IGEC2026 - Conference Program
| Time | Program |
|---|---|
| 08:30-09:30 | Registration |
| 09:30–9:40 |
Welcome Remarks
|
| 9:40-10:00 |
Opening Remarks
|
| 10:00-10:45 |
Panel Discussion AI, Data Centres and the Power Challenges Abstract The dramatic growth of AI and the associated Datacentre infrastructure is placing strain on the electric power grid and generation supply. In the state of Virginia, USA up to 25% of all power on their grid is absorbed by datacentres; a precursor demonstration of the potential impact for countries as they seek to win the AI race. By bringing datacentre owners together with power system operators, this panel will discuss disparities and the challenges of rapid growth in demand from these large-scale datacentres vs. energy utilities used to working with decade timescales. How big is the problem, how do we address it and what are the prizes for those who meet those challenges. Moderator Phil Hart, Chief Researcher at Renewable and Sustainable Energy Research Centre, TII Panel lists Distinguished panellists participating in this session represent EPRI, Khalifa University, Microsoft, TAQA, and NVIDIA. |
| 10:45–11:25 |
Panel Discussion From Kilowatt to Kiloliter: Rewiring the Water–Energy Nexus for a Net-Zero Future Abstract Water and energy are closely linked, but they’re often planned separately. As demand grows for clean water, renewable energy, green hydrogen, and lower-emission industry, managing both together is becoming more complicated. This panel looks at practical ways to connect the two, focusing on technologies like desalination, smarter water systems, more efficient treatment, and reuse strategies. It will explore how water systems can use less energy and even support energy goals. The discussion will also cover policy, funding, and collaboration needed to build systems that are reliable, efficient, and better suited to future challenges. Moderator Chakravarthy Gudipati, Executive Director at Renewable and Sustainable Energy Research Centre, TII Panel lists: Distinguished panellists participating in this session represent Mohamed Bin Zayed Water Initiative, Gradiant, and National University of Singapore. |
| 11:25-11:40 | Coffee Break |
| 11:40-12:15 |
Plenary Talk Green Energy: supplying the mineral demand from secondary resources, by Prof. Gary Leeke, Birmingham University, UK About the speaker Professor Gary Leeke is a Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Birmingham, specializing in thermo-chemical processing and circular economy solutions for the energy transition. A key leader in sustainable resource recovery, he heads the chemical engineering activities for the Faraday Institution’s Re-Lib project, advancing the recycling of lithium-ion batteries. His research focuses on integrating Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) with pyrolysis to transform municipal and biomass waste into clean fuels. Backed by extensive UKRI and industrial funding, Leeke bridges high-pressure engineering with sustainable waste-to-energy technologies to advance global decarbonization. |
| 12:15-12:50 |
Plenary Talk From Stress to Cooling: Elastocaloric Technologies for HVAC and Refrigeration, by Prof. Shuhuai Yao, Hongkong University of Science and Technology, China About the speaker Prof. Shuhuai Yao is a Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST). She holds a B.S. from Tsinghua University and a Ph.D. from Stanford University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. An expert in microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip microsystems, her Google Scholar profile reflects over 100 high-impact papers in elite journals like Nature Energy and Physical Review Letters. Notably, her breakthrough work in elastocaloric cooling systems set a world record in cooling efficiency. Successfully bridging academia and industry, she co-founded Thunderbio to commercialize her patented HKUST microfluidic technologies. |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch Break |
| 14:00-14:35 |
Panel Discussion Digital Twins in Energy Abstract As global energy systems undergo unprecedented transitions toward net-zero targets, the convergence of physical infrastructure and advanced computing has become essential. This panel explores the transformative role of Digital Twins—virtual replicas of physical assets, processes, and systems—in driving efficiency, reliability, and sustainability across the green energy sector. Bringing together leading experts from academia, industry, and governance, the session will delve into real-world applications of digital twins in maximizing renewable asset performance, optimizing complex smart grids, and managing thermal and multi-phase energy architectures. The discussion will highlight how integrating real-time data, physics-based modeling, and AI can accelerate predictive maintenance, reduce operational carbon footprints, and reshape the future of the water-energy nexus. Panel lists Distinguished panellists participating in this session represent Jiangsu University, the University of Leicester, University of Sharjah, and Siemens Energy |
| 14:35-15:10 |
