Masood Ebrahimi | Renewable Energy Systems | Editorial Board Member

Published on by Green Energy Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Masood Ebrahimi | Renewable Energy Systems | Editorial Board Member

Faculty member | University of Kurdistan | Iran

Dr. Masood Ebrahimi is an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Kurdistan, specializing in renewable and hybrid energy systems aimed at achieving a sustainable transition to Net Zero Emissions by 2050. His research integrates solar, wind, and hydropower technologies with fuel cells, electrolyzers, thermoelectric materials, and advanced energy management systems to produce clean power, hydrogen, desalinated water, and efficient heating/cooling solutions. He applies multi-criteria decision-making algorithms and AI-driven predictive models to optimize energy systems across technical, economic, and environmental dimensions. Dr. Ebrahimi obtained his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering–Energy Conversion from K. N. Toosi University of Technology, where he developed a pioneering model for solar-based combined cooling, heating, and power (CCHP) systems across diverse climatic zones, leading to publications in prestigious Q1 journals such as Energy, Energy and Buildings, and the Journal of Cleaner Production, along with an Elsevier book titled Combined Cooling Heating and Power: Decision-Making, Design, and Optimization. With extensive academic and professional experience, he has made significant contributions to sustainable energy development, AI-based energy optimization, and industry-academia collaborations, serving in key leadership roles including Director of the Mechanical Engineering Department, Founder of the Energy Systems Laboratory, and member of several national technical and green management committees. His international collaboration with Dublin City University (Ireland) on the Life Cycle Assessment and Carbon Footprint of Bitcoin Mining using Trigeneration Systems advances the understanding of environmental impacts in emerging technologies. Dr. Ebrahimi’s prolific academic output encompasses numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and conference papers, emphasizing practical and policy-oriented solutions for global clean energy transitions. His academic excellence and research influence are reflected in his growing recognition, with 1,053 citations, 33 publications, and an h-index of 16, underscoring his impactful contributions to renewable energy systems and sustainable technological innovation.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate| LinkedIn

Featured Publications

1. Ebrahimi, M., & Moradpoor, I. (2016). Combined solid oxide fuel cell, micro-gas turbine and organic Rankine cycle for power generation (SOFC–MGT–ORC). Energy Conversion and Management, 116, 120–133. Cited by: 186

2. Ebrahimi, M., & Keshavarz, A. (2014). Combined cooling, heating and power: Decision-making, design and optimization. Elsevier.
Cited by: 160

3. Ebrahimi, M., & Keshavarz, A. (2013). Sizing the prime mover of a residential micro-combined cooling, heating and power (CCHP) system by multi-criteria sizing method for different climates. Energy, 54, 291–301. Cited by: 147

4. Ebrahimi, M., Keshavarz, A., & Jamali, A. (2012). Energy and exergy analyses of a micro-steam CCHP cycle for a residential building. Energy and Buildings, 45, 202–210. Cited by: 122

5. Ebrahimi, M., & Derakhshan, E. (2018). Design and evaluation of a micro combined cooling, heating, and power system based on polymer exchange membrane fuel cell and thermoelectric cooler. Energy Conversion and Management, 171, 507–517. Cited by: 84

Dr. Masood Ebrahimi’s pioneering research in renewable and hybrid energy systems advances sustainable technologies that drive the global transition toward Net Zero Emissions. His innovative integration of AI, fuel cells, and solar-driven CCHP systems supports cleaner industries, energy efficiency, and a more resilient low-carbon future for society.

Wanxuan Yao | Climate change mitigation technologies | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Green Energy Award

Dr. Wanxuan Yao | Climate change mitigation technologies | Best Researcher Award

Researcher | GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel | Germany

Dr. Ben Wanxuan Yao is an accomplished climate scientist specializing in biogeochemical modelling, carbon dioxide removal (CDR), and carbon capture and storage (CCS). His research integrates modelling, data analysis, and environmental assessment to evaluate the technical feasibility, effectiveness, and societal implications of carbon mitigation technologies. With extensive experience in developing CDR evaluation frameworks, he has advanced the global understanding of marine-based carbon removal and its integration within policy and sustainability contexts. He has led multidisciplinary research initiatives focused on site-specific CDR and CCS portfolio development, aligning scientific innovation with national and international climate goals. His work encompasses quantitative modelling of oceanic carbon and nutrient cycles, AI-based parameter calibration on high-performance computing systems, and holistic assessments of carbon sequestration techniques. His findings have been published in leading international journals, including Geophysical Research Letters, Earth’s Future, Environmental Research Letters, and Global Change Biology, providing critical insights into the environmental, economic, and ethical dimensions of marine carbon removal technologies. Beyond research, he has played a key role in facilitating collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and industry through workshops, think tanks, and conferences, strengthening the interface between science and decision-making in the field of climate solutions. His expertise in geospatial data analysis, system modelling, and sustainable innovation has positioned him as a valuable contributor to the evolving landscape of carbon management and environmental strategy. Dr. Yao’s academic excellence and research influence are reflected in his growing global recognition, with 67 citations, 8 publications, and an h-index of 5, underscoring his impactful contributions to the advancement of climate modelling and carbon removal science.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

