TECHNICAL PROGRAMME | Energy Technologies – Future Pathways
Keywords: Wind-hydro integration, Cogeneration systems, Renewable energy management, Hybrid power systems, Energy optimization.
Co-author/s:
Fatemeh Haghighatjoo, Researcher in Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical engineering, Shiraz University.
Soheila Zandi Lak, Researcher in Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical engineering, Shiraz University.
Eng. Maryam Koohi-Saadi, Researcher in Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical engineering, Shiraz University.
This paper discovers the operational and technical feasibility of flexible nuclear reactor operations, emphasizing their capacity to critical grid services containing voltage stability, reactive power support, and frequency regulation. The new technologies and designs, notably Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced generation III+ reactors, show how nuclear power plant can effectively integrated to the electricity grid in order to enhance the performance of renewables.
Additionally, this paper illustrate the economic analysis comparing fixable nuclear operation against alternative grid stabilization method highlight the potential cost-benefit advantages, underscoring economic competitiveness and regulatory considerations critical for wider industry adoption.
Moreover, this paper discuss real world case study from countries actively performing nuclear flexibility such as France and Germany, which include evidence of practical outcomes, challenges, and solution advancement.
Conclusively, this paper demonstrate the strategic value and technical feasibility of flexible nuclear operation, presenting a solid, economically attractive pathway toward stable, sustainable and reliable energy system in the manner of rising renewable demand.
The model evaluates combined energy demands for both generator output and battery charging, enabling optimized power flow and improved energy utilization. Simulation and performance analysis, conducted using a MATLAB/Simulink-based model of a drilling rig power supply, demonstrate that the hybrid system can reduce operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 25% compared with conventional diesel-only operations. Over the course of one year, analysis further indicates that the system achieves substantial cost savings, with a payback period of approximately 16 months.
The integration of a microgrid approach with optimized battery sizing and regenerative braking highlights significant advantages in life cycle economics. Compared to a baseline diesel configuration, the proposed system demonstrates a life cycle cost reduction of several million dollars, while maintaining the energy reliability required for continuous drilling operations. Beyond the economic benefits, the system contributes to global sustainability goals by reducing emissions and improving overall energy efficiency in both onshore and offshore contexts.
Overall, this research emphasizes the potential of hybrid and regenerative energy solutions to reshape drilling rig power systems. By combining renewable energy, advanced storage, and innovative energy recovery techniques, the model provides a practical pathway toward more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible drilling operations.
The GHG emissions monitoring system has several sensors that use several technologies to obtain the most accurate readings. For the measurement of methane emissions, the system uses gas standalone sensor pods which measure the methane and process the data into graphs using a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS); while for measuring Carbon Dioxide emissions, a non-dispersive infrared sensor (NDIR) is used. The solar system is used to power the batteries without any need for electricity for one week. The system provides a Wi-Fi 868 MHz system to connect all the sensor pods together.
Monitoring of fugitive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions typically involves identifying, quantifying, and tracking the release of GHGs from various sources that are not directly emitted through controlled processes. Emissions usually come from leaks, accidental releases, or inefficiencies in the handling of gases during production, transportation, or use. The study showed that using continuous emission monitoring helped to confirm the gas production system's reliability and conformance. Another key metric in measuring the system performance is Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) which significantly enhanced the gas production system performance through early detection of leaks which allows immediate remedy for such leaks not allowing them to deteriorate. Using solar energy power supply reduced the need for power supply and manpower at the well site. Overall, this system increased the measurement accuracy by 15%-20% and reduced the measurement cost by 25%. The system offers optional remote monitoring & data download on-site and is characterized by the simplicity of deployment and flexibility of data collection either through the internet or on-site.
This study introduces a simplified yet efficient wireless solar-powered GHG emission monitoring system able to measure more than one gas simultaneously using different gas sensor technologies.
The hybrid microgrid includes rooftop PV arrays, compact urban-scale wind turbines, hydrogen production through electrolysis, and lithium-ion battery energy storage. A smart Energy Management System (EMS), enhanced by machine learning algorithms and real-time sensing, optimally dispatches resources and forecasts load and generation. Key performance indicators (KPIs) assessed include energy independence, cost-effectiveness, carbon reduction potential, and supply reliability under variable operating conditions.
Preliminary simulation models, developed using standard urban load curves and regional meteorological datasets, demonstrate strong complementarities between solar and wind generation. Hydrogen storage functions as a seasonal energy buffer, improving long-term resilience. The study further explores urban policy requirements, regulatory frameworks, and integration strategies for the scalable implementation of such systems.
