and Doctoral students and has published his work in international scientific journals and books, including Intelligent Envelopes for High-Performance Buildings: Design and Strategy published by Springer.

Abstract:

Rethinking sustainable architecture
Prof. Isaac Guedi Capeluto, Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning, Technion – Israel Institute of Technology arrguedi@technion.ac.il

Buildings significantly contribute to global energy consumption and carbon emissions, necessitating changes in design and construction to reduce their environmental impact. While Green Building Codes and rating systems promote sustainable practices, concerns exist about their effectiveness and fairness, as they evaluate buildings based on a per unit area approach to assess the use of resources rather than per capita, penalizing small buildings or those with high occupancy. This lecture will suggest revisions to Green Building Codes to promote innovative approaches in the design and evaluation of green buildings. We advocate for prioritizing high-efficiency Low-Energy and Nearly Zero-Energy buildings over Net Zero Energy buildings, fostering urban designs that improve solar access and on-site or nearby electricity generation potential.

 Dominic Da Cruz

 Zenith Energy — Australia

Dominic has spent the past 20 years in power sector leadership roles, shaping strategy, business direction and leading market developments in sustainable energy across the public and private sectors.

He has led a range of clean energy and microgrid projects as CEO and project director across utilities, government, resources, commercial and industrial (C&I) sectors.
Dominic’s immediate past professional roles include project director for the successful creation of a statutory retail electricity corporation with 800,000 customers; and co-founder and MD who scaled and sold one of the longest standing private C&I clean energy businesses in Australia still operating today.

At the start of 2021 Dominic joined Zenith Energy, a leading Australian Independent Power Producer focused on growth through decarbonisation and broader ESG action.  As Executive ESG and Stakeholder Engagement he leads a team that established and are achieving milestones towards Net Zero by 2035 and delivering sector leading First Nations engagement.  The 2023 Asian Power Awards recognised this work selecting Zenith Energy as the ESG Programme of the Year - Australia.

Abstract:

Topic: Energy Equity and Justice in the Transition
 Dominic Da Cruz

Dominic Da Cruz, Executive ESG & Stakeholder Engagement at Zenith Energy, will present on the critical role of equity and justice in the energy transition. As mining and industrial sectors decarbonise it is essential to ensure that energy solutions are and sustainable and beneficial for all stakeholders, including First Nations communities. This session will explore how industry leaders are driving a just energy transition, balancing economic growth with environmental and social responsibility.

Prof Neil Hewitt

Head of School, Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment — Director, Centre for Sustainable Technologies

Neil J Hewitt was appointed Professor of Energy in 2008 and is currently Head of School, Belfast School of Architecture and Built Environment as well as Director of the Centre for Sustainable Technologies at Ulster University. He is a Chartered Physicist and Chartered Engineer and is a member of the Institute of Physics, Institute of Refrigeration and the Energy Institute.

Professor Hewitt has secured over £22M of externally funded research and graduated 20 PhD scholars. He is known in the field of heat pumps, both in their development and in their end-use, with energy storage and demand side management and distributed energy resource management.  He has over 150 publications and is a regular invited conference speaker both nationally and abroad. H is a UK representative of the International Institute of Refrigeration Commission B2 Refrigerating Machinery.  He is a UK representative of IEA tasks on domestic and industrial heat pumps.

Rainer Hinrichs-Rahlwes

European Renewable Energies Federation (EREF) — German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE) — World Renewable Energy Network (WREN)

Rainer is a Vice-President of EREF (European Renewable Energies Federation), and also a Board Member and Commissioner for European Affairs for the German Renewable Energy Federation (BEE). In close contact with the European Commission, the European Parliament and EU Member States as well as stakeholders across the energy sector, he is actively supporting and promoting the transformation towards a renewable energy based system and enabling and accelerating policies. He is representing EREF i.a. in the Steering Committee of REN21, and as the focal point to IRENA (i.a. as a co-chair of the Coalition-for-Action’s “Towards 100% Renewable Energy” Working Group). 

Rainer is a Vice-Chairman of the World Renewable Energy Network (WREN), a Member of the WREN Council and Advisory Board, and he is WREC/WREN’s Head of the Policy Committee.

