Message from the Director

Professor Stratos Pistikopoulos

With the start of the new academic year just around the corner, we are all looking forward to welcoming back our students with fresh targets towards new educational and research endeavors and milestones. The Texas A&M Energy Institute’s Master of Science in Energy program provides a unique blend of courses covering the entire spectrum of the energy landscape - from science and technology, law and policy, business and entrepreneurship perspectives, with the aim to create the next generation of leaders in the fast evolving energy space.

The summer season with the extreme weather conditions that we have witnessed re-intensified the need for ensuring that our energy, power and water systems are resilient and sustainable. Managing efficiently and effectively our energy, water, and food resources is a research theme that the Texas A&M Energy Institute has been championing for many years, and is becoming even more relevant given the global supply chain challenges in the context of energy transition, the circular economy and beyond.

During the new academic year, the Texas A&M Energy Institute is launching new inter-disciplinary programs on solar materials circularity, harmful refrigerants reclaiming, desalination and global power system transformation, and the unique research, business, and societal opportunities that arise. Our 2024-2025 Distinguished Seminar Series in Energy will feature eminent industrial and academic leaders – and in December we are excited to celebrate our 15 year anniversary with a special event. All these and many more covered in this second volume of our newsletter, the Energizer. Enjoy reading it!

Texas A&M Faculty Highlight

Dr. Bruce McCarl

Harvesting Hope: The Role of Agriculture in Tackling Climate Change

By Emily Velez and Aubree Smith

In an era marked by climate change and the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions, agriculture provides environmentally safe resources and significant opportunities for economic growth. Nobel Laureate Dr. Bruce McCarl, Texas Agrilife Senior Fellow, Regents Professor and University Distinguished Professor of Agricultural Economics at Texas A&M University, and Texas A&M Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate, is a pre-eminent Texas A&M University faculty member investigating policy, economic analysis and agricultural-based strategies to mitigate the effects of climate change through the utilization of agriculture management strategies such as producing feedstocks for biofuels and capturing carbon in agricultural soils.

“Climate change is a complex issue with effects on what we produce and how we live. It raises a need to adapt to limit effects and exploit opportunities, and a need to mitigate the future extent through greenhouse gas management.” ~Dr. Bruce McCarl

As an internationally recognized agricultural economist, Dr. McCarl has made significant contributions to agriculture, climate change, and environmental economics. In 2007, Dr. McCarl was part of the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change team that received the Nobel Peace Prize for laying the foundation on measures required to allay further climate change. Throughout his career, he has been involved in more than $100 million in research projects. His models have been adopted by U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Join the Texas A&M Energy Institute
Faculty Affiliate Network

Elevate your impact in the energy sector by becoming a part of the Texas A&M Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate network. If you are a research faculty member at Texas A&M with a passion for energy research, we invite you to apply and collaborate with leading experts to shape the future of energy innovation. Apply today!

Energy Institute Inernational Partnerships

Energy Institute: Navigating the Global Energy Transition Through Local Solutions and International Collaborations

Energy transition presents a complex challenge that transcends national borders, demanding a concerted effort from nations worldwide. While the overarching goal is clear—moving towards sustainable, low-carbon energy systems—the pathways to achieve this are highly localized, shaped by unique socio-economic, environmental, geographic, and political contexts.

Solutions that work in one region may be unsuitable in another, highlighting the necessity for context-specific approaches that consider local resources, capacities, and priorities. This localization is essential to address the diverse challenges faced by different regions, from energy poverty and access in developing countries to decarbonizing heavily industrialized economies. However, despite these differences, the global nature of the energy transition necessitates robust international collaboration and knowledge exchange. Sharing best practices, technological innovations, and policy frameworks across borders can accelerate progress by enabling countries to learn from each other’s successes and challenges.

International partnerships facilitate the transfer of technology and expertise, making strong international networks essential for ensuring that the energy transition is inclusive, equitable, and effective worldwide. By fostering a culture of shared learning and cooperation, we can better navigate the complexities of the energy transition, ensuring that solutions are not only locally relevant but also globally informed and impactful.

