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

 

Manying Liu | Energy Conversion | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr.  Manying  Liu |  Energy Conversion | Best Researcher Award

Associate Professor at Xuchang University,  China

Dr. Manying Liu is an Associate Professor at the School of Chemical Engineering and Materials, Xuchang University. He holds a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Huazhong University of Science and Technology. His research focuses on the synthesis of organic porous polymers and halide photovoltaic materials, with applications in energy conversion and environmental remediation. He has led or co-led six national and provincial research projects and published over 20 papers in high-impact journals, including Angewandte Chemie and Advanced Materials, with two recognized as Highly Cited Papers. Dr. Liu received the 2023 Hubei Natural Science First Prize and a National Silver Award at the 2019 Internet+ Innovation Competition for his contributions to scientific innovation.

Profile:

🎓 Academic Background:

📍 Ph.D. in Chemistry – Huazhong University of Science and Technology
📍 Currently: Associate Professor, School of Chemical Engineering and Materials, Xuchang University, China

🔬 Research Focus:

🧪 Synthesis of Organic Porous Polymers
🔋 Halide Photovoltaic Materials
🌱 Applications: Energy conversion & environmental remediation

📚 Scientific Contributions:

📝 20+ publications in high-impact journals (Angew. Chem., Adv. Mater., Nano-Micro Lett., Coord. Chem. Rev.)
🌟 2 Highly Cited Papers (Clarivate)
🔬 Led/co-led 6 national & provincial research projects

🏆 Honors & Awards:

🥇 Hubei Natural Science First Prize (2023)
🥈 National Silver Award – Internet+ Innovation Competition (2019)

🌍 Impact & Innovation:

🌐 Research addresses clean energy and environmental sustainability challenges
🤝 Contributing to real-world solutions through innovative materials science

📊 Citation Metrics:

  • Total Citations: 1,325

  • Citing Documents: 1,039

  • Total Publications: 24

  • h-index: 12

Publication Top Notes:

  • Zikang Lei, Manying Liu, Yan’ge Zhang, Shuangquan Zang, Zhi Zheng. Covalent Triazine Frameworks: Fabrication for Energy ConversionReview Article, Open Access.

  • Erchuang Fan, Manying Liu, Yan’ge Zhang, Erjun Zhou, Zhi Zheng. Tailoring Bi to Boost CuAgBi₂I₈ Solar CellsInfoMat, 2025, Open Access.

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

Theresa Theunissen | Digital Energy Management | Best Researcher Award

Mrs Theresa Theunissen | Digital Energy Management | Best Researcher Award

Research Assistant at  Technical University of Munich, Germany

Theresa Chiara Theunissen, born on February 27, 1996, in Germany, is a dedicated researcher and consultant with a robust background in engineering and management. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D. at the Technical University of Munich, specializing in Agrarsystemtechnik since January 2022, and serves as a Research Assistant in the same department from October 2023. She holds a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Production Technology and Operations Research Management, completed in 2019, and a Bachelor’s degree in the same field, obtained in 2018, both from RWTH Aachen University. Her academic journey began with earning her Allgemeine Hochschulreife from St.-Angela Gymnasium in Wipperfürth in 2014.

Profile:

Academic Background 🎓

Since January 2022: Pursuing Ph.D. at Technical University of Munich, Chair of Agricultural Systems Technology 🌾. April 2018 – September 2019: Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University ⚙️. October 2014 – March 2018: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering and Mechanical Engineering, RWTH Aachen University 🏗️. July 2006 – June 2014: General University Entrance Qualification, St.-Angela Gymnasium, Wipperfürth 🎒

Professional Experience 💼

Since October 2023: Research Assistant, Chair of Agricultural Systems Technology, Technical University of Munich 📚. Since January 2022: Senior Consultant at McKinsey & Company (on Educational Leave) 🧠. January 2020 – December 2021: Consultant at McKinsey & Company 💡. April 2018 – July 2019: Student Assistant, Chair of Machine Tools, RWTH Aachen 🔧. October 2017 – March 2018: Internship and External Bachelor’s Thesis at CLAAS KGaA mbH 🚜. December 2016 – September 2017: Student Assistant, Chair of Production Systems, RWTH Aachen 🏭. July 2014 – August 2014: Internship at VOSS Automotive GmbH 🚗. July 2013 – August 2013: Internship at Michael Steuerberatungsgesellschaft mbH 📊. July 2012 – August 2012: Internship at FrieslandCampina Germany GmbH 🥛

Research Focus: Digital Energy Management 💡🔋

Theresa Chiara Theunissen is currently focused on Digital Energy Management at the Technical University of Munich. Her research aims to innovate and enhance energy systems through digital transformation. Key areas include:

  • Smart Grid Technologies: Integrating advanced data analytics and IoT devices to optimize energy distribution and consumption in real-time.
  • Energy Efficiency: Developing algorithms and tools to improve the energy efficiency of industrial and agricultural systems.
  • Renewable Energy Integration: Facilitating the seamless incorporation of renewable energy sources into existing energy infrastructures.
  • Sustainable Practices: Promoting sustainability by reducing energy wastage and carbon footprint through intelligent energy management solutions.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Utilizing big data and machine learning to make informed decisions that enhance the overall efficiency and reliability of energy systems.

Theresa’s work in Digital Energy Management is pivotal in driving forward the capabilities of modern energy systems, ensuring they are both efficient and sustainable.

Publication Top Notes:

  • How to Successfully Orchestrate Content for Digital Agriecosystems
    • Journal: Agriculture
    • Date: May 1, 2023
    • DOI: 10.3390/agriculture13051003
    • Contributors: Maximilian Treiber, Theresa Theunissen, Simon Grebner, Jan Witting, Heinz Bernhardt
  • Mind the Market Opportunity: Digital Energy Management Services for German Dairy Farmers
    • Journal: Agriculture
    • Date: April 13, 2023
    • DOI: 10.3390/agriculture13040861
    • Contributors: Theresa Theunissen, Julia Keller, Heinz Bernhardt
  • Concept of Adding Ground Truth Data for Economic Evaluation of Silage Quality in Germany
    • Conference: 2022 ASABE Annual International Meeting
    • Date: 2022
    • DOI: 10.13031/aim.202200285
    • Contributors: J. Bauerdick, H. Spiekers, C. Bodensteiner, T. Theunissen, H. Bernhardt
  • Revenue Increase for German Dairy Farmers through Cross-Value Chain Energy Management
    • Conference: 2022 ASABE Annual International Meeting
    • Date: 2022
    • DOI: 10.13031/aim.202200711
    • Contributors: T. Theunissen, H. Bernhardt
  • Application of Time Series Data Mining for the Prediction of Transition Times in Production