The 4th Annual Conference on Solar and Wind Power, organized by the School of Computing, Engineering, and the Built Environment at Edinburgh Napier University, took place on June 5, 2024. This year’s event transitioned to an online format due to unforeseen venue issues, allowing for free attendance and broad participation. The conference attracted a diverse audience, with about 80% of attendees from UK universities and international representation from countries like India and Malaysia.
The theme for this year’s conference, “Next Generation of Energy Solutions,” underscored the urgent need for innovative approaches in renewable energy. Lead author Nazmi Sellami, affiliated with the School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment at Edinburgh Napier University, emphasized the importance of this gathering in fostering the exchange of cutting-edge research. “The Solar and Wind Power Conference has championed the free exchange of cutting-edge research in renewable energy,” Sellami noted, highlighting the conference’s commitment to advancing solar and wind technologies.
Keynote speakers included Professor Tariq Muneer, a notable figure in solar energy research, who shared insights on various solar projects at Edinburgh Napier University. His presentation focused on the latest advancements that could enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of solar power generation. The second keynote speaker, Mr. Neh Sharma from SWECO, discussed the company’s renewable energy initiatives, showcasing commercial applications that could significantly impact the energy sector.
The conference sessions were divided into morning and afternoon segments, covering a range of topics. In the morning, discussions revolved around solar energy research, including innovative photovoltaic (PV) installation designs tailored for heritage buildings and operational cybersecurity measures for power plants. These advancements not only enhance energy generation but also address critical issues like security and aesthetic integration with historical architecture.
Afternoon sessions shifted focus to wind energy, featuring discussions on material designs for large wind turbines and the development of vertical axis wind turbines. These innovations are crucial as they promise to improve the efficiency and feasibility of wind energy projects, potentially lowering costs and increasing adoption rates.
The insights shared at the conference highlight significant commercial opportunities for the energy sector. As the demand for sustainable energy solutions grows, advancements in solar and wind technologies could lead to new business models, increased investment in renewable infrastructure, and enhanced energy security. The ongoing research and collaboration fostered by events like this conference are pivotal in driving the transition to a more sustainable energy landscape.
The findings and discussions from the conference will be published in “Engineering Proceedings,” making them accessible to a broader audience and further contributing to the collective knowledge in the field of renewable energy.