The Texas A&M Energy Institute is working with national and international partners to address key aspects of the energy transition through research, outreach, and education with a focus on the following areas:

• Societal Aspects of Energy Transition
• Sustainable Water, Energy, and Food Resources
• Modeling Global Energy Resources Energy Systems
• Supporting the Energy Transition
• Educating and Training the Energy Workforce

Societal Aspects of the Energy Transition

The energy transition represents a global technological change centered on the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. When viewed solely through a technology perspective, envisioning the future energy landscape could leave out considerations around the techno-socio-environmental impacts of that necessary energy transition – notably what would or could lead to overall benefits in climate impacts and clean energy delivery for vulnerable communities. As communities navigate this transition, they face specific challenges related to energy resilience.

Human-centered solutions for building community resilience during the energy transition are needed, including diversifying energy sources, encouraging community-based energy projects, implementing energy-saving measures, developing energy resilience plans, preparing for emergencies, and fostering social cohesion.

Learn about projects in Greece, Guatemala, Italy, South Africa, and Brazil where the Texas A&M Energy Institutehelps to address societal aspects of energy transition.

Greece

METAVASIS: Fostering a Just Energy Transition Through International Collaboration

By Emily Velez

The Texas A&M Energy Institute and the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) are partnering on the Mobility for Energy Transition Awareness to Bring About Societal Impacts (METAVASIS) project that is supported by the U.S. Embassy in Athens. Led by Principal Investigator Dr. Konstantinos Pappas, Assistant Director of the Texas A&M Energy Institute, and supported by Co-Principal Investigator Prof. George Papadakis, Professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Agricultural Engineering at AUA, the project seeks to improve students’ understanding of the economic, social, and environmental impacts of a rapid energy transition in vulnerable communities and marginalized regions in Greece and Texas through student mobility and educational enhancement activities.

Collaborative agreement signed with the Agricultural University of Athens

The METAVASIS project became the catalyst for further collaboration between Texas A&M University and Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) to build educational, and research activities between Texas A&M and the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) on a broader international level.

In February 2024, the AUA Vice Rector of Research, Finance, and Development, Dr. Thomas Bartzanas, visited College Station and Texas A&M University, and together with Prof. George Papadakis, participated in meetings between academic and research units to foster collaborations and synergies between AUA and the Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture and Development, Texas A&M Innovation, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

The meeting concluded with the signature of a Memorandum of Understanding between Texas A&M University, AgriLife, Energy Institute, and AUA, which sets the basis to create the synergistic link for common educational, training and research activities

Bridging Continents for a Sustainable Future: METAVASIS Workshop in Athens

A pivotal step towards a greener tomorrow unfolded in Athens on June 20-21, 2024 as the Agricultural University of Athens (AUA) hosted the Mobility for Energy Transition Awareness to Bring About Societal Impacts (METAVASIS) Program Workshop, Bridging Continents for Sustainable Solutions. This event marked a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Texas A&M University and its Greek counterpart.

High-level dignitaries, including the AUA Rector, Dr. Spyridon Kintzios, and the U.S. Ambassador to Athens, Mr. George Tsunis, graced the occasion. Their presence underscored the importance of this transatlantic partnership. Dr. Konstantinos Pappas, Assistant Director of the Texas A&M Energy Institute, and Prof. George Papadakis, Professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Agricultural Engineering at AUA, shed light on the METAVASIS project's remarkable achievements.

Texas A&M Energy Institute Expert Shares Insights at Greek Business Summit

Dr. Konstantinos Pappas, Assistant Director of the Texas A&M Energy Institute, recently made significant contributions to the Annual General Assembly Meeting of the Union of Hellenic Chambers of Commerce, held at the Chamber of Corinth July 5-6, 2024. This high-level gathering brought together prominent figures from the Greek government, business community, and academia to address critical issues facing the nation's economy. A central theme of the conference was the urgent need for energy transition and sustainable business practices.