Plenary Talk Lattice Wigner approach to the computational design of ion-free nanofluidic energy converters, by Sauro Succi, CNR, Italy About the speaker Prof. Sauro Succi is an internationally acclaimed Italian physicist renowned as a pioneer of the Lattice Boltzmann method for computational fluid dynamics. For over twenty years, he served as Research Director at the National Research Council of Italy (CNR). He currently holds joint positions as a Senior Research Executive at the Italian Institute of Technology (IIT) and a Research Affiliate at Harvard University. His groundbreaking research spans computational physics, complex fluids, and quantum computing. Dr. Succi's contributions have earned him prestigious global accolades, including the American Physical Society's Aneesur Rahman Prize and election to the Academia Europaea. |
| 15:10-15:30 | Coffee Break |
| 15:30-17:00 |
Special Session Face-to-Face with Editors: Navigating the Future of Energy & Material Sciences Publishing Abstract This interactive session offers a unique opportunity for researchers to engage directly with the editorial leadership of top-tier Elsevier journals in the fields of energy, artificial intelligence, and materials science. The event will begin with a keynote by Senior Publisher, providing high-level insights into the current publishing landscape and Elsevier’s strategic vision. Following this, Editors from Energy and AI, Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, Desalination, Transformative Energy, and IJEC will share specific guidance on journal scope, acceptance criteria, and emerging research trends. The session concludes with a dynamic panel discussion and open Q&A, allowing the audience to address specific questions regarding manuscript preparation and the peer-review process. Moderator Ayesha Abdulla Alkhoori, Assistant Professor at Khalifa University Panel lists Featured editorial leadership representing Elsevier, Energy and AI, Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, Transformative Energy, Desalination, and the International Journal of Green Energy. |
| 15:30-17:00 | Technical Sessions A1~A4 |
| Time | Program |
|---|---|
| 08:45–09:20 |
Plenary Talk Expanding the Boundaries of AI from Wittgenstein: LLM-Driven Industrial Digital Twin Networks in Hydrogen Energy Systems, by Prof. Changda Wang, Jiangsu University, China About the speaker Prof. Changda Wang is Dean of the Jiangsu University Cranfield Tech Futures Graduate Institute and a Professor holding prestigious honors, including Jiangsu’s "Six Talent Peaks" and CCF Executive Committee membership. He earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Jiangsu University (2006) and held visiting roles at Purdue and Carleton Universities. As PI, he has led seven national and provincial foundation grants alongside high-impact industry projects spanning Intelligent IoT, 5G digital currency systems, and hydrogen fuel cell modeling. His English-taught course is recognized by the Ministry of Education and EU Erasmus+, and he has authored over 90 papers in top-tier venues like IEEE INFOCOM and ACM SIGCOMM. |
| 09:20–09:55 |
Plenary Talk Trade-offs between AI-Enabled Flexibility and Energy Equity, by Lirong Liu, University of Surrey, UK About the speaker Dr. Lirong Liu is an Associate Professor (Reader) at the Centre for Environment and Sustainability, University of Surrey. She also serves as an AI Fellow at the Surrey Institute for People-Centred Artificial Intelligence. Her research focuses on systemic environmental-economic modeling, net-zero energy transitions, and the circular economy. Dr. Liu is a Co- Investigator for the UKRI-funded Energy Demand Research Centre and leads international projects like Horizon Europe's WISE. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Systems Engineering from the University of Regina and has published over 80 peer-reviewed papers on sustainable engineering solutions. |
| 09:55–10:15 | Coffee Break |
| 10:15-11:00 |
Plenary Talk Hydrogenation of carbonates towards CO 2 direct utilization, by Prof. Lunbo Duan, Southeast University, China About the speaker Prof. Lunbo Duan is a Chief Professor and Doctoral Supervisor at the School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, China. A leading scholar in Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS), his pioneering research focuses on chemical looping, oxy-fuel combustion, and fluidized bed reactors. Notably, he developed the world’s first oxy-fuel fluidized bed combustion system utilizing warm flue gas circulation. Dr. Duan has published over 200 scholarly papers, authored the book Fluidized Bed Reactors for Carbon Capture, and holds 21 invention patents. Recognized under the national "Ten Thousand Talents Plan," he significantly advances sustainable energy and global decarbonization technologies. |
| 11:00–12:30 | Technical Sessions B1~B4 |
| 12:30–13:30 | Lunch Break |
| 13:30–14:15 |
Plenary Talk Waste Valorisation with Electro- and Mechano-Catalysis: Towards sustainable production of energy and value- added chemicals, by Dr. Hui Luo, University of Surrey, UK About the speaker Dr. Hui Luo is a Senior Lecturer and Royal Academy of Engineering Research Fellow at the University of Surrey, UK. She specializes in sustainable chemical engineering, focusing on transforming plastic and biomass waste into green hydrogen and valuable chemicals. Dr. Luo earned her PhD from Queen Mary University of London in 2019 and conducted postdoctoral research at Imperial College London before joining Surrey in 2023. Her cutting-edge work combines advanced spectroscopy with catalytic electrolysis to upcycle complex polymers like Nylon 66. Through her innovative research, she develops scalable, eco-friendly technologies that advance the global transition toward a circular economy. |