This research supports the strategic deployment of decarbonized, digitally enhanced microgrids and contributes to the advancement of net-zero targets in urban settings. It provides practical, actionable insights for city energy planners, grid operators, and policymakers aiming to achieve clean, flexible, and secure energy ecosystems.
Co-author/s:
Fatemeh Barati, Researcher, Kharazmi University.
This study examines and details combination of CST and Solar PV technologies and shall work out through design & simulation, the development of an ideal RTC Solar based green power generation solution in comparison to use of standalone solar technology. The economics of an optimized grid-connected RTC Solar Power plant with storage is also analyzed.
Overview of Configuration:
The proposed system is RTC MW scale Grid-connected Solar Power Plant delivering consistent & zero-carbon renewable electricity throughout the year with minimal energy import from the grid.
Solar Energy is exchanged to heat molten salts using combination of
- Steam generated via CST technology, &
- Electric heater via electricity sourced from Solar PV modules
Stored thermal energy in molten salts is utilized to meet peak energy / power requirements during non-sunny hours.
Evident Conclusions:
This paper endeavors to reveal the optimized size of both CST and Solar PV power plants and storage, in consideration of the economies of scale, Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF), Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCoE), minimized high temperature steam piping cost, most efficient land utilization in single geography by accommodating Solar PV in between CST, overall efficiency improvement, cons of using single solar technology, import components involved and environmental benefits of the hybrid CST-PV Technology, etc.
Technical Contributions:
Case Study demonstrating 100MW RTC Grid-connected Solar Power plant is conducted.
Keywords:
Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST), Solar Photovoltaic (PV), Grid-Connected Round-the-Clock (RTC), Hybrid CST-PV Technology, Net Zero, LCOE
Co-author/s:
Sachin Gupta, Senior Manager, Engineers India Limited.
Vainav Sundhar R, Engineer, Engineers India Limited.
Xiaoli Zhao
Chair
Vice Dean, Professor, Doctoral Supervisor
School of Economics and Management, China University of Petroleum
Mubarak Alhajeri
Vice Chair
Assistant Professor
Public Authority for Applied Education and Training, PAAET
Hans Koopman
Vice Chair
Executive Vice President, Clean Energy Solutions
TÜV Nord Group
Abdulaziz Almathami
Speaker
Assistant Research Professor
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology
This paper discovers the operational and technical feasibility of flexible nuclear reactor operations, emphasizing their capacity to critical grid services containing voltage stability, reactive power support, and frequency regulation. The new technologies and designs, notably Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced generation III+ reactors, show how nuclear power plant can effectively integrated to the electricity grid in order to enhance the performance of renewables.
Additionally, this paper illustrate the economic analysis comparing fixable nuclear operation against alternative grid stabilization method highlight the potential cost-benefit advantages, underscoring economic competitiveness and regulatory considerations critical for wider industry adoption.
Moreover, this paper discuss real world case study from countries actively performing nuclear flexibility such as France and Germany, which include evidence of practical outcomes, challenges, and solution advancement.
Conclusively, this paper demonstrate the strategic value and technical feasibility of flexible nuclear operation, presenting a solid, economically attractive pathway toward stable, sustainable and reliable energy system in the manner of rising renewable demand.
This study examines and details combination of CST and Solar PV technologies and shall work out through design & simulation, the development of an ideal RTC Solar based green power generation solution in comparison to use of standalone solar technology. The economics of an optimized grid-connected RTC Solar Power plant with storage is also analyzed.
Overview of Configuration:
The proposed system is RTC MW scale Grid-connected Solar Power Plant delivering consistent & zero-carbon renewable electricity throughout the year with minimal energy import from the grid.
Solar Energy is exchanged to heat molten salts using combination of
- Steam generated via CST technology, &
- Electric heater via electricity sourced from Solar PV modules
Stored thermal energy in molten salts is utilized to meet peak energy / power requirements during non-sunny hours.
Evident Conclusions:
This paper endeavors to reveal the optimized size of both CST and Solar PV power plants and storage, in consideration of the economies of scale, Capacity Utilization Factor (CUF), Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCoE), minimized high temperature steam piping cost, most efficient land utilization in single geography by accommodating Solar PV in between CST, overall efficiency improvement, cons of using single solar technology, import components involved and environmental benefits of the hybrid CST-PV Technology, etc.
Technical Contributions:
Case Study demonstrating 100MW RTC Grid-connected Solar Power plant is conducted.
Keywords:
Concentrated Solar Thermal (CST), Solar Photovoltaic (PV), Grid-Connected Round-the-Clock (RTC), Hybrid CST-PV Technology, Net Zero, LCOE
Co-author/s:
Sachin Gupta, Senior Manager, Engineers India Limited.