Before joining the renewable energy sector, until 2005 he was a Director General and Deputy State Secretary in the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Protection and Nuclear Safety from 1998 to 2005, overseeing i.a. administration and finances, strategic planning and communication, and renewable energy and climate protection.

A tentative title of my presentation please could be: “A Global Renewable Energy Target — Game-changer for the Global Transformation towards Renewable Energy?”

Abstract:

The Global Renewable Energy Target for 2030 – just a flash in the pan?
Rainer Hinrichs-Rahlwes
rainer.hinrichs@gmx.de

At COP28 in Dubai in November 2023, a global target was agreed: tripling renewable power capacity and doubling energy efficiency increase by 2030. Two years later, it is obvious that achieving these targets cannot be taken for granted. This is due to lack of enabling policies in too many countries around the world. Although renewable energy deployment is growing nearly everywhere, growth rates and levels of ambition vary widely. In particular, many of the industrialized countries and also the richer parts of the developing world are lagging behind and continue to subsidize fossil sources, or even trying to build new nuclear power. Stocktaking two years after the target was agreed shows that more and wider spread ambition and enabling frameworks will be needed to achieve the 2030 targets, and to move on towards fully renewable energy based systems, enhancing energy supply security and keeping the targets of the Paris Climate Agreement within reach.

Keywords: 
Renewable Energy, Global Renewables Target, Stocktaking, Paris Agreement, COP28, COP30

Prof Ming Jun Huang

Centre for Sustainable Technologies — Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment — University of Ulster, Northern Ireland, BT15 1AP, UK

Professor Ming Jun Huang from the Ulster University in the UK. Her research is concentrated on integrating Solar Energy with Heat Pumps along with Energy Storage for building energy supply and management through the exploitation of advanced technologies and materials implementation, along with experimental investigations and numerical simulation modelling.

Prof Tatsumi Ishihara

Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University

Tatsumi Ishihara now serves as professor in Department of Applied Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering, Kyushu University.  At present, he is also  director of International Institute for Carbon Neutral Energy Research (I2CNER), Kyushu University. He received several awards, in particular, at 2005, he received a distinguished researcher award from Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology, at 2016, Daiwa Adrian Prize, at 2020, Catalyst Society of Japan Award (Academic), and at 2024, High Temperature Materials Division Outstanding Achievement Award from Electrochemical Society. Main research area is Solid Electrochemistry relating to Energy, in particular, solid oxide fuel cells and electrolyser using new fast oxide ion conductor.

Abstract:

Efficient green hydrogen production for effective use of renewable energy

Prof Tatsumi Ishihara

Green hydrogen is CO2 emission free hydrogen and obtained by using renewable energy. In this talk, several methods to converting renewable energy will be introduced for the effective use of renewable hydrogen.  In particular, intermediate temperature solid oxide electrolyzer using LaGaO3 based electrolyte will be explained.  

Prof Mike Johns

Chair of Chemical and Process Engineering — Research Director, Future Energy Exports CRC — The University of Western Australia (UWA)

Mike has been engaged in applied research at both the University of Cambridge and the University of Western Australia for over two decades, covering a very wide remit from food to oil and gas engineering.  At UWA he co-leads the Fluid Science and Resources Research Group1 which houses over 40 research workers and is also currently the research director of the Future Energy Exports CRC2 which features hydrogen export as one of its themes.  With respect to hydrogen, he works on optimising liquefaction processes and hydrogen supply chains including combined blue and green hydrogen production. Previously he worked on reservoir simulations (as well as the required experimental dispersion measurements) for enhanced gas recovery processes; this skill set is currently being applied to underground hydrogen storage. He has published over 350 international peer-reviewed papers, has an h-index of 59, holds seven patents and has participated in three spin-off companies.