Guatemala

Beyond Borders: Climate-Driven Migration in Guatemala

By Emily Velez and Aubree Smith

Guatemala faces the cascading effects of climate change that is exerting pressure on its populations, compelling its people to migrate in search of economic stability. Project lead Dr. Silva Hamie, Instructional Associate Professor in the Department of International Affairs and Assistant Director for Energy Policy at the Texas A&M Energy Institute, and seven Master’s students visited vulnerable communities in Guatemala with high rates of climate-related displacement for a capstone project entitled The Role of NGOs and Governments on Climate-Induced Migration in Guatemala. The team assessed community approaches for disaster risk reduction to assist inadaptation strategies for sudden and slow-onset disasters.

Italy

Texas A&M Experts Lead in Tackling Global Crises and Resource Security at NATO Workshop

Security Enhancement for Climate Changes impacting Urban Resources (SECCURe)

A critical gathering of 39 leading scientists from 12 NATO- and NATO-partner nations convened in Rome July 9- July 12, 2024, to address the escalating security threats posed by the interconnected challenges of climate change, population growth, and geopolitical instability on water, energy, food security, and human mobility. Organized by Dr. Carlo Pastore, Senior Researcher at the Water Research Institute of the Italian Research Council (IRSA-CNR), the NATO-funded Advanced Research Workshop, entitled Security Enhancement for Climate Changes impacting Urban Resources – SECCURe, examined the complex interplay of these resources, recognizing their critical role in supporting livelihoods and driving economic growth.

Texas A&M University contributed significantly to the scientific dialogue of the workshop through the participation of co-event organizer Dr. Konstantinos Pappas, Assistant Director of the Texas A&M Energy Institute; and Prof. Rabi Mohtar, Professor in the Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering and the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, as well as a Senior Advisor for Resource Nexus in the Texas A&M Energy Institute.

Disclaimer: The observations and recommendations made at the Workshop and presented in this article reflect those of participants and contributors only, and they should not necessarily be regarded as reflecting NATO views or policy.

South Africa

Strength in Partnership: A Virtual Series on a Just Energy Transition in South Africa

By Marco De Sousa

The Texas International Education Consortium (TIEC) in partnership with Universities South Africa (USAf) launched a five-part virtual series as part of the Strength In Partnership: Adapting to Climate Solutions and Implementing a Just Green Energy Transition and Expanding Cooperation in Higher Education and Vocational Training Program funded by the U.S. Embassy in Pretoria, South Africa. The goals focus on a Just Energy Transition in South Africa, promoting cross-cultural collaboration across U.S. and South African institutions to develop innovative action plans for the energy transition, foster international partnership for climate solutions, and engage and uplift communities’ education and skills development. Throughout this series, 40 participants from cross-disciplinary departments of TIEC and USAf member institutions were involved. Included were Texas A&M Energy Institute staff Dr. Konstantinos Pappas, Assistant Director; Dr. Bassel Daher, Research Scientist; Mr. Jeff Sammons, Executive Associate Director; and Marco De Sousa, doctoral student.

TIEC is organizing a visit to Texas A&M University and the University of Houston in mid- September 2024 to continue collaborative activities across USAf member institutions.

Brazil

Texas A&M Partnership with University of São Paulo on energy research

The Texas A&M Energy Institute is working closely with departments across campus to build an international collaboration with the University of São Paulo (USP) in Brazil. USP is currently engaged in research with Texas A&M University through the Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Innovation, a world center for advanced studies on the energy transition, sustainable use of natural gas, biogas and hydrogen, and the management, transport, storage and usage of carbon dioxide. Hosted at USP, the center is the result of partnerships between Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) and private companies. The Texas A&M Energy Institute continues engagement with USP partners to grow the partnership between the universities on offshore energy, energy transition, and carbon storage and usage research.

Sustainable Water, Energy, and Food Resources

The interconnectedness of water, energy, and food systems is critical for sustainable development. As global population grows and living standards improve, demands for these resources increase. However, serious challenges persist. According to the World Health Organization (2023), approximately 2 billion people around the world lack access to safe drinking water, and over 800 million suffer from undernourishment. Additionally, 760 million people lack electricity access (International Energy Agency, 2022). Agriculture, industry, and food supply chains are deeply intertwined, necessitating an integrated approach. Climate change exacerbates these challenges, impacting water availability, energy generation, and food production.