| 14:15-14:50 |
Plenary Talk Thermal Batteries for Net Zero, by Dr. Binjian Nie, Oxford University, UK About the speaker Dr. Binjian Nie is a Departmental Lecturer in Chemical Engineering at the University of Oxford. He leads the Energy Storage and Energy Carriers (ESEC) group at the Department of Engineering Science. His pioneering research focuses on thermal energy storage, industrial decarbonization, and the integration of renewable energy sources. Dr. Nie’s work addresses critical global challenges by seeking to match energy supply and demand, develop carbon-neutral fuels, and reduce carbon-dioxide emissions. |
| 12:00-15:30 |
Pre-Special Session: Student Project Discussion |
| 14:50–17:25 |
Youth Growth and Leadership in Energy: Education, Early Careers, and Future Impact Session Organizer Prof. Nahla Al Amoodi, Khalifa University About: The IGEC 2026 Youth Growth Special Session is organized as a collaborative initiative between IGEC, Khalifa University, and the ATRC Youth Council to engage and empower the next generation of energy and sustainability leaders. Led by Prof. Nahla Al Amoodi (Khalifa University) alongside ATRC Youth Council representatives Afra AlKetbi, Mae AlMansoori, and Maryam AlQaydi, this session creates a dynamic platform for students, young professionals, researchers, and industry stakeholders to exchange ideas and foster innovation. Invited speakers across academia and industry will share valuable perspectives on future research directions in the UAE, artificial intelligence in engineering, entrepreneurship, mental well-being, and the essential skills required for future careers. The interactive program combines high-level insights with hands- on youth engagement through presentations, panel discussions, and the Youth Energy Solutions Lab. A key highlight of the session is the recognition of winning teams from a parallel school-level competition, celebrating student innovation on the conference stage. By promoting real-world youth success stories and showcasing scalable solutions, the initiative aims to inspire meaningful contributions to the global energy transition and sustainable development agenda. |
| 15:25–15:45 |
Coffee Break |
| 15:45–17:15 |
Technical Sessions C1~C4 |
| Evening | Networking Event & Gala Dinner (Announcement for the next host) |
| Time | Program |
|---|---|
| 09:00–09:35 |
Plenary Talk Pollution at Coking Plant Sites in China Over the Past 30 Years, Prof. Mei Lei, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China About the speaker Dr. XiaoYu Wu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo. He leads the Greener Production Group, where his research merges thermal science, material engineering, and techno-economics to advance clean energy technologies. His team focuses on sustainable energy conversion and decarbonization, notably investigating carbon capture, energy storage, and using ammonia as a safe carrier for hydrogen fuel transportation. Dr. Wu earned his B.Sc. and M.Sc. from Zhejiang University and holds a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). |
| 09:35–10:10 |
Plenary Talk Studying ammonia as a hydrogen energy carrier, by Xiaoyu Wu, University of Waterloo, Canada About the speaker Dr. XiaoYu Wu is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Waterloo. He leads the Greener Production Group, where his research merges thermal science, material engineering, and techno-economics to advance clean energy technologies. His team focuses on sustainable energy conversion and decarbonization, notably investigating carbon capture, energy storage, and using ammonia as a safe carrier for hydrogen fuel transportation. Dr. Wu earned his B.Sc. and M.Sc. from Zhejiang University and holds a Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). |
| 10:10–10:30 | Coffee Break |
| 10:30–12:00 | Technical Sessions D1~D4 |
| 12:00–13:00 | Lunch Break |
| 13:00–13:45 |
Plenary Talk Cross-scale and Multi-physics Modeling of Electrochemical Reactors, by Zhiming Bao, Tianjin University, China About the speaker Dr. Zhiming Bao is an Associate Research Fellow and doctoral supervisor at Tianjin University, China. He specializes in electrochemical energy technologies, with a core research focus on multi-scale transport phenomena, multi-phase flow, and multi-physics coupling within fuel cells, electrolyzers, and secondary batteries. Dr. Bao earned his bachelor's degree from Tianjin University in 2017, followed by a dual Ph.D. from Tianjin University and INSA Rennes (France) in 2022. He currently conducts his research at the State Key Laboratory of Engines and the National Industry-Education Platform for Energy Storage. His work actively advances the design and optimization of advanced porous electrodes and clean energy storage devices. |
| 13:00–15:00 | Technical Sessions E1~E4 |
| 15:00–15:45 | Closing & Awards Ceremony |
| 16:00 | Cultural Tour-Grand Mosque |
| Time | Program |
|---|---|
| 09:00–12:00 |
|