Abstract:

Modelling Hydrogen Storage Requirements to Balance the Future Western Australian Grid

Prof Mike Johns

Increasing renewable energy technology penetration into electrical grids to meet net zero CO2 emission targets is a key challenge in terms of intermittency; one solution is the provision of sufficient energy storage. In the current study we consider future projections of electrical demand and renewable energy (in 2042) for the Southwest Interconnected System (SWIS) grid in Western Australia (WA). Required energy storage considered is a mixture of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Underground Hydrogen Storage (UHS) in a depleted gas reservoir. This work utilises a dynamic energy model that summates the wind and solar energy resources on an hourly basis. Excess energy utilises BESS capacity first, followed by UHS. The relative size of the renewables and the storage options is then optimised in terms of minimising wholesale energy production costs (i.e. the Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE)). This optimisation analysis clearly indicates that both BESS and UHS are required and that UHS is predominately necessary to meet seasonal unmet energy demand that amounts to approximately 6% of total demand. 

Prof Frank Jotzo

Australian National University

Frank Jotzo is professor of climate change economics and policy at the Australian National University’s Crawford School of Public Policy, where he directs the Centre for Climate and Energy Policy. He has advised a number of governments and was lead author in the previous two IPCC assessment reports. He leads projects on decarbonisation including green iron, investment and trade, and policy instruments for low-emissions energy and industrial transition.

Abstract:

Reshaping the global geography of heavy industry with renewable energy, and the role of trade in industrial decarbonisation

Prof Frank Jotzo

Global decarbonisation, if implemented efficiently, implies large changes in trade for fossil fuels, but also for energy intensive products.  Commodities like iron and ammonia would be produced where renewable energy is plentiful and cheap. This is an economic opportunity for resource and energy rich economies, and would limit the overall global cost of achieving industrial decarbonisation. However, the rising agenda of national supply security and inward focussed green industrial policies could preclude efficient global transition to net zero emissions. What is needed is a level playing field for carbon and industry policies internationally. 

Terry Mohn

Australian Microgrid Centre of Excellence

Terry Mohn is a smart grid and microgrid expert focusing on the diverse applications of renewable energy. Most of his work focused on the integration of smart grid and distributed resources into various grid topologies. He formed General Microgrids, a global solution provider for renewable energy technologies and transformational microgrid development and is presently chairman of the Australian Microgrid Centre of Excellence and a founding member of The International Microgrid Association. He was previously Contracting General Manager of Advanced Developments at Horizon Power, an electric utility servicing regional and remote Western Australia and was also Chief Innovation Officer of BAE Systems energy business, as well as Chief Technology Strategist for the Sempra Energy utilities in the United States.

Terry served as chairman of the Microgrid Alliance and chairman of the mini-grid work team in the United Nations Foundation “Sustainability for All”. In addition, he was Vice Chairman of the GridWise Alliance, the US’s preeminent thinktank addressing its electric system modernization plans. He also served as advisor to the US National Institute of Standards and
Technology.

Specialties include: Integrating renewables into a balanced energy plan for industries, businesses, cities and sustainable communities with high-penetration distributed resources; and an expert in DERMS and VPP solutions and architectures.

Terry holds patents in broadband media, medical equipment and utility infrastructure technologies.

Abstract:

Decarbonization through Microgrids in the Southern Hemisphere
Terry Mohan

Climate-driven decarbonization is transforming electricity systems worldwide, and the Southern Hemisphere is at the forefront of innovation in this space. Countries like Australia and South Africa, along with remote Pacific and Latin American communities, are pioneering new approaches to integrating renewable energy at both large (macrogrid) and small (microgrid) scales. A key strategy is the deployment of microgrids – localized energy networks with their own generation and storage – to complement traditional macrogrids. These efforts aim to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, improve reliability, and empower consumers as producers of clean energy. Early experiences show that microgrids can help even the most isolated areas shift from diesel-dependent power to low-carbon options.

Prof Peter Newman

Curtin University, Australia

Peter Newman is the Professor of Sustainability at Curtin University and before that he was a Murdoch University Foundation academic from 1974 until 2007 where he began in Environmental Science and finished as Director of the Institute for Sustainability and Technology Policy. In 2001-3 Peter was seconded to work with Premier Geoff Gallop on the State Sustainability Strategy where he involved over 50 murdoch students. Peter has written 23 books and over 400 papers on sustainable cities and decarbonization policy. He created the term automobile dependence in the 1980’s which is now standard terminology in urban planning and his book with Jeff Kenworthy has been called ‘one of the most influential planning books of all time’. Peter has worked to deliver his ideas in all levels of government having been an elected councillor, seconded to advise three Premiers in Western Australia (1986, 1989, 2001-3) and on the Board of Infrastructure Australia 2008-14. He has been involved in IPCC for fifteen years as a Lead Author on Transport and on Cities. In 2014 he was awarded an Order of Australia for his contributions to urban design and sustainable transport. In 2018/19 he was the Western Australian Scientist of the Year. His latest national research project with Josh Byrne and CRC RACE is Net Zero Precincts which shows how cities can help create the new economy.