Vainav Sundhar R, Engineer, Engineers India Limited.
Raid BuKhamseen
Speaker
Well Engineering, Sales & Geoscience Technical Director
TAQA
The GHG emissions monitoring system has several sensors that use several technologies to obtain the most accurate readings. For the measurement of methane emissions, the system uses gas standalone sensor pods which measure the methane and process the data into graphs using a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS); while for measuring Carbon Dioxide emissions, a non-dispersive infrared sensor (NDIR) is used. The solar system is used to power the batteries without any need for electricity for one week. The system provides a Wi-Fi 868 MHz system to connect all the sensor pods together.
Monitoring of fugitive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions typically involves identifying, quantifying, and tracking the release of GHGs from various sources that are not directly emitted through controlled processes. Emissions usually come from leaks, accidental releases, or inefficiencies in the handling of gases during production, transportation, or use. The study showed that using continuous emission monitoring helped to confirm the gas production system's reliability and conformance. Another key metric in measuring the system performance is Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) which significantly enhanced the gas production system performance through early detection of leaks which allows immediate remedy for such leaks not allowing them to deteriorate. Using solar energy power supply reduced the need for power supply and manpower at the well site. Overall, this system increased the measurement accuracy by 15%-20% and reduced the measurement cost by 25%. The system offers optional remote monitoring & data download on-site and is characterized by the simplicity of deployment and flexibility of data collection either through the internet or on-site.
This study introduces a simplified yet efficient wireless solar-powered GHG emission monitoring system able to measure more than one gas simultaneously using different gas sensor technologies.
Ali Gholami
Speaker
Principal Engineering Specialist (PhD)
National Iranian Drilling Company
The model evaluates combined energy demands for both generator output and battery charging, enabling optimized power flow and improved energy utilization. Simulation and performance analysis, conducted using a MATLAB/Simulink-based model of a drilling rig power supply, demonstrate that the hybrid system can reduce operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 25% compared with conventional diesel-only operations. Over the course of one year, analysis further indicates that the system achieves substantial cost savings, with a payback period of approximately 16 months.
The integration of a microgrid approach with optimized battery sizing and regenerative braking highlights significant advantages in life cycle economics. Compared to a baseline diesel configuration, the proposed system demonstrates a life cycle cost reduction of several million dollars, while maintaining the energy reliability required for continuous drilling operations. Beyond the economic benefits, the system contributes to global sustainability goals by reducing emissions and improving overall energy efficiency in both onshore and offshore contexts.
Overall, this research emphasizes the potential of hybrid and regenerative energy solutions to reshape drilling rig power systems. By combining renewable energy, advanced storage, and innovative energy recovery techniques, the model provides a practical pathway toward more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible drilling operations.
The hybrid microgrid includes rooftop PV arrays, compact urban-scale wind turbines, hydrogen production through electrolysis, and lithium-ion battery energy storage. A smart Energy Management System (EMS), enhanced by machine learning algorithms and real-time sensing, optimally dispatches resources and forecasts load and generation. Key performance indicators (KPIs) assessed include energy independence, cost-effectiveness, carbon reduction potential, and supply reliability under variable operating conditions.
Preliminary simulation models, developed using standard urban load curves and regional meteorological datasets, demonstrate strong complementarities between solar and wind generation. Hydrogen storage functions as a seasonal energy buffer, improving long-term resilience. The study further explores urban policy requirements, regulatory frameworks, and integration strategies for the scalable implementation of such systems.
This research supports the strategic deployment of decarbonized, digitally enhanced microgrids and contributes to the advancement of net-zero targets in urban settings. It provides practical, actionable insights for city energy planners, grid operators, and policymakers aiming to achieve clean, flexible, and secure energy ecosystems.
Co-author/s:
Fatemeh Barati, Researcher, Kharazmi University.
Mohammad Reza Rahimpour
Speaker
Professor of Chemical Engineering
Department of Chemical Engineering, Shiraz University
Keywords: Wind-hydro integration, Cogeneration systems, Renewable energy management, Hybrid power systems, Energy optimization.
Co-author/s:
Fatemeh Haghighatjoo, Researcher in Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical engineering, Shiraz University.
Soheila Zandi Lak, Researcher in Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical engineering, Shiraz University.
Eng. Maryam Koohi-Saadi, Researcher in Chemical Engineering, Department of Chemical engineering, Shiraz University.
Jinfang Wang
Speaker
Deputy Director
Office of the Chief Engineer, Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration & Development, China National Petroleum Corporation


