Lorenc Malka | Renewable Energy Systems | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lorenc Malka | Renewable Energy Systems |  Best Researcher Award

Lecturer on energy modelling at Polytechnic University of Tirana,  Albania

Dr. Lorenc Malka is a research scientist and lecturer specializing in renewable energy systems, energy modeling, and environmental impact analysis. His interdisciplinary work focuses on the development of smart energy systems, including the integration of solar, wind, and biomass technologies into national strategies aiming for 100% renewable energy scenarios. He is a Certified Energy Audit and Energy Management Expert and has played key roles in national-level energy planning in Albania.

Profile:

Education:

  • Ph.D. in Energy and Environmental Impact, Polytechnic University of Tirana

  • Advanced Energy Systems Studies, Aalborg University, Denmark

Research Focus:

  • Renewable energy integration (solar, wind, biomass)

  • Biomass gasification and synthetic fuels

  • Future energy system modeling and analysis

  • Environmental and economic impact assessments

Professional Experience:

  • Full-time Lecturer, Polytechnic University of Tirana

  • Invited Lecturer, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU)

  • Energy consultant and auditor, including advisory for ExxonMobil Albania

Certifications:

  • Certified Energy Auditor and Energy Manager

Contributions:

  • Member of scientific advisory boards

  • Speaker at international energy conferences

  • Reviewer for peer-reviewed energy journals

Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 173 (by 142 documents)

  • Number of Documents: 14

  • h-index: 4

Publication Top Notes:

  • Pathways toward zero-emission textile industry by 2050: A case study of Albania
    Energy Reports, 2025-06 | DOI: 10.1016/j.egyr.2025.03.044

  • Deep retrofitting toward net zero energy building in the Mediterranean region: A case study of Albania
    Heliyon, 2024 | DOI: 10.1016/J.HELIYON.2024.E35174

  • Strategic selection of wind turbines for low wind speed regions: Impact on cost and environmental benefits
    International Journal of Green Energy, 2024-09-26 | DOI: 10.1080/15435075.2024.2404103

  • Residential Heating Demand Projections in Albania by Integrating Heat Pumps and Passive Energy Efficiency Measures
    2024 International Conference on Renewable Energies and Smart Technologies (REST), 2024-06-27 | DOI: 10.1109/rest59987.2024.10645458

  • Wind Power Integration and Challenges in Low Wind Zones. A Study Case: Albania
    WSEAS Transactions on Power Systems, 2024-05-14 | DOI: 10.37394/232016.2024.19.20

  • Novel Mechanical Behavior of HDPE/PS Composite
    Journal of Southwest Jiaotong University, 2023 | DOI: 10.35741/issn.0258-2724.58.3.76

  • Energy system analysis with a focus on future energy demand projections: The case of Norway
    Energy, 2023-06 | DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2023.127107

  • Energy Storage Benefits Assessment Using Multiple-Choice Criteria: The Case of Drini River Cascade, Albania
    Energies, 2022 | DOI: 10.3390/en15114032

  • Optimum insulation thickness design of exterior walls and overhauling cost to enhance the energy efficiency of Albanian buildings stock
    Journal of Cleaner Production, 2022-12 | DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.135160

  • An analysis towards a sustainable energy system in Albania highly supported by large scale integration of wind resources: A case study of Mamaj wind farm
    International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 2021 | DOI: 10.32479/ijeep.10622

  • The future strategies of the wind power development in Albania: Case study: “Qafe Thane,” Pogradec, Albania
    International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 2021 | DOI: 10.32479/ijeep.11228

  • An approach to the large-scale integration of wind energy in Albania
    International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy, 2020 | DOI: 10.32479/ijeep.9917

 

Zitong Fei | Environment | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Zitong Fei | Environment | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral at Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, China

Dr. Zitong Fei, born in August 1997, is a materials scientist specializing in the recycling and regeneration of spent lithium-ion battery cathode materials. She earned her Ph.D. in Metallurgical Physical Chemistry from Kunming University of Science and Technology in 2024, where she also completed her Master’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering in 2020. Under the supervision of Professor Yingjie Zhang, her research has focused on high-voltage LiCoO₂ cathode materials and sustainable regeneration technologies for cobalt-based electrodes.