Prof Hassan Nfaoui

Morocco

Dr Hassan NFAOUI has obtained his Higher Study Diploma in Solar Energy from the Faculty of Sciences in Rabat and his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering-Wind Energy from the Mohammed-V University (Morocco) in cooperation with the Reading University (UK) sponsored by British Council. He is currently a lecturer-researcher at the Mohammed University of Rabat since 1987. Director of Solar Energy & Environment Laboratory since 2023. Expert in Electrical Engineering, Wind and Solar Energy, Green Hydrogen Production, as well as Seawater Desalination.
Prof Nfaoui was appointed as an Academic Expert in wind and solar energy resource assessments, electrical engineering, green hydrogen production, as well as seawater desalination.
He has published several books and scientific research papers in International peer reviewed Journals and supervised several Ph.D. students to successful completion. He is currently reviewer in several International Journals in the Energy and Environment Sector, like Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, etc.

Prof NFAOUI is also a member of several domestic and International Societies including WREN and The Moroccan Fulbright Alumni Association.

Abstract:

Desalination Powered with Wind and solar energy in Morocco: Status, challenges and prospects
Hassan NFAOUI*¹, Faissal ELMARIAMI² & Ali SAYIGH³
1.  Solar Energy & Environment laboratory, Sciences Faculty, Mohammed V University, B.P.1014, Rabat, Morocco,
2.  Department of Electrical Engineering, National Superior School of Electricity and Mechanics, Hassan II University, Morocco,
3.  Chairman of WREC&Director General-WREN, Chairman IEI, PO Box 362, Brighton BN2 1YH, UK. 
(*) E-mail: h.nfaoui@um5r.ac.ma

With a semi-arid climate and uneven rainfall patterns, securing a reliable water supply is a critical challenge in Morocco. Seawater desalination emerges as a key element of the Moroccan’s strategy to ensure water security, given the country’s 3500 km of coastline. 12 desalination plants were operational in 2023. Generally, desalination can be realised using thermal technologies (Multi-Effect-Distillation) and membrane separation processes (Reverse Osmosis (RO)).

In the 1990s, national Office of Electricity and Water (ONEE) started to focus on RO and in 1995, the Laayoune RO plant was built, with a capacity of 26000 m3/day. The Agadir desalination plant, with a capacity of 275,000 m3/day, is the largest desalination plant in Africa. In 2023, the contract for the design, construction, operation and maintenance of RO plant in Casablanca, the second largest desalination plant in the world, was awarded to a consortium of ACCIONA with Afriquia Gas Company. In 2026, it will provide 200 million m3 of water annually for municipal water supply and irrigation.

Thanks to its strategic geographical location, as well as the diversity of its relief. Morocco has a significant wind and solar power potential. For example, the sunshine is 3405 hours and the annual average daily global irradiation is 5864 kWh/m2 in Ouarzazate.

Hydropower in Morocco is closely dependent on rainfall. Since 2005, the installed capacity of hydropower (1.770 TW) has not changed much. 2010 was the rainiest year on record, with hydropower production at its highest (3.631 TWh). Since this year, electricity production has fallen by 67% in 2021. Water availability has dropped from 730m3 per person in 2005 to 645 m3 per person in 2015

Wind energy was one of the flagship projects developed by Morocco, particularly on the Atlantic coast from Tangier to Lagouira, where wind speeds vary, in some areas, between 7.5 and 11 m/s. In 2023, electricity production from renewable sources contributed only 21.7% to the national electricity mix. Wind power produced is 6525 GWh, contributing by 15.4%.
While desalination offers a promising solution for water-scarce in Morocco, it is an energy-intensive process mostly powered by fossil fuel sources. So future developments are looking to power desalination plants with wind and solar electricity, in order to reduce operational costs and decrease their environmental footprint.

