Prof. Enio Pedone Bandarra Filho
Affiliation: Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Saudi Arabia
Title: Experimental Results of Nanofluids in Thermal Systems
Abstract: TBA
Bio: Dr. Bandarra Filho is currently a full professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University. He received his doctorate in Mechanical Engineering in 2002 from the University of São Paulo in Brazil. In 2007, he was a visiting professor at EPFL in Switzerland. He worked at the School of Mechanical Engineering at the Federal University of Uberlandia in Brazil and has extensive teaching experience since August 2004, teaching courses such as Thermodynamics, Thermal Systems, Heat Transfer, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning. The focus of his research is refrigeration systems and heat pumps, nanofluids applied in thermal systems, heat transfer with phase change, heat exchangers, among others. To date, he has supervised 4 postdoctoral fellows, 16 PhD students, and 21 MSc students. In terms of publications, over the last ten years, he has published more than 80 journal papers in top journals, with an H-index of 31 according to Scopus and 34 by Google Scholar, and around 3000 citations. Dr. Bandarra has been listed among the top 2% scientists in the world by Stanford University from 2020 to 2025. He has received several awards, such as the Best International Work presented at IIAR 2017 in San Antonio, USA, and Best Work at the Brazilian Refrigeration Congress in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2020, and 2022. He also received the 2023 ASHRAE–UNEP Lower GWP Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Innovation Award.
Dr Nouh Sabri Elmitwally
Affiliation: Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
Title: AI-Powered Retrofitting: Lessons from EcRoFit on Smart Energy Assessment and Sustainable Transformation
Abstract: The EcRoFit project presents an innovative approach to improving energy efficiency within the built environment by applying artificial intelligence, data analytics, and intelligent tools to modernise retrofitting practices. This keynote will explore the project’s unique methodology, its main outcomes, and the lessons learned, focusing on how AI can accelerate progress towards achieving Net Zero.
At the centre of EcRoFit lies an active learning framework designed to automate the annotation of floorplan images for energy assessment. By training on a small set of manually labelled data and progressively refining its predictions, the system has generated a high-quality dataset of 5,000 annotated floorplans. These annotations enable the creation of accurate 3D building models, which are integrated with simulation engines such as EnergyPlus to assess energy performance, carbon emissions, and retrofit options. The project has also produced a suite of intelligent tools – Smart Sketcher, Light Compass, and JESS – that simplify the transformation of 2D plans into 3D simulations. These tools incorporate environmental data and material specifications, allowing both energy assessors and non-specialists to perform reliable evaluations without the need for advanced technical expertise. In addition, EcRoFit has delivered a CPD-accredited training programme for SMEs across the architecture, construction, and property sectors, helping to enhance data literacy and promote sustainable practices. The project has received European funding and industry recognition for its innovative contribution and measurable impact. This keynote will share key insights from EcRoFit’s development and deployment, including challenges related to data quality, model training, and user engagement. It will also reflect on the wider role of AI in sustainable construction and retrofitting, presenting a vision for scalable, intelligent systems that advance climate goals and enhance quality of life.
Bio: Dr Nouh Sabri Elmitwally is a distinguished scholar in Data Science, with extensive experience across academia and industry. He holds an MSc in Computer Science from Cairo University and a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Surrey, United Kingdom (2014). Dr Elmitwally’s expertise lies in Applied Artificial Intelligence for energy-efficient systems, with research interests spanning Data Science, Big Data, Machine Learning, Deep Learning, Large Language Models, and Generative AI. He has led and contributed to numerous research studies in energy efficiency and has published widely in renowned international journals and conferences.