Profile:

🎓 Educational Background:

  • Ph.D. in Metallurgical Physical Chemistry (2020.08 – 2024.06)
    Kunming University of Science and Technology
    Research Focus: Direct regeneration mechanisms of spent LiCoO₂ cathode materials
    Supervisor: Prof. Yingjie Zhang

  • M.Sc. in Metallurgical Engineering (2019.08 – 2020.07)
    Kunming University of Science and Technology
    Research Focus: High-voltage LiCoO₂ cathode material design

🧪 Research Expertise:

Dr. Fei’s work revolves around the regeneration and recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries, with a particular focus on cathode material recovery, environmental sustainability, and green chemistry applications.

🛠️ Patents (10+):

  • Targeted oxidative solvent for cathode regeneration

  • Single crystal and rapid regeneration methods for ternary materials

  • Battery disassembly and recycling devices

  • Deep eutectic solvent recovery systems

Dr. Fei holds over 10 national and international patents in advanced lithium battery recycling technologies.

📊 Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 522

  • Cited by: 387 documents

  • Total Publications: 20

  • h-index: 10

Publication Top Notes:

  • Su, Y., Fei, Z., Fan, Y., Peng, X., & Dong, P. (2025). Enhanced selective lithium extraction and regeneration of spent LiNi₁/₃Co₁/₃Mn₁/₃O₂ through carbon–sulfur composite roasting. Separation and Purification Technology.

  • Liu, Q., Li, Y., Fei, Z., Peng, X., & Dong, P. (2025). Review and perspectives on direct regeneration of spent ternary cathode materials based on failure mechanisms. (Journal name not specified).

 

Virendra Kumar Vijay | Renewable energy | Best Researcher Award

Prof Virendra Kumar Vijay | Renewable energy | Best Researcher Award

Professor at  Indian Institute Of Technology, India

 

Dr. Virendra Kumar Vijay is an esteemed professor, researcher, and innovator specializing in renewable energy, sustainable technology, and rural development. Currently, he holds the prestigious position of IREDA Chair Professor and Head at the Centre for Rural Development and Technology (CRDT), IIT Delhi. With over 32 years of academic and professional experience, Dr. Vijay has dedicated his career to promoting biogas technology, renewable energy solutions, and sustainable agricultural practices.

 

Publication Profile

Education:

Dr. Vijay’s academic journey is marked by a commitment to agricultural engineering and renewable energy. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering from Sukhadia University, Udaipur, in 1987, followed by a Master’s in Renewable Energy from Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, in 1989, graduating with honors. His Ph.D. in Rural Development & Technology from IIT Delhi, completed in 1998, focused on rural industries development using biomass energy, setting the foundation for his work in renewable energy and rural sustainability.

 

Professional Experience:

  • Dr. Vijay’s professional career spans over three decades, with significant contributions to academia, research, and technology transfer. Starting as an Assistant Professor at Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, he went on to serve at Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUAT), Udaipur. Since joining IIT Delhi, he has held key academic and administrative roles, including Head of the CRDT and National Coordinator for Unnat Bharat Abhiyan. His work at IIT Delhi includes leading projects, teaching, and advancing research initiatives. Notably, he developed low-cost biogas purification and bottling technology for vehicular use, which has been successfully implemented by nine industries and multiple field sites, contributing to India’s bio-CNG standards.

Research and Innovation

Dr. Vijay’s research interests are centered around biogas purification, sustainable agriculture, renewable energy integration, and rural entrepreneurship. His groundbreaking work on biogas enrichment and bottling technology has gained recognition nationally, including the operation of India’s first biogas-fueled car. Additionally, his research efforts have led to patents and impactful technology transfers in collaboration with industries such as Indian Compressors Ltd, Tech Zone, and Mahindra & Mahindra. Dr. Vijay’s pioneering work in bio-CNG and sustainable rural energy systems has established him as a thought leader in sustainable technology.

Key Achievements and Awards:

As a prolific researcher and innovator, Dr. Vijay has been awarded three patents, with his most notable patent enabling biogas to be converted into a fuel gas with enhanced thermal efficiency. He has received numerous accolades, including the Merit Certificate by the Board of Secondary Education, Rajasthan, and several awards recognizing his contributions to biofuel and renewable energy research. Dr. Vijay has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and has supervised numerous Ph.D. scholars. His author metrics on Google Scholar reflect his impact in areas such as biogas technology, waste management, and rural development, with citations demonstrating the influence of his work in academic and industrial circles.