To overcome the challenge related to the storage, drought and intermittency of supply from wind and solar energies, hybridization together with the electricity grid can guarantee continuous operation along with the utilisation of electrical storage technologies, which is considered the best solution to reduce the intermittent of the energy supply.

Morocco could meet the freshwater and energy demands, build the capacities, and expertise in the wind and solar desalination field and play a leader role towards a sustainable energy transition in Africa. While challenges exist, a commitment to wind and solar energy integration, research in desalination technology, and responsible brine management offer promising pathways for a sustainable desalination future. As Morocco continues to develop its desalination capabilities, it paves the way for a water-secure future for its population, agriculture, and industry.

Keywords:
Seawater, Desalination, Reverse Osmosis, Wind, Solar, intermittent, storage

Prof Dr Derya Oktay

Maltepe University, Istanbul, Turkey

Dr. Derya Oktay, with degrees from Gazi University, Middle East Technical University, Oxford Brookes University, and Yildiz Technical University, is a distinguished professional in architecture, urban design, education, and scholarship. Presently, she holds the position of professor at Maltepe University, Istanbul, within the Faculty of Architecture and Design. Her research interests encompass sustainable urbanism and architecture, ecological design, local architectural contexts, social-spatial dynamics of housing, urban identity, public spaces, and urban life quality. Dr. Oktay has conducted qualitative and empirical research, supported by various entities such as the EU, USAID, TUBITAK, and EMU, and her publications have garnered international recognition. She is frequently invited as a speaker at national and international events across six continents and serves as Editor-in-Chief for Ekistics and the New Habitat journal, while also contributing to the editorial boards of esteemed international journals. Notably, she was honored with the WREN Pioneer Award in 2021 and has been acknowledged as one of the top scientists globally, specifically in Architecture/Built Environment and Design, based on Stanford University's multidimensional impact research (2020-2021). Dr. Oktay has developed and taught courses focusing on architectural and urban design, sustainable urbanism, and public spaces at both undergraduate and graduate levels, establishing new programs at her respective universities. Furthermore, she has enriched her academic journey as a visiting scholar at renowned institutions such as the University of California-Berkeley, Politecnico di Milano, University of Michigan, Oxford Brookes University, and Pratt Institute - New York. Beyond academia, she actively engages as an expert and panel member in scientific institutions, national and international award programs, and design competitions, particularly those emphasizing sustainability.

Abstract:

The Quest for Genuine Green Architecture in Contemporary Developments
Prof. Dr. Derya Oktay
Maltepe University, Istanbul, Turkey

Green architecture is widely recognized but often misunderstood and misused. This paper critically examines these misleading claims and defines genuine green architecture as designs that prioritize energy efficiency, resource conservation, and renewable energy integration. Through case studies and empirical data, this paper compares authentic sustainable buildings with those that merely appear eco-friendly and prove that it’s possible to develop genuine green buildings by reinterpreting the local authentic cases. The paper highlights the necessity of moving beyond superficial environmentalism and adopting a transparent, science-based approach. It advocates for stricter green building certification standards and a clearer, more precise definition of sustainable architecture - one that is climate-responsive, ethical, and focused on achieving real environmental impact rather than simply creating an illusion of sustainability.

Prof Ali Sayigh

Chairman of WREC & DG of WREN

Graduated from London University, & Imperial College, BSC.AWP, DIC, PhD, in 1966. Fellow of the Institute of Energy, and Fellow of the Institution of Engineering & Technology, Chartered Engineer, and Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts.

Prof Sayigh taught in Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Reading University and University of Hertfordshire from 1966 – 2004. He was Head of Energy Department at Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) and Expert in renewable energy at AOPEC, Kuwait from 1981-1985.

He started working in solar energy in September 1969. In 1972, he established with some colleagues in Saudi Arabia “The Journal of Engineering Sciences” in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and in 1984 he established International Journal for Solar and Wind Technology, as an Editor-in-Chief. It changed its name in 1990 to Journal of Renewable Energy. He is editor of several international journal published in Morocco, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, and India. He established WREN and the World Renewable Energy Congress in 1990.