1. Somes, C. J., Dale, A. W., Wallmann, K., Scholz, F., Yao, W., Oschlies, A., Muglia, J., & Achterberg, E. P. (2021). Constraining global marine iron sources and ligand‐mediated scavenging fluxes with GEOTRACES dissolved iron measurements in an ocean biogeochemical model. Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 35(8), e2021GB006948. Cited by: 30

2. Frenger, I., Landolfi, A., Kvale, K., Somes, C. J., Oschlies, A., Yao, W., & Koeve, W. (2024). Misconceptions of the marine biological carbon pump in a changing climate: Thinking outside the “export” box. Global Change Biology, 30(1), e17124. Cited by: 27

3. Yao, W., Kvale, K. F., Achterberg, E., Koeve, W., & Oschlies, A. (2019). Hierarchy of calibrated global models reveals improved distributions and fluxes of biogeochemical tracers in models with explicit representation of iron. Environmental Research Letters, 14(11), 114009. Cited by: 15

4. Kvale, K., Keller, D. P., Koeve, W., Meissner, K. J., Somes, C. J., Yao, W., & Oschlies, A. (2020). Explicit silicate cycling in the Kiel Marine Biogeochemistry Model, version 3 (KMBM3) embedded in the UVic ESCM version 2.9. Geoscientific Model Development Discussions, 1–46.Cited by: 10

5. Yao, W., Kvale, K. F., Koeve, W., Landolfi, A., Achterberg, E., Bertrand, E. M., & Oschlies, A. (2022). Simulated future trends in marine nitrogen fixation are sensitive to model iron implementation. Global Biogeochemical Cycles, 36(3), e2020GB006851. Cited by: 6

Dr. Wanxuan Yao’s work advances global climate solutions by integrating biogeochemical modelling with carbon removal science, enhancing the precision of Earth system projections and guiding sustainable carbon management strategies for policymakers and industry. His research bridges scientific innovation and environmental governance, driving impactful progress toward a low-carbon, resilient future.

Mahdi Jahami | Green Hydrogen | Green Hydrogen Production Award

Published on by Green Energy Award

Dr. Mahdi Jahami | Green Hydrogen | Green Hydrogen Production Award

Professor | The University of Alabama | United States

Dr. Mahdi Jahami is a dedicated researcher in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Tuscaloosa, United States, whose work focuses on renewable energy systems, sustainable hydrogen production, and life cycle assessment (LCA). His research aims to develop environmentally responsible energy conversion technologies by integrating renewable resources with innovative modeling and optimization frameworks. Dr. Jahami’s scholarly contributions emphasize reducing greenhouse gas emissions through cleaner production pathways and advancing the global transition toward a low-carbon, sustainable energy future. His notable publication, “Life cycle assessment of SMR and Electrified-SMR with renewable energy systems: Projecting emissions and optimizing hydrogen production for California’s goals,” provides a comprehensive assessment of hydrogen generation via Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) and Electrified-SMR systems powered by renewable energy. The study delivers significant insights into optimizing hydrogen production efficiency while aligning with ambitious environmental and policy objectives. With 9 citations, 1 publication, and a Scopus h-index of 1, Dr. Jahami’s research demonstrates growing academic recognition and influence in the fields of clean energy and carbon mitigation. Through collaboration with international co-authors, he applies an interdisciplinary approach combining techno-economic analysis, emissions modeling, and renewable energy integration to design efficient, sustainable hydrogen systems. Beyond academic contributions, his work holds strong societal impact by supporting global initiatives for carbon neutrality, clean technology advancement, and sustainable industrial transformation. Through rigorous research and innovation, Dr. Jahami continues to contribute to the evolution of green engineering solutions, reinforcing the vital role of hydrogen technologies in achieving net-zero emissions and driving global energy sustainability.

Profiles: Scopus | ResearchGate | LinkedIn

Featured Publications

1. Jahami, M. (2025). Life cycle assessment of SMR and Electrified-SMR with renewable energy systems: Projecting emissions and optimizing hydrogen production for California’s 2035 goals. Renewable Energy. Cited by 9.