Dr Halil Ibrahim Yavuz
Affiliation: Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Turkey
Title: Desing of highly efficent Dye sensitized solar cell and sensor applications
Abstract: Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional silicon-based photovoltaics due to their low-cost fabrication, flexibility, and efficient performance under low-light conditions. These cells operate by utilizing a photosensitive dye to absorb sunlight and generate electrical energy through electron transfer mechanisms. Beyond their application in energy harvesting, DSSCs have recently gained attention for their potential use as self-powered sensors in various fields, including environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, and smart IoT systems. The integration of DSSCs into sensor platforms enables autonomous operation by converting ambient light into electrical signals, which can be modulated by external stimuli such as temperature, humidity, gas concentration, or biochemical interactions. This dual functionality—energy generation and sensing—makes DSSCs ideal candidates for miniaturized, low-power, and sustainable sensor networks. Recent studies have demonstrated DSSC-based sensors capable of powering machine learning algorithms under indoor lighting, paving the way for intelligent, light-driven sensing systems. This abstract explores the fundamental working principles of DSSCs, their material components (such as natural and synthetic dyes), and the mechanisms by which they can be adapted for sensing applications. It also highlights current challenges, including stability, sensitivity, and integration with electronic systems, and discusses future directions for enhancing their performance and expanding their use in real-world applications
Bio: Dr. Halil İbrahim Yavuz received his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Chemistry from Çukurova University, Adana, Türkiye. He earned his Ph.D. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara, in 2014. His academic career began in 2006 as a Research Assistant at METU, where he served for eight years. Following the completion of his doctorate, Dr. Yavuz conducted postdoctoral research at the Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Aragón (ICMA) in Zaragoza, Spain, and at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom, fostering international scientific collaborations. Between 2014 and 2015, he worked as a Research Assistant Dr. in the Department of Mining Engineering at Van Yüzüncü Yıl University. From 2015 to 2024, he held the position of Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the same institution. Concurrently, he was also affiliated with the Department of Materials Science and Nanotechnology Engineering at Yeditepe University in Istanbul. Dr. Yavuz has made significant contributions to the field of defense technologies, conducting numerous research projects focused on advanced materials and their applications in military systems. His work has supported innovation in areas such as protective coatings, lightweight armor solutions, and high-performance composites. Dr. Yavuz holds three commercialized patents and has authored numerous scientific publications, which have collectively received over 750 citations. His research interests span materials science, nanotechnology, chemistry, and engineering applications.
Dr. Muhammad Farooq
Affiliation: Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Saudi Arabia
Title: Waste to Energy : A Sustainable Environment Approach
Abstract: TBA
Bio: Dr. Muhammad Farooq is an experienced professional with more than 17 years of blended experience in research, teaching, training, industry, and project management across the globe and has visited over 30 countries for various professional activities including USA, UK, European countries, China, Pakistan, Turkey and the Gulf region. He holds PhD in Mechanical Engineering degree from Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Dr. Farooq is the author of over 150 leading international research articles and his work has been cited more than 3,900 times. He is recognized among the top 2% scientists worldwide, according to the list issued by Stanford University, USA, and Elsevier/Scopus. As an Editor, Dr. Farooq has handled more than 500 research articles for renowned journals and international conferences. He has received numerous highly competitive international grants and awards including Faculty Research Grant, NRPU HEC Research Project Award, UK Alumni Award by British Council, Best Paper Award by Institute of Engineers Pakistan, British Council Pak-UK Education Gateway Award for faculty exchange, Neilson Research Award, EU-CO2-TRIP Project funded by Marie Curie for Clean Coal Energy Generation, UK ADNET Research Grant, UK BBSRC and Faculty Development Scholarship. He has conducted various international training sessions as a resource person and frequently serves as a chair of technical sessions, conference secretary, member of technical committees, organizer, and invited keynote speaker at world-renowned international conferences, summer schools, and professional meetings related to energy systems.
Dr. Abdul-Sattar Nizami
Affiliation: Government College University (GCY), Lahore
Title: Pathways to Implementing Zero Waste and a Circular Economy in Pakistan
Abstract: A zero-waste concept is intended to valorize waste sources as renewable feedstock to recover value-added chemicals, materials, alternative fuels, and energy. This concept integrates waste treatment, resource recovery, alternative fuels, and energy generation to shift from linear, fossil-based economies to circular ones. Although traditional linear economies have resulted in rapid economic growth, they have come at the cost of increased energy demand, environmental pollution, and climate change. The Paris COP21 summit has recently set out a roadmap to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to keep global warming to ‘well below 2°C’. Like global warming, the tremendous generation of waste and its unsustainable disposal have emerged as a potential threat to our civilization. It is estimated that the current waste generation rate will triple by 2025. Traditional waste remediation methods involve removing waste from collection points and disposing of it in designated dumping sites, where waste valorization to generate energy and other value-added products is rarely performed. These sites have become a major source of GHG emissions, contributing to climate change. Nations are now focusing on treating or refining waste rather than disposing of it, striving to recover energy and value-added products from waste to achieve a circular economy. In simpler terms, using closed-loop waste bioprocessing units, the inherent net positive energy in solid, liquid, and gaseous wastes is harnessed and used as energy carriers. Despite their promising features, these individual processing technologies cannot handle the large volume of waste on a single platform and achieve the goal of zero waste. They suffer from limited efficiencies and high capital and maintenance costs. Therefore, if these waste-processing or waste-to-energy technologies were integrated through the under-one-roof concept of a waste-driven factory, a significant portion of waste could be treated using specialized techniques. At the same time, their outputs (heat, power, and fuel) could meet each other’s operating requirements. An array of products, including heat, power, fuel, and value-added chemicals, enzymes, and materials, would be available, not only to run the waste-driven factory by itself but also to support the national electric grids, vehicular gas stations, combined heat and power (CHP) units, and domestic heating and industrial furnaces. However, the overall sustainability of such waste-driven factories should be assessed using a range of tools, including life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle impact assessment (LCIA), and exergy analysis.