He was consultants to many national and international organizations, among them, the British Council, ISESCO, UNESCO, UNDP, ESCWA, UNIDO and UN.  He run conferences and Seminars in 60 different countries, published more than 600 papers. He edited, written and associated in more than 100 books. He supervised 84 MSc. and 39 PhD students. He is editor-in- chief of the yearly Renewable Energy Magazine, 2000-2016. He is the founder of WREN and Renewable Energy Journal published by Elsevier & was the Editor-in-chief for 30 years from 1984 – 2014.        

He is the Editor-in-chief of Comprehensive Renewable Energy coordinating 154 top scientists, Engineers and researchers’ contribution in eight volumes published in 2012 by Elsevier which won 2013 PROSE award in USA. He is the founder of Med Green  Forum since 2011. In 2016 he established peer review international open access journal called “Renewable Energy and Environmental Sustainability” – REES, which is published in English on - line by EDP publisher in Paris.

Winner of the Best Clean Energy Implementation Support NPO – UK. In 2018 WREN was rated globally is one of the best Organization in the UK promoting renewable energy. In November 2018, Prof. Sayigh was elected fellow of the Royal Society of Art, (FRSA). Prof Sayigh is working with Springer Nature in publishing books and proceedings since 2014.

Abstract:

From Watt to Giga Watt in 50 Years
The use and production of PV increased beyond imagination
Prof Ali Sayigh
Chairman of WREC & DG of WREN,
Brighton, East Sussex, UK
asayigh@wrenuk.co.uk

In 1975, no one can acquire the use of photovoltaic panels except those who worked in space exploration who were mostly governmental employers. Also To buy a panel, each one Watt will cost more than US$ 100. The number of manufacturers were less than 30 globally. In 2025 there are more than 3000 companies around the world which manufacturer cells and panels around the world, most of them are in China.

The figure below clearly shows how PV installation progressed since 2015.

By the end of May 2024, the PV Capacity Globally reached 660 GW.  The photovoltaic applications reached every country of 195 which exist globally. The paper will highlight the prominent regions which have increased their PV installation to keep up with China which had installed more than 50% of all PV globally.

Jessica Shaw

Govt. of Western Australia—Australia

Jessica Shaw is the Western Australian Program Director for The Superpower Institute, leading efforts to develop regulatory frameworks, market incentives, and industry strategies that position Australia as a global leader in renewable energy and green industrial exports.

She is also a Director at Tactica Advisory, a strategic consulting firm providing commercial, policy, and government relations expertise across the energy, resources and infrastructure sectors. Through Tactica, she assists proponents in navigating the energy transition, securing investment, and delivering complex projects.

Previously, Jessica served as Member for Swan Hills in the WA Legislative Assembly and Parliamentary Secretary to the Premier, with responsibility for projects in energy transition, hydrogen industries, infrastructure development, domestic gas, trade, and finance for economic diversification. Prior to entering Parliament, she spent over a decade as a senior commercial executive in the energy industry, following an early career in foreign affairs and trade, including roles as Political and Economic Attaché to the British High Commission and adviser to the Australian Senate’s Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Committee.

Jessica holds undergraduate Distinction and Honours degrees in law, politics, and international relations, a Master of Law from the University of Cambridge, and has studied energy policy, climate science, and economic development at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

She is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and was honoured to be admitted as a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Energy in 2019 and made an honorary life Member in 2024.

Max van Someren

Energy Systems Analyst

Max is an energy systems analyst, R&D team leader and (in a former life) ship designer. He has held leadership roles at KBR, AEMO, Austal Ships and Frazer-Nash Consultancy.  Today he is the Australian Director of Bivios, a sustainability, strategy and engineering advisory company for the energy transition.

Max’s current roles include leading the delivery of a techno-economic assessment of green iron opportunities in Australia for the Superpower Institute, and Energy Advisor to Arafura Rare Earths, where he leads the development of their decarbonisation pathway. He also works on the development of a pipeline of renewable energy and industrial energy transition projects for Bivios’s parent company, Aria Capital Management.

