UNESCO RCQE Chair in Emerging Renewable and Sustainable Energy Technology

Objectives:

• Advance Research and Innovation in Renewable Energy: Conduct applied research in emerging renewable and sustainable energy technologies to support Oman’s and the region development and contribute to global sustainability goals, aligning with UNESCO’s Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Support Economic Growth and National Development: Drive innovation and awareness to foster economic diversification, job creation in high-tech sectors, and workforce nationalization, ensuring research aligns with Oman Vision 2040 and promotes social and economic transformation.
• Enhance Global Competitiveness and Leadership: Position the regional as one of the global leaders in renewable energy research and innovation, strengthening international collaboration and increasing competitiveness in the global marketplace.
• Leverage Emerging Technologies for Sustainable Development: Utilize advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, etc. to address energy challenges, enhance sustainability, contribute to the fulfillment of the Fourth Industrial Revolution requirements, and accelerating progress toward achieving the UN SDGs.

Activities and Initiatives:

• Conduct high-quality, impactful research in key areas of renewable energy and emerging technologies, leading to publications, patents, and innovative solutions.
• Equip Omani students, researchers, and professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to drive the renewable energy sector through training programs, postgraduate studies, and international collaborations.
• Provide policymakers with data-driven recommendations and analysis to support the development of effective renewable energy policies and regulations.
• Increase public understanding of the benefits of renewable energy and encourage sustainable practices through outreach activities, educational programs, and community engagement initiatives.
• Foster strong relationships with leading universities, research institutions, industry stakeholders, and international organizations to leverage expertise, share resources, and maximize impact.
• Develop and maintain world-class research labs and testing facilities to support innovation and technological advancement in renewable energy.
• Diversify funding sources through research grants, industry partnerships, and government support to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Chair’s activities.
• Facilitate the commercialization of renewable energy technologies by supporting startups, fostering innovation, and connecting researchers with investors.
• Align the Chair’s activities with the Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to the country’s economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and social well-being.

The Chair team has received many prestigious awards and recognitions at the national, regional, and international levels, including:

• Inclusion of a number of researchers in Stanford University’s list of the top 2% of scientists in the world.
• Best Paper Award from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) in Oman.
• Vice Chancellor’s Outstanding Achievement Award in Research, Innovation, and Knowledge Transfer.
• The Chair received Leader Awards and was classified as the top scientist in Oman by Research.com.
• Winning advanced positions in project competitions of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
• Receiving a letter of appreciation from the Vice Chancellor of Sohar University for researchers and Innovation.
• Golden Medal Award, Pecipta’13, PECIPTA International Conference and Exposition on Invention of Institutions of Higher Education, Malaysia.
• Renewable & Sustainable Energy Pioneer Award, World Renewable Energy Congress (15th WREC), Jakarta, Indonesia.
• Oman’s National Research Award 2025.
• Special Award from National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT).
• Best Paper Award and Pioneer Award at the World Renewable Energy Congress (WREC).
• Awards and medals at Malaysia Technology Expo (MTE) and International Invention, Innovation & Technology Exhibition (ITEX).

• Project for solar-powered water pumping systems in rural areas in Oman (supported by the Omani Research Council).
• Project for hybrid systems using artificial intelligence to improve the performance of solar cells in Omani environments.
• Dual-axis solar tracking systems with passive cooling (in collaboration with Malaysian universities).
• Implementation of projects funded by international institutions such as TNB and IMeche.
• Design, modelling, and evaluation of photovoltaic/thermal solar energy system in Oman based on experimental results and artificial neural network – Project funded by MoE.
• Airships as a Low-Cost Alternative to Communication Satellites powered by solar cells– Project funded by MoE.
• Artificial Intelligence-Based Rainfall Forecasting and Its Impacts in Oman– Project funded by MoE.
• Enhancing the Efficiency of Irrigation Systems Using AI and IoT in Oman’s Agriculture– Project funded by MoE.
• Development of Novel Dual Axis Solar Photovoltaic Tracker Integrated Passive Cooling System– Project funded by Sohar University.
• Development of Solar Cells based High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPs) in Oman- Funded by Sohar University.
• Field Testing of Commercial Anti-Soiling Coatings for Photovoltaics Modules Under High UV and Abrasive Desert Conditions in Oman – Project funded by University of Technology and Applied Sciences Branch, Muscat.
• High Performance Solar Photovoltaic Tracking System Integrated with Passively Cooled Metal Foam Fins and Thermal Radiative Paint– Project funded by Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS.
• A New approach-based tracker for improving harvested energy from hybrid photovoltaic thermoelectric generation system – Project funded by Prince Sattam bin Abdulazeez University, KSA.
• Kepler Optimization Algorithm to Identify Optimal Values of Double-diode Dynamic Model of Perovskite Solar Cell – Project funded by Prince Sattam bin Abdulazeez University, KSA.
• Thermography-Driven Preventive Maintenance for Long-Term Sustainability of Photovoltaic Systems – Project funded by Prince Sattam bin Abdulazeez University, KSA.
• Enhanced Performance of a Novel Wedge-Shaped Solar Distiller Integrated with Photovoltaic System and Vertical Wick System with PCM-Nanoparticle for Water Desalination – Project funded by Prince Sattam bin Abdulazeez University, KSA.

Cooperation with Industrial and Educational sectors

The unit has strong and close relationships with a number of leading companies in the energy sector, including:

• Majan Electricity Company.
• International Pipe Company.
• Majees Industrial Services Co.
• Sohar Aluminum Company.
• Providing industrial consultations and various technical reports.
• NAMA Company, Oman.
• OQ company, Oman.
• Prince Sattam bin Abdulazeez University, KSA.
• University of Technology, Iraq.
• Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Malaysia.
• University of Nizwa, Oman.
• American University of Iraq, Iraq.
• University of Technology and Applied Science, Oman.
• Universiti Teknologi Mara, Malaysia.
• ICESCO Chair on Ethics of Artificial Intelligence.

• Dr Abdulrahman Ibrahim Al-Mudayris – UNESCO RCQE-Director General, KSA
• Dr Fatima Rouis – UNESCO RCQE-Assistant Director General, KSA
• Prof Dr Khaled Ahmed Al-Madani – UNESCO RCQE-Advisor, KSA
• Miss Haifa bint Abdullah bin Khamis – UNESCO RCQE-Capacity Building Specialist, KSA
• Dr Hamdan Sulaiman Al Fazari – Sohar University – Vice Chancellor
• Prof Dr Ghassan Al-Kindi – Sohar University – Pro VC Research & Innovation
• Prof Dr Hussein A Kazem – UNESCO RCQE Chair in Emerging Renewable & Sustainable Energy Technology

• Dr Mahmood Al-Bahri
• Dr Omar Mohammed Khamis Al Mazroui
• Dr Hilal Adnan Fadhil
• Dr Hussein Ali Mubarak Al Maqbali
• Dr Usama Al Mulali
• Dr Amal Sultan Subaa Al Saadi
• Dr Mohammed Talib Musallam Al. Kiyumi
• Dr Muhammad Zakarya
• Prof Dr Jabar Yousif
• Dr Taher Ghazal