Recent Advances and Research Trends in Energy (Online Lectures)

Doctoral students are invited to explore the frontiers of modern science through our specialised lecture series, delivered by distinguished professors from Unite! partner universities. 

Lecture 1

➡️Title: Engineering the Energy Transition: Beyond Silver Bullets

🗣Speaker: Ignasi Casanova (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) 

📅Date and time of the lecture: April 7,2026 | mornings

📓Abstract:

The energy transition is often framed around individual technologies presented as decisive solutions. In reality, decarbonizing energy systems is a complex engineering problem driven by system integration, physical constraints, and socio-economic trade-offs. This lecture provides a technical overview of the energy transition from a systems perspective, covering the current status and research frontiers of key low-carbon technologies, including solar and wind power, hydrogen and other energy carriers, energy storage, and nuclear energy. Particular emphasis is placed on the role of system flexibility, grid integration, and regional transition models in translating global decarbonization targets into realistic pathways. Through selected case studies and modeling examples, the talk argues that technological feasibility alone is insufficient: the success or failure of the energy transition will ultimately be decided by how well we confront constraints, manage trade-offs, and design systems that work in the real world.

Lecture 2

➡️Title: Cryogenics in next generation energy systems - challenges and solutions

🗣Speaker: Maciej Chorowski (Wroclaw University of Science and Technology) 

📅Date and time of the lecture: April 9, 2026 |

📓Abstract:

Cryogenics, a term derived from the Greek words kryos (cold) and genos (origin), refers to the science and technology of achieving and utilizing temperatures below 120 K. As an extension of conventional refrigeration into the low- and ultra-low-temperature regime, cryogenics is based on specialized thermodynamic processes, advanced technologies, and dedicated engineering solutions.

This lecture presents the fundamental processes employed in cryogenic systems, classified according to operating temperature, working cryogen, and application area. Particular emphasis is placed on cryogenic technologies relevant to next-generation energy system, including the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, hydrogen production and storage, energy storage concepts, thermonuclear power generation, and cooling of superconducting devices.

In addition, emerging applications of cryogenic technologies are discussed, highlighting their growing role in the transformation of modern energy infrastructure and high-performance power and data processing systems including quantum computers.

Lecture 3

➡️Title: Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine - Opportunities and Challenges 

🗣Speaker: Helmut Eichlseder (Graz University)

📅Date and time of the lecture: April 29, 2026 | 09:00 AM (CET)

📓Abstract:

For On- and Off-road vehicles a mandatory reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is foreseeable in the medium term in addition to the legal requirements for pollutant emissions. To evaluate an effective reduction, both the operation, which must take place without the use of fossil fuels, and the entire life cycle must be considered. In order to achieve these goals, various concepts for the use of renewable fuels and electrical energy exist and are presented in the lecture. In particular, the direct use of green hydrogen in fuel cells or combustion engines offers great opportunities, as they can operate not only CO2-free, but with extremely low or zero emissions. However, there are still some challenges to overcome in terms of storage, infrastructure, robustness and costs.

Lecture 4

➡️Title: Photovoltaics - Fundamentals, Technology, and Future Developments

🗣Speaker: Jan Philipp Hofmann (Technical University of Darmstadt)

📅Date and time of the lecture: May 21, 2026 | 09:00 AM (CET)

📓Abstract:

The sun provides sufficient energy to cover mankind's primary energy demand, which is exceeding 20 TWh per day. As a key driver for the transition to a renewable energy system, photovoltaic technologies are a scalable source for CO2-neutral electricity. Currently, crystalline silicon-based photovoltaics dominate the market. Thin film PV only covers a niche but has advantages in production CO2-footprint, energy cost and scalability. This lecture will introduce you to the basic physical principles of how solar cells work, will give an account on how PV modules are manufactured and which current developments in materials, cell architectures, and processing lead the scientific research towards more efficient, more sustainable and better scalable PV systems.

Lecture 5

➡️Title: Offshore P2X energy supply chains in the Arctic: Opportunities and Challenges

🗣Speaker: Hirushie Karunathilake (Aalto University) 

📅Date and time of the lecture: May 25, 2026 | 11:00 AM (CET)

📓Abstract:

The Arctic and the near-Arctic regions have significant resources and growth opportunities, necessitating secure and reliable access to energy. Power-to-X (P2X) technologies have tremendous potential in this context. However, decision making can be complex and challenging when it comes to adapting and integrating emerging disruptive technologies to develop resilient systems, supply chains, and operation models. The viability of P2X supply chains can vary depending on many factors, including macro-environmental dynamics. This lecture discusses how international P2X energy supply chains can transform marine, military, and community energy applications in the Arctic. It further focuses on how technological advancements in offshore power-to-fuel energy corridors can be adapted to be a major element in maritime sector decarbonization. The need for a multidisciplinary approach that combines engineering with economic, environmental and social sciences, and policy is highlighted when developing effective plans and enabling mechanisms.