Max’s passion is the energy transition. He is a Co-founder of the Net Zero Network, a not for profit which helps members identify how they can have the greatest impact in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. Max is also co-chair of the Engineer’s Australia WA Working Group for Energy Transition.

Jai Thomas

Deputy Director General – Coordinator of Energy

Jai Thomas is the Deputy Director General – Coordinator of Energy and leads Energy Policy WA, a group within the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety. As Coordinator of Energy, Jai is the Senior Official responsible for the energy policy and regulatory arrangements in Western Australia, as well as providing advice to the Minister for Energy on energy policy and energy transition.

As Coordinator of Energy, he is also the designated Hazard Management Agency for disruption to electricity, natural gas or liquid fuel supplies in Western Australia.

Abstract:

Energy transition in Western Australia: An overview

Jai Thomas

The progress of energy transition in Western Australia, and how its unique challenges are being overcome and comparative advantages being leveraged.

Prof Hui Tong Chua  

Head of Department – Department of Chemical Engineering, UWA

Professor Dr Hui Tong Chua is Professor of Chemical Engineering and Head of Department of Chemical Engineering at The University of Western Australia. His research interest covers Heat and Mass Transfer, Thermodynamics, Process Engineering and Waste Heat Utilisation. Five of his international peer reviewed journal articles are among the top 1% percentile in the field of Engineering in terms of citation.

One of his key research achievements is the successful spinning off of his catalytic methane cracking technology, now known as the Hazer Process, as Hazer Group Ltd., which raised $5m in their Initial Public Offering on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX:HZR) in November 2015. Hui Tong is one of the original inventors of the technology.

Hui Tong is the Chief Scientific Officer of Ablano Pty Ltd, focussing on the commercial scale-up production of few-layer graphene and boron nitride nano onions, and a Non-Executive Director of Good Water Energy Ltd., focussing on the development of baseload geothermal energy for green hydrogen and sustainable aviation fuel production.  He is also a Chief Investigator and the Industry Engagement and Translation Lead of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Carbon Science & Innovation.

Abstract:

Low-Grade-Heat Geothermal Applications in Western Australia
Prof Hui Tong Chua

This talk will cover the low-grade-heat geothermal applications in Western Australia, and will focus on ground source heat pumps and outdoor swimming pool heating. In the first part of the talk, the performance of a ground source heat pump (GSHP) is compared with that of an air source heat pump (ASHP) for domestic applications.  The outcomes of this comparison are based on a two-year monitoring of each of those systems installed in two near identical adjacent houses in Perth, Western Australia.  For heating, the GSHP had an average COP of 3.9, independent of outdoor temperatures, while the COP of the ASHP was in a range of 1.9 to 2.9. Likewise, for cooling, the GSHP had an av  erage COP of 3.1 while the COP of the ASHP varied between 1.3 and 2.8. It is concluded that if a borewell is a part of a dwelling, GSHPs result in considerable operating cost savings and a substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.  The second part of the talk is devoted to the thermal performance assessment of geothermal-heated outdoor swimming pools.  Such swimming pools are popular in Western Australia. However standard sizing models are typically inadequate in designing for their heating capacities.  Our first-principle and analytical model has been calibrated against data from an Olympic sized swimming pool in Perth, Australia. A comparison between various models in the literature shows that our model is able to replicate experimental data much more closely than others, in terms of actual measured pool temperatures and measured heating capacities.

Prof Liwei Wang

Mechanical Engineering School — Center for Teaching and Learning Development — Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Liwei WANG (L.W. Wang) is a professor in the Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, Mechanical Engineering School, Shanghai Jiao Tong University. As the International Incoming Fellow she had worked in Warwick University in 2009 and Newcastle University in 2010. The research experience of Prof. Wang mainly focuses on the materials, cycles, and systems for energy conversion of low grade thermal energy with the technology of solid sorption. The awards she has gotten on the research work included the Second Prize of National Natural Science Award, China Youth Science and Technology Award, EU Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowship, Royal Society International Incoming Fellowship, IIR Young Researchers award, etc.