Bio: Dr. Abdul-Sattar Nizami has Master degree from the Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, and Ph.D. from University College Cork, Ireland. He worked at the University of Toronto, Canada as a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of Chemical Engineering & Applied Chemistry. Later, he served as an Assistant Professor and Head of Solid Waste Management Unit at the Center of Excellence in Environmental Studies of King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He is currently working as an Associate Professor at Sustainable Development Study Centre, Government College University, Lahore, Pakistan. He is top 2% Scientists Worldwide, Associate Editor in Energy & Environment (Sage – IF 3.1), Associate Editor in Frontiers in Energy Research (Frontiers, IF 4), Co-Editor-in-Chief in Elsevier Book Series on Biomass and Biofuels, Selected as Role Model by US Times Higher Education World University Rankings, and Fellow of Irish Research Stimulus Fund.
Dr. Muhammad Sultan
Affiliation: bahauddin zakariya university, Multan
Title: Sustainable temperature and humidity control systems for Pakistan
Abstract: Primary sources of energy consumption are involved in: heating, cooling, humidification, dehumidification, ventilation and/or air-conditioning (HVAC), which may be required for various applications worldwide. Currently, developing countries worldwide are facing extreme energy shortage, therefore, low-cost and energy-efficient HVAC systems are principally required. The low-cost HVAC systems are required not only for humans’ thermal comfort but also for various industrial as well as agricultural applications e.g. greenhouse air-conditioning, agricultural products’ (fruits and vegetables) storage, and animals’ (livestock) air-conditioning etc. In this regard, various innovative cooling and air-conditioning technologies have been introduced worldwide. Consequently, in this keynote speech, evaporative cooling and adsorption cooling based HVAC technologies are explored. These technologies are environmentally safe and can be simply operated by water or low-grade waste heat. The low-grade waste heat can be supplied economically by many ways e.g. solar thermal energy, natural coal, bio-gas and/or bio-mass etc. From the prospective of evaporative cooling, the speech focuses on Maisotsenko cycle (M-cycle) based evaporative cooling conception in comparison with conventional direct and indirect evaporative cooling. While adsorption cooling and desiccant air-conditioning systems are focused from the prospective of thermally driven systems. Importance of selection of refrigerant and adsorbent/desiccant is also highlighted. Based on geographic and climatic conditions of the developing countries, the role of temporal and spatial variation for the development of sustainable HVAC system is addressed.
Bio: Dr. Muhammad Sultan is an Associate Professor of Energy & Environmental Engineering at the Agricultural Engineering Department of Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan. He earned his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Agricultural Engineering with distinction from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan. Dr. Sultan completed his Ph.D. and Postdoctoral Research in Energy & Environmental Engineering at Kyushu University, Japan, where he was a recipient of the MEXT and JASSO fellowships. He furthered his expertise with Postdoctoral Research in Mechatronic Systems Engineering at Simon Fraser University, Canada, as a Canadian Queen Elizabeth Advanced Scholar. Dr. Sultan is a Research Fellow at the University of South Africa and INTI International University, Malaysia. His previous experience includes at WPI-I2CNER — International Institute for Carbon-Neutral Energy Research, Japan, and CORE, Canada. Recognized as one of the World’s Top 2% Scientists (2023 to date) by Stanford University/ Elsevier, Dr. Sultan is also ranked #1 Scientist in Pakistan in the field of Agricultural Engineering according to the AD Scientific Index Ranking (2022 to date). Additionally, he is globally placed in the Top 0.3% of Scholars and #15th Scientist in Agricultural Engineering), as per the ScholarGPS Ranking 2022 to date. He has also been honored with several awards in recognition of his outstanding research contributions. Currently, Dr. Sultan is engaged in several research projects funded by the UK Research & Innovation, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the Pakistan Higher Education Commission. He has also completed several research projects in Agricultural and Energy Engineering. His supervision portfolio includes more than 25 M.Eng. and Ph.D. thesis. Dr. Sultan has authored 210 journal articles with a cumulative impact factor of 1000+, alongside 130 conference papers, 24 book chapters, and 20 books. His research has garnered 8000+ citations, an h-index of 47, and an i10-index of 155. He serves as an editor for 20 international journals, including Nature Portfolio Journal npj Thermal Science and Engineering.