Dr. Mahdi Jahami’s research advances the global transition toward sustainable hydrogen production and renewable energy integration, providing innovative life cycle–based solutions that reduce emissions and support carbon-neutral industrial systems. His work bridges engineering innovation and environmental responsibility, driving progress toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

Rifat Yildirim | Bioenergy | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Green Energy Award

Assist. Prof. Dr. Rifat Yildirim | Bioenergy | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor | Isparta University of Applied Sciences, Sütçüler Prof. Dr. Hasan Gürbüz Vocational School | Turkey

Assist. Prof. Dr. Rifat Yıldırım is a dedicated scholar at Isparta University of Applied Sciences, Sütçüler Prof. Dr. Hasan Gürbüz Vocational School, Türkiye, specializing in sustainable waste management, bioenergy production, and environmental biotechnology. He earned his academic qualifications with a strong foundation in environmental engineering and biotechnology, focusing on developing sustainable technologies that align with circular bioeconomy principles. Over the years, Dr. Yıldırım has gained extensive professional experience through his involvement in multiple TÜBİTAK-funded projects, including leadership roles as Principal Investigator and R&D Personnel in initiatives related to biogas production, composting systems, and biofilter development. His expertise extends to optimizing composting and anaerobic digestion processes using machine learning and multi-criteria decision-making models, which contribute to resource efficiency, carbon reduction, and energy recovery from organic wastes. Dr. Yıldırım’s research interests encompass waste-to-energy technologies, microbial ecology, environmental risk assessment, and renewable energy systems, where he applies innovative methodologies to address global sustainability challenges. His research skills include bioenergy modeling, statistical optimization, environmental monitoring, and decision-support system development, reflecting a multidisciplinary and solution-driven approach. He has published several papers in prestigious journals such as Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management, and Engineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence, advancing the scientific understanding of sustainable waste valorization. Dr. Yıldırım has also contributed to scientific literature with books (ISBN: 978-625-398-818-0, 978-625-398-826-5) and has trained students in national environmental programs. His commitment to integrating scientific innovation with sustainability goals underscores his growing prominence in environmental science and bioenergy research. Dr. Rifat Yıldırım’s academic impact is reflected in his emerging recognition with 5 citations, 4 documents, and an h-index of 2, highlighting his promising influence in sustainable bioenergy and environmental biotechnology research.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | ResearchGate

Featured Publications

1. Yıldırım, R. (2025, July 31). Analysis of composting methods for sustainable management of biodegradable waste using decision‐making techniques. Environmental Progress & Sustainable Energy, 1–14.

2. Yıldırım, R. (2025, June 17). Comparative analysis of alternatives for sustainable management of biodegradable waste. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management.

3. Yıldırım, R. (2025, January 29). Machine learning applications in biogas and methane production: A bibliometric analysis. Preprint.

4. Yıldırım, R. (2025, January 9). Bibliometric analysis of biological pretreatments in biogas processes. Polish Journal of Environmental Studies, 34(2), 1439–1443.

5. Ekinci, K., Çiftçi, F., Kumbul, B. S., Yıldırım, R., Solak, M., & Çoban, V. (2023, October). Co-fermentation of macroalga Elodea canadensis in different mixing ratios with dairy manure. Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery, 13, 14185–14192.

6. Yıldırım, R. (2023, August 21). Biyogaz üretim süreçlerinde kullanılacak en uygun risk değerlendirme metodolojisinin analitik hiyerarşi prosesi ile belirlenmesi. Niğde Ömer Halisdemir Üniversitesi Mühendislik Bilimleri Dergisi, 12, 1130–1140.

Carolina Santamarta | Carbon Neutral Technologies | Women Researcher Award

Published on by Green Energy Award

Ms. Carolina Santamarta | Carbon Neutral Technologies | Women Researcher Award

PHD student at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid | Spain

Carolina Santamarta is an accomplished industrial engineer with a diverse career spanning engineering, management, and renewable energy research. She has successfully transitioned from leading businesses in tourism, health, and education to re-engaging in advanced research within the industrial and renewable energy sectors. Her work reflects a balance between academic rigor and practical application, as she integrates her background in industrial operations with a focus on sustainable energy solutions. As a researcher, she is deeply committed to the study of renewable fuels and innovative approaches to energy generation, seeking to contribute toward global clean energy transitions. In addition to her academic pursuits, she has demonstrated strong leadership through business ownership, project management, and STEM education initiatives for children, reflecting her broader vision of contributing both to scientific progress and social development. Her adaptability, entrepreneurial mindset, and research focus make her a dynamic figure in the renewable energy field.

