Alex Tro-Cabrera | Energy Engineering | Best Researcher Award

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Mr Alex Tro-Cabrera | Energy Engineering | Best Researcher Award

PhD Student, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Spain

Alex Tro-Cabrera is a researcher in training at the Universidad del País Vasco (UPV/EHU) in the Department of Electronic Technology. He holds a degree in Renewable Energy Engineering (2021) and a master’s in Energy Efficiency and Sustainability (2022). His doctoral research, under the EHUkhi project, focuses on photovoltaic potential in buildings, community energy models, and sustainability financing. He has worked at the Instituto de Ingeniería Energética (UPV) and DEBEGESA, contributing to thermal energy systems and microgrid feasibility studies. He is a member of EKOPOL, a multidisciplinary research group on political economy and ecology.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

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STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARD

  1. Strong Academic Background
    Alex Tro-Cabrera holds a Master’s in Research in Energy Efficiency and Sustainability from the University of the Basque Country (EHU/UPV) and a Bachelor’s in Renewable Energy Engineering from the same institution. His academic progression demonstrates a clear focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.
  2. Active Research Contributions
    He is currently a doctoral researcher in Electronic Technology at the University of the Basque Country and is part of the EKOPOL research group, recognized by the Basque Government. His work focuses on photovoltaic integration in buildings, energy communities, and sustainability impacts, aligning well with modern energy transition challenges.
  3. Publications in High-Impact Journals
    • “A methodology for assessing rooftop solar photovoltaic potential using GIS open-source software and the EROI constraint” (Energy and Buildings, 2025)
    • “Energy rehabilitation of a construction quality control laboratory” (Engineering Thermodynamics Conference, 2022)
    • “Optimización de la instalación PV del LCCE” (2022, Universidad del País Vasco)
      These works highlight his expertise in GIS-based solar energy assessments, photovoltaic optimization, and building energy efficiency, demonstrating both theoretical and applied research impact.
  4. Industry & Professional Experience
    • Worked at the Instituto de Ingeniería Energética (Universitat Politècnica de València) as a Thermal Lab Technician (2017).
    • Interned at DEBEGESA, analyzing microgrid viability (2019).
      His past industry experience, coupled with his academic research, makes him a well-rounded candidate for the award.
  5. Research Funding and Recognition
    He is funded by the Eusko Jaurlaritza’s Programa Investigo (2022-2024), which supports outstanding early-career researchers. His involvement in a government-backed project (EHUkhi) further solidifies his research credibility.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

  • Broader International Exposure: While he has strong regional recognition, increased collaboration with international research institutions or projects would strengthen his global impact.
  • Diversification of Research Publications: Expanding publications in high-impact international journals and participating in leading global conferences could enhance his academic profile.

EDUCATION 🎓

  • Máster en Investigación en Eficiencia Energética y Sostenibilidad – Universidad del País Vasco (2022)
  • Grado en Ingeniería de Energías Renovables – Universidad del País Vasco (2021)
  • Técnico Superior en Energías Renovables – CIPFP Catarroja (2017)

EXPERIENCE 🏆

  • Investigador predoctoral – Universidad del País Vasco (2022–Present)
  • Investigador en prácticas – DEBEGESA (2019)
  • Técnico Superior en Investigación – Instituto de Ingeniería Energética, UPV (2017)

AWARDS AND HONORS 🏅

  • Programa Investigo – Eusko Jaurlaritza (2022–2024)

RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

  • Renewable Energy – Photovoltaics, Micro-wind, Biomass
  • Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) – Environmental and social impacts
  • Energy Communities – Collective self-consumption models
  • Sustainability & Ecologism – Green energy transitions

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES 📄

  • A methodology for assessing rooftop solar photovoltaic potential using GIS open-source software and the EROI constraint – Energy and Buildings (2025)
  • Optimización de la instalación PV del LCCE – Universidad del País Vasco (2022)
  • Energy rehabilitation of a construction quality control laboratory – Conference on Engineering Thermodynamics (2022)

CONCLUSION

Alex Tro-Cabrera is an outstanding researcher in renewable energy, photovoltaics, and energy sustainability. His combination of academic excellence, impactful research, practical experience, and government-backed projects makes him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. With further international collaborations and diversified high-impact publications, he can establish himself as a leading expert in sustainable energy solutions.

Zakaria OUAOUJA | Sustainable Thermal Energy Storage | Best Researcher Award

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Mr Zakaria OUAOUJA | Sustainable Thermal Energy Storage | Best Researcher Award

PhD, ONIRIS VetAgroBio, France

Zakaria Ouaouja is a dedicated researcher specializing in energy optimization and phase change materials (PCMs) for cold thermal energy storage and energy-efficient building systems. Currently pursuing a PhD in Engineering and Systems Sciences at ONIRIS VetAgroBio Nantes Atlantique in France, Zakaria’s work focuses on integrating PCMs into cold storage applications to enhance energy efficiency. With a Master’s degree in Advanced Materials and Renewable Energies, he has contributed significantly to the development of PCM solutions for sustainable energy practices. His research includes numerically analyzing the energy impact of PCM integration in buildings and reviewing bio-based PCM alternatives. Zakaria’s commitment to advancing energy solutions is demonstrated through various publications and ongoing projects in renewable energy and thermal management.

PROFESSIONAL PROFILE

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STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARDS

Zakaria Ouaouja’s research stands out in several key areas, particularly in the innovative integration of phase change materials (PCMs) for energy optimization in cold storage and building systems. His focus on PCM for energy storage, coupled with his work on bio-based alternatives, addresses both environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. Zakaria’s ability to collaborate with experts across disciplines is evident in his publications, such as those in the Journal of Energy Storage and Journal of Atomic, Molecular, Condensed Matter and Nano Physics. His research has significant practical implications, offering solutions for reducing energy consumption in refrigeration and building systems, crucial for advancing renewable energy technologies. His academic trajectory, from his Master’s to his current PhD, and his presence at international conferences further underline his dedication and expertise in the field.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENTS

While Zakaria has shown commendable promise in his research contributions, there are areas where further development could enhance his profile for the Best Researcher Award. Expanding the scope of his research to include more real-world applications or pilot projects of PCM integration would provide a stronger demonstration of the impact of his work. Collaborating with industry professionals to implement his findings in actual energy systems could solidify his standing in both academia and industry. Additionally, increasing the frequency of high-impact publications and seeking more interdisciplinary collaborations could elevate the visibility and impact of his research.

EDUCATION

Zakaria Ouaouja is currently pursuing a PhD in Engineering and Systems Sciences (2022 – Present) at ONIRIS VetAgroBio Nantes Atlantique, Nantes, France. His research centers on “Energy optimization of cold rooms through integration of phase change material.” Prior to his PhD, he earned a Master’s degree in Advanced Materials and Renewable Energies (2019) from Moulay Ismail University, Meknes, Morocco. His Master’s thesis was titled “Phase Change Materials: Towards energy efficiency in buildings, a parametric study.” Zakaria also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Fundamental Physics from the same university (2013–2017). His academic journey demonstrates his strong foundation in renewable energy, advanced materials, and energy-efficient technologies.

EXPERIENCE

Zakaria Ouaouja has gained extensive experience in the field of energy optimization and phase change materials (PCMs). His current PhD research focuses on optimizing cold room energy systems through the integration of PCMs. Prior to this, he worked on various projects related to the application of PCMs in building energy efficiency during his Master’s studies. His work involves theoretical analysis, numerical modeling, and practical applications of energy-saving materials. Zakaria’s research also includes the review of bio-based PCMs as alternatives to conventional materials in thermal energy storage applications. His collaborations with leading experts and contributions to various conferences and publications demonstrate his proficiency in applying advanced materials and renewable energy solutions to real-world problems.

AWARDS AND HONORS

Zakaria Ouaouja has received recognition for his outstanding contributions to the field of energy optimization and renewable materials. He has been recognized for his innovative research on phase change materials and energy efficiency. His work has led to multiple publication opportunities in high-impact journals, such as the Journal of Energy Storage and Journal of Atomic, Molecular, Condensed Matter and Nano Physics. He has also been invited to present at international conferences, showcasing his research on energy-efficient technologies and PCM applications. Zakaria’s dedication to research excellence continues to earn him accolades and opportunities to collaborate with global experts in sustainable energy solutions.

RESEARCH FOCUS

Zakaria Ouaouja’s research focuses on the integration of phase change materials (PCMs) for energy optimization in cold storage and building systems. His PhD research aims to enhance the energy efficiency of cold rooms by integrating PCMs, while his Master’s thesis explored PCM applications for improving energy efficiency in buildings. Zakaria also investigates bio-based alternatives to conventional PCMs, contributing to the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly materials for thermal energy storage. His work is central to advancing the practical use of renewable energy materials in the fields of energy storage, refrigeration, and building energy optimization, offering innovative solutions for global energy challenges.

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES

  1. “Phase Change Materials for Cold Thermal Energy Storage Applications: A Critical Review of Conventional Materials and the Potential of Bio-based Alternatives.” Journal of Energy Storage, 2025. 🌱💡
  2. “Inverse Method for Estimating Thermal Properties of Phase Change Material Using Levenberg-Marquardt Method.” 4th International Conference on Innovative Research in Applied Science, Engineering, and Technology (IRASET), 2024. 🔍📊
  3. “Energy Efficiency in Buildings: Numerical Study of the Impact of Integrating Phase Change Materials Into the Walls.” Journal of Atomic, Molecular, Condensed Matter and Nano Physics, 2020. 🏢🌡

CONCLUSION

Zakaria Ouaouja is a promising researcher with a clear commitment to solving energy efficiency challenges through phase change materials. His research contributions, particularly in bio-based PCM alternatives, have the potential to shape the future of energy storage and building systems. While there are opportunities for broader application and visibility, his current achievements demonstrate his strong candidacy for the Best Researcher Award. His innovative approach to sustainable energy solutions, coupled with a strong academic foundation, places him on a trajectory toward continued success and recognition in the field.