Dr Hamza Mumtaz
Affiliation: Silesian University of Technology, Gliwice, Poland.
Title: Optimizing oxidative liquefaction of end-of-life renewables for high-yield chemical recycling.
Abstract: Wind and solar energies serve as the backbone of the renewable energy sector, and the development of pervasive recycling solutions for managing their intricate composite waste streams can be a revolutionary step towards a sustainable renewable energy future. This study is cantered around the concept of producing liquid chemicals through the oxidative degradation of the existing polymer matrix in both wind turbine (WTB) and photovoltaic (PV) panels. The oxidative degradation process is executed based on a set of experimental design conditions (central composite design for WTBs and central composite + fractional factorial design for PV waste). The effect of five independent process variables, namely temperature, pressure, reaction time, waste-to-liquid ratio, and oxidant concentrations (250 – 350°C, 20 – 40 bar, 30 – 90 minutes, 5 – 25 %, and 15 – 45 % for WTBs; and 200 – 300°C, 30 bar, 45 minutes, 12.5 – 37.5 %, and 30 – 60 %), has been investigated on process output. Total polymer degradation (TPD) was calculated, and the obtained liquid fraction was analysed through gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) to identify the existing chemical fractions. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed based on the obtained results to identify the optimal reaction parameters for maximizing the yields of individual narrow fractions appearing during the oxidative liquefaction of WTBs and PV panels. This study aims to contribute significantly to the scalable, high-yield chemical recycling of end-of-life renewables.
Bio: Hamza Mumtaz is a Pakistani researcher who recently completed his Ph.D. in Poland, specializing in innovative recycling solutions for composite waste, with a particular focus on wind turbine blades and photovoltaic (PV) panels. During his doctoral studies, he published multiple research articles in prestigious journals, including Energy, Renewable Energy, Journal of Environmental Management (Elsevier), Journal of cleaner Production and Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy (Springer). He has presented his work at several international conferences and was recognized among the best Ph.D. candidates at the Silesian University of Technology, where he also served as President of the International PhD Student Council. His research combines experimental methods, and statistical optimization (e.g., ANOVA),to develop practical and sustainable solutions for the recycling of composite materials in the renewable energy sector.
Dr. Imran Zahid
Affiliation: Government College University Faisalabad
Title: Thermal Analysis of Mini Heat sinks Using Nano-Enhanced Phase Change Materials (NePCM)
Abstract: In the present modern world, the use of electronic devices is extensively increasing for different applications, where the thermal management of these devices is still a critical challenge due to rapid miniaturization, high heat flux and constantly rising temperature. Phase change materials (PCMs) based thermal management is adopted, but the low thermal conductivity limits their use in temperature-controlled electronic devices. Nano-enhanced phase change materials (NePCMs) can improve the heat transfer rate, decrease the temperature, and increase the operating time of the electronic device. The present study compares the thermal performances of three different heat sinks (simple, circular pin finned and copper foam) with NePCM (RT54HC/Al2O3) and varying Al2O3 nanoparticles concentrations (0.15-0.25 wt%) and heat fluxes (0.98-2.94 kW/m2) to optimize the overall device performance. The results show that at a heat flux of 0.98 kW/m2 and 0.25 wt% of Al2O3 nanoparticles (NPs), the base temperature of simple, circular pin finned and Cu foam heat sink was reduced by 21.3%, 25.03%, and 36.2%, respectively, compared to the empty simple heat sink. The heat sink with Cu foam has better thermal performance than the heat sinks without Cu foam. Accordingly, NePCMs are highly recommended in electronic devices for an optimized thermal management system.