Professional Profile 

ORCID Profile 

Education

Carolina’s academic journey demonstrates her dedication to engineering and sustainable development. She earned her degree in Industrial Engineering at Universidad Carlos III Madrid, where she gained expertise in materials science, mechanical systems, and industrial processes. Building upon this strong foundation, she later pursued a Master’s in Renewable Energies, which allowed her to expand her knowledge into sustainable technologies such as solar, wind, and biomass energy systems. Currently, she is engaged in doctoral research in renewable fuels, an area of growing global importance. Her Ph.D. work integrates applied engineering with environmental sustainability, with the goal of advancing innovative and practical energy solutions. Throughout her education, Carolina has complemented her formal studies with hands-on use of advanced tools like Pvsyst and CHEQ4, enabling accurate modeling and evaluation of renewable energy projects. Her academic progression highlights both intellectual rigor and a clear focus on addressing real-world sustainability challenges through advanced research.

Experience

Carolina brings a wealth of professional experience that spans industrial manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and educational innovation. Early in her career, she contributed to leading industrial companies, managing machinery maintenance, manufacturing processes, and continuous improvement teams in fiberglass factories. These roles equipped her with strong technical expertise and an understanding of quality control in large-scale operations. Later, she moved into business leadership, where she managed and co-owned organizations in healthcare and tourism, overseeing budgets, human resources, and organizational strategy. Her role at Tesla Cool Lab further demonstrated her ability to connect technology with education by developing scientific and technological programs for children, fostering early interest in STEM fields. This breadth of experience reflects her ability to integrate managerial and technical expertise, balancing industrial problem-solving with entrepreneurial innovation. Her career trajectory illustrates her adaptability and her commitment to applying engineering knowledge across different industries while aligning with her growing research ambitions.

Research Interest

Carolina’s research interests lie primarily in renewable energy, with a focus on renewable fuels and their role in enabling sustainable energy transitions. She is particularly interested in developing and optimizing energy systems that integrate solar, wind, and biomass resources, with an emphasis on clean fuel technologies that can serve as viable alternatives to fossil fuels. Her work is aimed at bridging the gap between industrial-scale applications and academic innovation, seeking solutions that are not only technically efficient but also economically and environmentally viable. In addition, she is passionate about exploring tools and modeling techniques that allow accurate forecasting and evaluation of renewable energy projects, ensuring reliability and scalability. Carolina’s research vision also includes contributing to the development of community-based and decentralized energy solutions, promoting accessibility and resilience in energy systems. By aligning her technical expertise with sustainability goals, she strives to support global efforts toward climate change mitigation.

Awards and Honors

Carolina has earned recognition for her leadership and innovative contributions across different fields, blending her engineering background with business success and social engagement. Her achievements include directing successful companies in healthcare and tourism, where she demonstrated strong entrepreneurial leadership and effective resource management. Her initiative in founding Tesla Cool Lab has been widely appreciated for advancing STEM education among young learners, nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers. In the industrial sector, she has been acknowledged for her ability to lead continuous improvement processes, enhance production efficiency, and uphold high standards of quality control. These accomplishments underscore her capability to excel in diverse professional environments while maintaining a commitment to innovation and social responsibility. Her transition into advanced renewable energy research further highlights her perseverance and dedication to professional growth, reflecting an inspiring career path that combines scientific advancement with meaningful societal impact.

Research Skills

Carolina possesses a robust set of research skills that integrate her industrial background with advanced knowledge in renewable energy technologies. She is proficient in using specialized tools such as Pvsyst and CHEQ4 for solar and wind resource evaluation, alongside online platforms for assessing hydrological and renewable potential. These technical abilities enable her to conduct comprehensive analyses and design energy systems with precision. In addition to her technical expertise, she brings strong project management skills, having managed complex budgets, human resources, and continuous improvement initiatives in industrial and business contexts. Her multilingual abilities allow her to effectively collaborate on international research projects, while her leadership experience equips her to guide teams toward achieving research objectives. Carolina’s skills also extend to bridging academic research with applied practice, ensuring her work has real-world impact. This combination of analytical rigor, technical expertise, and leadership makes her well-suited for interdisciplinary renewable energy research.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Decentralized Model for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Production from Residual Biomass Gasification in Spain
Authors: Carolina Santamarta Ballesteros; David Bolonio; María-Pilar Martínez-Hernando; David León; Enrique García-Franco; María-Jesús García-Martínez
Year: 2025
Journal: Resources (Published by Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute)

Conclusion

Carolina Santamarta is a deserving candidate for the Women Researcher Award due to her unique blend of industrial engineering expertise, renewable energy research, and leadership across multiple sectors. Her commitment to advancing sustainable energy solutions, combined with her entrepreneurial drive and community-building efforts, reflects both academic promise and societal impact. With her ongoing Ph.D. research in renewable fuels and her proven capacity for leadership and innovation, she is well-positioned to make significant contributions to the renewable energy sector and inspire future generations of women in science and engineering.