Abstract:

Functional Membrane Design for Eutectic-Based Flow Batteries
Liwei Wang
¹Institute of Refrigeration and Cryogenics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
²Shanghai Non-carbon energy conversion and utilization institute, Shanghai 200240, China
Corresponding author: lwwang@sjtu.edu.cn

Flow batteries (FBs) have demonstrated promising prospects for large-scale energy storage applications owing to their flexible design, high safety, high efficiency, and high reliability. Among them, eutectic-based flow batteries have emerged as a transformative flow battery system since the eutectic electrolytes provide many advantages, including easy synthesis, affordable cost, environmental friendliness and high solubility. As an essential component of eutectic-based flow batteries, membranes allow charge-balanced ions transport to form a complete electric circuit, while providing separation of catholyte and anolyte. Herein, the fundamental structure-morphology-property relationship was established firstly in the functional membrane utilized for eutectic-based flow batteries. Then, the ion transport channels and membrane classifications based on different transport mechanisms were introduced. Correspondingly, substantial efforts focusing on optimizing the membrane fabrication methods, exploring novel membrane materials and modifying the membrane performance through size and/or the Donnan exclusion effect are illustrated. Finally, future directions for membrane design to realize practical implementation and boost the commercialization of eutectic-based flow batteries are also anticipated. This work attempts to provide feasible strategies to figure out suitable directions for the advancement of this field.

Keywords
Functional Membrane; Eutectic electrolyte; Flow battery, Trade-off, Modification

Dr Ahmad Zahedi

Associate Professor, James Cook University, Queensland, Australia

Dr Ahmad Zahedi is an Associate Professor with James Cook University, Queensland, Australia. Educated in Iran and Germany, Ahmad has over 30-years experience in teaching Renewable Energy and Power Engineering at University levels in Australia, Japan, and Europe, published more than 200 papers including 4 books, trained 21 successfully completed PhD candidates, and completed 15 industry funded projects.

Abstract:

Australia’s Solar and Wind Energy, Ideal for Making Green Hydrogen for Export; A Good Investment Opportunity

Dr Ahmad Zahedi, James Cook University, Queensland, Australia

Australia is rich in terms of solar irradiance with daily solar exposure of up to 22 MJ/m2 (annual average) as well as having space for solar farms and accompanying infrastructure. Also, coastal regions of Australia are rich in terms of good quality of wind resources. Australia’s renewable energy sources provide the potential investors with an opportunity to produce Green Hydrogen to take advantage of the growing export market within the Asia-Pacific Region especially Japan and South Korea as well as Middle East Countries. Being located close to the ASEAN region, the Western Australia is especially in a better position to use Australia’s sun and wind resources of this state to produce Green Hydrogen for overseas export.

The objective of this presentation is to share the results of a thorough investigations conducted in relation to the commercial viability of a Renewable Green Hydrogen generation plant within Australia that can supply the local market and to export abroad. This investigation will include analyzing regions for appropriate solar and wind energy resources with access to suitable existing infrastructure, determining efficient green hydrogen generation processes, and conducting analysis on initial and life cycle costs as well as potential profit margins.

Anis Zaman

Energy Transition Specialist in Energy

Anis Zaman is an Energy Transition Specialist in the Energy Division of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP). A leading expert in sustainable energy, he specializes in developing energy transition pathways and mitigation strategies at both national and subnational levels.

Abstract:

A "just energy transition" to net-zero emissions by 2050
Anis Zaman

A "just energy transition" to net-zero emissions by 2050 ensures that the shift to a low-carbon economy is fair, inclusive, and prioritizes social equity. As the world moves away from fossil fuels, it is essential to support workers, communities, and vulnerable populations who may be disproportionately affected by the transition. A just transition also involves expanding access to affordable, clean energy for all, particularly in underserved communities. Investments in renewable energy infrastructure should prioritize local job creation, community ownership, and sustainable economic growth.

Governments, businesses, and civil society must collaborate to design policies that balance climate goals with social responsibility. This includes phasing out fossil fuels in a way that minimizes economic disruption while maximizing opportunities for green innovation. By prioritizing fairness, inclusivity, and long-term resilience, a just energy transition ensures that no one is left behind in the path toward a sustainable, net-zero future.

Prof Peta Ashworth—Curtin  University

Mr Pradeep Chaturvedi—India

Ms Colleen Yates Regional Development Australia—Australia