Bio: Dr. Imran Zahid joined GCUF as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, where he serves also as the PG Coordinator of MS Program, Academic Coordinator and Industrial Liaison Officer, fostering academia–industry collaborations, internships and professional linkages. With a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from University of Engineering and Technology Lahore (UET Lahore), his doctoral work addressed “Nano-enhanced phase change materials for cooling of electronic components”. He serves as a reviewer for several reputed Elsevier journals. At GCUF he has led and contributed to research on various configurations of heat sink paired with nano-enhanced phase change materials (NePCM) across varying nanoparticle concentrations and heating powers. His current research portfolio expands into composite materials, specifically investigating hybrid glass–carbon–Kevlar fiber composites for mechanical and thermal performance in lightweight automotive applications. Dr Zahid has authored multiple peer-reviewed SCI-indexed journal articles, and contributed two book chapters, with strong expertise in XRD, TGA, BET surface area analysis, and SEM/EDX characterization. A self-motivated and adaptable educator, he leverages his industrial outreach role to integrate student internships, and collaborative opportunities into the curriculum.
Dr. Nadeem Sarwar
Affiliation: Bahria University
Title: Sustainable AI: Intelligent Computation with Purpose, Precision, and Efficiency
Abstract:Artificial Intelligence is transforming industries, yet its growing computational demands raise serious concerns about energy consumption and sustainability. This talk presents a vision for Sustainable AI, where intelligence is designed not just for performance but for efficiency, responsibility, and environmental awareness. It explores how Green Computing, Edge Intelligence, and refined prompt engineering can collectively reduce carbon footprints and optimize resource utilization. By leveraging energy-efficient algorithms, edge processing, and meaningful interaction with large language models (LLMs), we can achieve smarter and greener computation. Drawing from recent research and applications in machine learning, IoT, and energy optimization, this keynote emphasizes that the future of intelligent systems lies in computation that is not only powerful but also purpose-driven, precise, and sustainable.
Bio: Dr. Nadeem Sarwar is a distinguished researcher and academic specializing in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, IoT, and Energy-Efficient Computing. He has authored over 70 research papers in reputed international journals including IEEE Access, Sensors, and Computers, Materials & Continua. Recognized for his outstanding academic and research excellence, he has received multiple International and National institutional Awards. An IEEE Senior Member, Dr. Sarwar serves as Commission Editor for the International Journal of Telemedicine and Applications and holds editorial positions in leading journals such as Security and Communication Networks, IET Software, and Journal of Healthcare Engineering. He is also a reviewer for prominent journals by IEEE, Elsevier, Springer, ACM, and MDPI, and a Leading Guest Editor for several international special issues. He is a proud member of the Cavite Association of Research Educators – Cross Cultural Fellowship and Engagement, Philippines, promoting global collaboration and sustainable innovation in intelligent computin
Dr.Izza Anwer
Affiliation: University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore
Title: Smart Transport, Cooler Planet: Advancing Energy Efficient Practices
Abstract: The future of mobility lies in smarter, cleaner, and more energy-efficient transport systems. This talk highlights how innovations in electric mobility, intelligent transport systems, and renewable-powered infrastructure can drive climate-friendly transformation. By combining technology, policy, and behavioral change, we can significantly reduce energy consumption and emissions while improving accessibility and system performance. The session will explore real-world strategies and forwardlooking solutions that position smart transport as a key enabler of a cooler, more sustainable plane.
Bio: Engr. Dr. Izza Anwer, Associate Professor and Director of Transportation Informatics at the Department of Transportation Engineering and Management, University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, Pakistan, holds a PhD in Transportation Engineering from the University of Leeds, UK, along with B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Transportation Engineering from UET Lahore. She is a Global Member of the Institute of Transportation Engineers (USA), a registered Professional Engineer with the Pakistan Engineering Council, and a certified Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK), with 19 years of proven expertise in transportation engineering across teaching, research, and consultancy, substantiated by a distinguished publication record in high impact peer-reviewed journals and top-tier international conferences held in the UK, USA, Canada, France, Pakistan, Japan, and Spain. She is a recognized authority in transportation engineering, planning, management, policy, and practice, with expertise spanning emerging smart mobility and technologies including electric and autonomous vehicles.
Dr. Faisal Saleem
Affiliation: University of Engineering and Technology, Faisalabad Campus
Title: Integration of Solar Hydrogen Co-Feeding for Emission and Smog Reduction in Industrial Heating and Combustion Systems in Pakistan.
Abstract: Pakistan faces severe air pollution and recurring smog, particularly in industrial and urban regions, where emissions from fuel-based heating systems have contributed significantly to the problem. These systems, which commonly rely on coal, biomass, and other carbon-intensive fuels, release substantial particulate matter, ash, and toxic gaseous pollutants that deteriorate air quality and pose serious health and environmental threats. This approach proposes the integration of solar-powered hydrogen co-feeding into industrial heating units as a sustainable approach to reduce emissions and ash formation. By partially replacing conventional fuels with clean hydrogen generated through solar-powered electrolysis, the combustion process becomes cleaner and more efficient, resulting in lower toxic and particulate emissions. The proposed system not only enhances combustion efficiency but also contributes to Pakistan’s transition toward renewable and low-carbon industrial operations. This hybrid solar-hydrogen strategy offers a viable technological pathway to address Pakistan’s pressing smog and air pollution challenges while promoting industrial sustainability and alignment with global net-zero emission goals.
Bio: Dr. Faisal Saleem is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemical and Polymer Engineering at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore, Faisalabad Campus. He earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Newcastle University, UK, where his research focused on the treatment of biomass gasification tars using non-thermal plasmas. Dr. Saleem has also completed his M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from UET Lahore, Pakistan. With over 16 years of academic and research experience, Dr. Saleem has contributed extensively to the fields of process intensification, hydrogen production, CO₂ utilization, and volatile organic compound (VOC) removal. He has published more than 47 papers in high-impact international journals and actively collaborates with international research groups, including Newcastle University’s Process Intensification Group. He has secured over PKR 35 million in research funding and led the establishment of UET’s Ph.D. program in chemical engineering. Dr. Saleem is also a peer reviewer for several 4-star journals and a senior member of the International Association for Carbon Capture. His research continues to focus on renewable energy technologies, plasma-assisted pollutant removal, and sustainable hydrogen production for net-zero emission systems.
Dr. Muhammad Tayyab
Affiliation: The University of Lahore
Title: Experimental Analyses for Developing Organic Waste Biorefinery Model in Pakistan to achieve Sustainable Development Goals.
Abstract: The growing demand for sustainable waste-to-energy (WtE) technologies stems from the depletion of fossil fuels and environmental degradation. This study focuses on integrating bio-waste-based energy production within an organic biorefinery framework, emphasizing cotton stalks as a valuable biomass due to their high cellulose content. A multi-phase demineralization process and modified thermochemical conversion (pyrolysis and combustion) were applied to acid-treated cotton stalks under varying heating and flow rates. Analytical results revealed a clear rise in fixed carbon and calorific value, accompanied by a noticeable reduction in carbon footprint. Thermal and structural analyses indicated improved crystallinity, reduced reactivity and activation energy, and an increase in pore size and uniform elemental distribution after demineralization. Overall, the optimized process parameters enhanced biomass conversion efficiency, demonstrating a promising approach for clean energy generation. This research supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7, 12, and 13 by promoting renewable energy utilization and environmental sustainability.
Bio: Dr. Tayyab Qureshi is a dedicated academic and researcher who has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in both professional and scholarly pursuits. He earned his PhD in Mechanical Engineering while simultaneously maintaining a full-time professional role, exemplifying his exceptional discipline and perseverance. His research focuses on biomass pretreatment and sustainable biofuel production, contributing valuable insights toward achieving global sustainability goals. Dr. Qureshi has authored multiple high-impact-factor publications in W-category journals, reflecting the quality and significance of his scientific contributions. He has actively presented his research at national and international conferences, where his work has been well received by the academic community. In addition to his scientific achievements, he co-authored the book Tameer-e-Watan Ke Rahain, enriching the discourse on national development and progress. He is also a member of the Energy, Environment, and Sustainability Research Group, where he collaborates on projects aimed at promoting renewable energy solutions and sustainable technological development. Known for his professionalism and ability to manage diverse responsibilities effectively, Dr. Qureshi continues to advance knowledge, promote sustainable development, and inspire excellence in academia. Beyond his academic engagements, he is also an active member of the Defence Residential Association, contributing to community welfare and development initiatives.