AUS researcher leads team to develop novel solar-thermal conversion technologies

An American University of Sharjah (AUS) researcher is leading a project in collaboration with faculty members from Aston University in the UK to develop novel processes utilizing solar energy. This is a promising approach to provide the energy needed to drive energy-intensive chemical and physical processes.

The project outcomes are aligned with the UAE vision 2021 and Abu Dhabi vision 2030 goals for industrial innovation and contribute to the local and global efforts to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and increase the variety of clean and renewable energy sources. In the long term, the project aims at establishing a center of excellence in solar-thermal conversion processes at AUS.

Speaking about the project, Dr. Yassir Makkawi, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the AUS College of Engineering (CEN) and the project leader, said:

“This project offers a great opportunity for the AUS to take the lead in developing a future solar-thermal conversion technology in its widest applications, including waste to energy conversion processes, sustainable production of hydrogen from renewable resources and green desalination process, among others. The project also comes at an exciting time, with AUS transforming into a global research university.”

Dr. Makkawi is working in collaboration with the UK lead investigator, Dr. Philip Davies, Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Design at Aston University, and his team consisting of Dr. Sotos Generalis and Dr. Abul Kalam Hossain.

The project is funded by the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and managed by the British Council. This fund falls under the Gulf Science Innovation and Knowledge Economy Program (GSIKE) strategy to increase UK engagement and support long-term relationships between academia in the UK and the Gulf.