Prof. Jiannong CAO

Member of Academia Europaea, IEEE Fellow, Director of Research Institute for Artificial Intelligence of Things, Dean of GS, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong

Prof. Xiang GAO

Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering, President of Zhejiang University of Technology, Mainland China

Abstract:

This keynote will introduce the exploration of mechanisms driving the 'Education–Science and Technology–Talent' development, along with insights into the integration of science and education to promote energy technology innovation. It will also explore key scientific issues in the low-carbon transition of the energy and power systems, the green and low-carbon development of industrial parks, and the clean and low-carbon transition of the transportation industry.

Prof. Henrik LUND

Editor-in-Chief of Energy , Department of Sustainability and Planning, Aalborg University, Denmark

Abstract:
This presentation includes new insights into the concept, theory and application of smart energy systems. The concept was introduced in 2012 and shortly after received a scientific definition. As opposed to, for instance, the smart grid concept, which puts the sole focus on the electricity sector, smart energy systems include the entire energy system in its approach to identifying suitable pathways to the green transition.

Based on the 3rd edition of “Renewable Energy Systems” a theory of two smart energy systems hypotheses has been formulated. First, that one must take a holistic and cross-sectoral smart energy systems approach in order to be able to identify the best solutions of affordable and reliable transitions of the energy system into a carbon neutral society. Next, that subsector studies (no matter if they consider the role of a specific technology or the role of a region or country) should aim at identifying the role to play in the context of the overall system transition rather than aim at decarbonizing the sub-sector on its own.

The concept and theory have been applied to the analysis of the need for energy storage and electricity balancing in a future climate-neutral society. In five Smart Energy System Integration Levels (SESIL), progressing from a sole electricity sector focus to a fully integrated system of electricity, heating, cooling, industry, transport, and materials, optimal investments in storage and resulting levels of curtailment are identified. It is illustrated how overall least-cost solution is only identified in a fully integrated smart energy system, with affordable types of energy storage and little curtailment that cannot be found in a sole electricity sector approach. 

Prof. Henrik MADSEN

Head of Centre for IT-Intelligent Energy Systems in Cities, Technical University of Denmark, Denmark

Abstract:
It will be argued that demand-side flexibility (DSF) is key to an efficient implementation of the future decentralized and weather-driven energy system. DSF solutions call for intensive use of data as well as a digitalisation of the energy grids and markets. In this talk we shall first outline the economic benefits of demand-side flexibility, and it will be argued that DSF is key to an efficient acceleration of the green transition. Secondly, we will focus on the digitalisation needed at all levels of the energy system for harvesting the full potentials of DSF. This digitalisation includes data models represented by the so-called flexibility functions, which are data- and AI-driven models used to characterize the flexibility at all levels of the energy systems. We will describe the so-called Smart Energy OS (Operating System) framework, which represents a spatial-temporal hierarchical setup of data spaces, flexibility functions, and solutions for forecasting, control and optimization for smart energy solutions. The hierarchical setup has demonstrated fundamental improvements in forecasting and control for renewable integration, and the setup also facilitates new solutions for balancing and grid services. The findings in a number of use-cases will be outlined. Finally, we describe how the methodologies will be demonstrated and evaluated within new large-scale European Energy Data Space projects.

Prof. Dejan Mumovic

Director of the Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, University College London (UCL), UK

Abstract:
This keynote is given on behalf of a group of researchers from a range of backgrounds, including engineering, public health, clinical medicine, mental health research and education. Here we set out our plan to explore the health co-benefits of the transition to net zero in the context of school building stock in England. Our approach is based on the six steps: (a) Map, (b) Understand, (c) Model, (d) Test and Evaluate, (e) Involve, and (f) Engage. This talk focuses on the progress so far to create the world’s first dynamic, one-by-one school building stock model, to evaluate the health and economic impacts of proposed adaptation and mitigation pathways for the school estate to reach net zero. This talk is designed to provide an opportunity for the delegates to provide early feedback and to engage with our efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of net zero policies and overheating mitigation strategies in the near, medium, and long-term in schools across England using our Modelling Platform for Schools (MPS) linked with novel ‘synthetic population’ health models.

Prof. Kashem Muttaqi

IEEE Fellow, Editor-in-Chief – IEEE Transactions on Industry Applications, Director of the ARC Training Centre in Energy Technologies for Future Grids, University of Wollongong, Australia 

Abstract:
Energy supply systems across the globe are undergoing a rapid transformation, revolutionizing how we produce, deliver and consume energy, driven by the imperative to achieve a net-zero future. This transition is marked by declining renewable energy costs, significant advancements in energy efficiency, the proliferation of smart technologies, the electrification of transportation, and the widespread adoption of energy storage solutions. While these developments signal progress toward sustainability, they also pose challenges for integrating new energy technologies into existing power grid infrastructures. Ensuring grid stability and enhancing the resilience and capabilities of power systems require innovative solutions. This keynote will explore the role of emerging energy technologies, sustainable energy sources, electric vehicles, and advanced integration strategies in shaping the future of power grids. By addressing these challenges, we can improve grid stability and reliability, as well as facilitate a seamless transition to a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape.