The Hybrid Renewable Energy Research Group aims to identify national challenges related to energy generation and its applications. It further extends efforts to provide innovative solutions through extensive long-term and short-term research and development projects. These projects are intended to promote and increase market penetration of new and emerging renewable energy technologies. The group is comprised of a team of expert faculty members and researchers specialized in different areas. The research cluster is focusing on the following areas:

• Integrated and hybrid renewable energy systems for power, cooling, and heating applications.
• Hybrid renewable energy systems for hydrogen and ammonia production.
• Hybrid renewable energy systems for desalination and water treatment.
• Hybrid renewable energy systems for other applications (agriculture, and military etc.)
• Renewable energy systems performance assessment under harsh weather conditions (dust, UV, temperature, relative humidity, etc.)
• Optimization of renewable energy systems operation and maintenance through innovative approaches to adopt the local weather conditions (cleaning and operation).
• Wind power resources assessment based on existing historical long-term meteorological records for both onshore and offshore locations
• Wind power resources assessment through measurement campaign using wind masts of 40 to 120 m or higher and LiDARS
• Linear Fresnel solar thermal system for performance evaluation of Indirect-Direct-Evaporative-Cooling (IDEC) Systems.
• Long-term performance evaluation of concentrated solar power and photovoltaic technologies exposed to harsh local environment with aim of modifying/adopting the IEC standards
• Wind turbine blade surface abrasion protective materials against sand storms.
  

Objectives:

 The group has the following aims:

• To achieve a research breakthrough from among the above-mentioned topics which could lead to Kingdom’s development and contribute towards Saudi Vision 2030.
• To promote strategic cooperation between KFUPM and energy industries  
• To participate in students training and human capacity building in the area of renewable energy.

Services

• Serves clients in all major renewable energy sectors and integration including solar energy, energy storage & conversion, and energy efficiency & conservation.
• Helps clients address critical challenges and execute initiatives designed to further their strategic objectives and deliver value for their shareholders.
• Publishes latest research and conduct up-to-date critical analysis regularly that helps our clients understand the ever-evolving renewable energy marketplace.
• Provide frameworks for both practical and visionary solutions.
• Offers several high-quality seminars, workshops, and conferences addressing major renewable energy issues.
• Advisory helps clients manage strategic, financial, operational, technological, and regulatory risk to maximize enterprise value, helping them move forward with confidence.

Research Members:

For any further contact please communicate with Dr. Shafiqur Rehman; Email: srehman@kfupm.edu.sa ; Tel: 00966138603802