Keynote Speakers

Keynote Speaker

Prof. lr Dr Mohd Zainal Abidin b. Ab. Kadir
Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia

Keynote Lecture: Mapping the Future of Energy: How GIS and DLR are Accelerating the Path to Clean Energy

Abstract: The race toward a net-zero energy future demands rapid, intelligent, and sustainable grid modernization. Yet, today’s transmission networks face significant barriers: ageing infrastructure operating beyond intended lifespans, climate-induced stressors, rising peak demand, and the need for large-scale grid expansion to integrate new technologies. These challenges threaten to slow down the pace of energy transition at a time when acceleration is critical.

This keynote will explore how Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) can play pivotal roles in addressing these challenges. GIS provides powerful geospatial intelligence, enabling utilities to visualize, analyse, and optimize assets with precise location-based data, supporting strategic planning and risk mitigation. Meanwhile, DLR introduces real-time monitoring and adaptive capacity ratings for transmission lines, maximizing grid utilization without costly infrastructure upgrades. Together, these technologies offer a transformative approach to grid management, bridging the gap between existing limitations and future energy needs.

Combining these technologies enables a smarter, more adaptive grid capable of supporting higher renewable penetration, reducing congestion, and enhancing climate resilience. This keynote envisions a future where data-driven intelligence, powered by geospatial analytics and live operational insights, becomes the cornerstone of accelerating global energy transition.

Biography: Prof. Zainal received his PhD in High Voltage Engineering from the University of Manchester, UK. Currently, he is the Dean and a Professor at the Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (FASc) and a Fellow of the IET (FIET). Since 2015, Prof. Zainal has been an IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES) Distinguished Lecturer and was recognised as the Top Research Scientist Malaysia (TRSM) in 2014. To date, he has authored and co-authored over 450 journal and conference papers. He has supervised 40 PhD and 45 MSc students. His research interests include high voltage engineering, lightning protection, electromagnetic compatibility, renewable energy, and the grid of the future.

 

Dr. Danny Pudjianto
Imperial College London, UK

Keynote Lecture: Holistic Evaluation of the Roles and Values of Electrolysers in a Net-Zero Energy System

Abstract: While the capacity of electrolysers is expected to grow significantly over the next 5 to 10 years, there are serious concerns about the value this technology will bring to the energy system. The production cost of green hydrogen is currently 2 to 3 times higher than that of blue hydrogen, thus raising questions about the competitiveness of electrolysis. However, electrolysers offer additional benefits that blue hydrogen production technologies cannot provide. For example, they enhance system balancing capabilities and manage network congestion, allowing for more cost-effective integration of variable renewable energy sources. This presentation outlines a comprehensive methodology for assessing the benefits of optimally integrating electrolysers into a Net Zero Energy system. The optimisation process considers large-scale multi-energy system planning, considering the interactions among various low-carbon generation technologies, such as renewables, energy storage, and smart demand response, while also factoring in the spatial and temporal dynamics of energy supply and demand. The value of electrolysers is evaluated by comparing system capacity portfolios and operational costs between scenarios that include electrolysers and those that do not. The analysis specifically focuses on future energy scenarios in Great Britain, exploring different assumptions to identify the key value drivers and optimal distribution of electrolysers within the system. Results emphasise the role of electrolysers in improving system balancing and energy storage capabilities, as well as in promoting sector coupling between electricity and hydrogen systems. This synergy enables low-cost hydrogen storage and generation, which is crucial for providing ancillary services and ensuring the energy system's resilience. The presentation will also discuss insights from sensitivity studies on the effects of varying low-carbon technology costs, gas prices, and the flexibility provided by end-use customers and distributed storage.

Biography: Dr Danny Pudjianto is an Advanced Research Fellow with expertise in energy system modelling and optimisation for planning and operation, energy system economics, regulation, system security, and evaluations of the benefits of emerging technologies such as smart grids, active network management, demand response, distributed generation, energy storage, and energy networks. The current focus of his research work is on the area of integrated multi-energy systems and the evaluation of innovative technologies. He leads the development of the whole-energy system optimisation concepts, highlighting the importance of complex interactions across energy vectors (electricity, heat, hydrogen) and coordination for decarbonising energy systems. He also leads studies on the system integration of renewable technologies. He has experience with public and private sector consultancy and energy policy and technology research at the international level. He is a senior member of IEEE, a member of the IET, and serves on the editorial board of the Renewable Energy journal. He has published more than 100 technical papers and 70 industrial/research reports.