Publication Top Notes

Thongsouk Sompouviset | Climate Change | Young Scientist Award

Dr. Thongsouk Sompouviset | Climate Change | Young Scientist Award

Teacher, NWAFU, China

Dr. Thongsouk Sompouviset is a dedicated researcher and environmental scientist from Laos, specializing in plant nutrition and climate change. With a solid academic background and hands-on experience in greenhouse gas analysis, he has contributed significantly to understanding the impacts of agricultural practices on the environment. His work, spanning from field surveys to advanced research, reflects a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices and environmental management.

Profile

Orcid

Education 🎓 

Dr. Thongsouk Sompouviset earned his PhD in Plant Nutrition with a focus on Climate Change from Northwest A&F University, China, from 2019 to 2023, achieving a GPA of 3.80. His doctoral research examined the influence of combined organic and inorganic fertilizer applications on greenhouse gas emissions in apple orchards on Weibei dryland, earning him the Outstanding Activities Student Award in 2022. Prior to his PhD, Dr. Sompouviset completed a Master’s in Plant Nutrition (Climate Change) at the same institution from 2015 to 2019, graduating with a GPA of 3.55. His Master’s thesis explored the effects of cover crops combined with manure and chemical fertilizers on greenhouse gas emissions in apple orchards, and he received the Best Student Award in 2019. Dr. Sompouviset also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Science from the National University of Laos (2007-2012), where he achieved a GPA of 3.48. His undergraduate thesis focused on the study process and water management of the Kaolieo water supply company, and he was recognized with awards in debate competitions, essay contests, and as an outstanding student. Additionally, he completed a Vocational Diploma in General English from Sahakitsamphan College (2008-2011) and is currently pursuing ongoing English studies (IELTS) at Vientiane College from January to August 2024.

Experience 💼

Professionally, Dr. Sompouviset has been serving as a Coordinator and Translator at Sino-Agri Potash Co., Ltd in Vientiane Capital, Laos, since January 2024. Prior to this, he managed the Environment and Social Department at Sino-Agri Potash Co., Ltd in Khammuane, Laos, from September 2012 to July 2015

Research Interests 🔬

Impact of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Greenhouse Gas Emissions: This research investigates how the use of both organic and inorganic fertilizers affects the emission of greenhouse gases in agricultural settings. The combination of these fertilizers can influence soil processes and plant growth, potentially altering the levels of methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and carbon dioxide (CO₂) released into the atmosphere. Studies typically focus on optimizing fertilizer practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining crop yields.

Effects of Plastic Mulching and Cover Crops on Environmental Sustainability: Plastic mulching and the use of cover crops are techniques aimed at improving soil health and enhancing environmental sustainability. Plastic mulching helps in moisture retention, temperature regulation, and weed suppression, which can indirectly impact greenhouse gas emissions. Cover crops, on the other hand, contribute to soil organic matter, reduce erosion, and enhance nutrient cycling. Research in this area evaluates how these practices affect soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, and overall environmental sustainability.

Climate Change Adaptation and Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Strategies in Agriculture: This area of study focuses on developing strategies for agriculture to adapt to the impacts of climate change while simultaneously mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Adaptation strategies may include altering crop varieties, adjusting planting dates, and improving irrigation practices. Mitigation strategies might involve adopting more sustainable farming practices, enhancing soil carbon sequestration, and optimizing fertilizer use. The goal is to create resilient agricultural systems that can cope with climate change and reduce their carbon footprint.

Awards 🏆

Outstanding Activities Student Award (2022)
Northwest A&F University, China

Best Student Award (2019)
Northwest A&F University, China

Publications 📝

Combined application of organic and inorganic fertilizers effects on the global warming potential and greenhouse gas emissions in apple orchard in the Loess Plateau Region of China. link

The effects of plastic mulching combined with different fertilizer applications on greenhouse gas emissions, intensity, and apple yield in Northwestern China. link

Evaluation of Soil and Leaf Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Micronutrient Status and Their Relationship in the Main Apple Production Areas of the Loess Plateau, China. link

Distinguishing the contribution of nitrogen fertilizer and native soil nitrogen to young apple trees . link