Learn about global projects in Jordan where the Texas A&M Energy Institute is supporting international adaptation strategies to address the impacts related to food, energy, and water interdependencies.

Jordan

Launch of Global Center on Climate Change and Water Energy Food Health System in Jordan

The Global Center on Climate Change, Water, Energy, Food and Health Systems (WEFH) consortium is funded by National Institutes of Health and led by Wael Al-Delaimy, M.D., Ph.D., University of California San Diego Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health. The consortium includes 30 scientists from Texas A&M University, the University of California San Diego, University of California in San Francisco, University of Jordan, Hashemite University, The Royal Science Society in Jordan, and six Jordanian community organizations to target rural and refugee communities in the most water-deprived areas of Jordan.

The WEFH team lead for Texas A&M University is Prof. Rabi Mohtar, Professor in the Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering and the Zachry Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, as well as a Senior Advisor for Resource Nexus in the Texas A&M Energy Institute. As the founder of the Texas A&M Water-Energy-Food Nexus Initiative, Prof. Mohtar expands the initiative to include human health outcomes. Through WEFH, Prof. Mohtar and Texas A&M University collaborators will help develop evidence-based approaches to address the impacts of climate change in vulnerable communities in Jordan by providing safe drinking and cooking water in ways that can be scaled up globally.

As part of the WEFH Summer Program that took place in Amman, Jordan, from July 14-16, 2024, Prof. Mohtar; Dr. Bassel Daher, Research Scientist at the Texas A&M Energy Institute; and doctoral student Mr. Rashed Batayneh conducted an interactive training and engagement workshop on the Water-Energy-Food-Health Nexus, and Dr. Konstantinos Pappas, Assistant Director of the Texas A&M Energy Institute, coordinated a session on the presentation of the Pilot Grants awarded during the 1st Cycle of the Program. Team members also visited the Zaatari refugee camp.

Webinar Series: Building Nexus Resilience

Dr. Bassel Daher, Research Scientist at the Texas A&M Energy Institute, leads a Building Nexus Resilience webinar series. The series is a partnership between the Texas A&M Energy Institute, United Nations University Institute for Integrated Management of Material Fluxes and of Resources (UNU-FLORES), SustainFood, Nexus Net, PRIMA, and the International Water Resources Association. It aims to catalyze cross-disciplinary, cross-institutional, and international dialogues toward understanding the knowledge gaps and opportunities in taking a holistic, systems approach to addressing these tightly interconnected challenges.

The first of three webinars entitled Building Nexus Resilience: Addressing Migration and Conflicts in Water-Energy-Food Systems was held May 30 with 145 participants representing 70 countries. This inaugural webinar introduced key interconnections between migration and WEF systems and highlighted research gaps and opportunities. As a result of the webinar, a Communication Brief was released featuring highlights and key takeaways from the presentations and discussions.

The second webinar in the series entitled, Integrating Migration Models and WEF Assessments, will be held September 10, 2024. Visit the Building Nexus Resilience website for details and registration.

Central America

A Collaborative Effort Toward a Systems Approach to Building Resilience in Central America

North Central American Countries – El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras – are grappling with a perfect storm of interconnected crises, hazards, and vulnerabilities. Climate change, poverty, inequality, and weak governance have converged to create a region acutely vulnerable to disasters. The countries frequently endure hurricanes, floods, and droughts, which have severe impacts on their populations, economies, and infrastructure.

At the heart of these challenges lies a complex interplay between energy, food security, and human mobility. A region heavily reliant on agriculture, with often precarious access to energy, is particularly susceptible to shocks. When disasters strike, these vulnerabilities are amplified, leading to widespread food insecurity, economic losses, and displacement.

A Systems Approach for Disaster Risk Reduction: Exploring the Nexus of Energy, Food, and Human Mobility in the Northern Countries of Central America

Esteemed Texas A&M Energy Institute scientists, Dr. Bassel Daher, Research Scientist; and Dr. Konstantinos Pappas, Assistant Director; and members of the UN Disaster Risk Reduction Office (UNDRR) for the Americas and the Caribbean's Regional Science and Technology Advisory Group, authored a white paper entitled, "A Systems Approach for Disaster Risk Reduction: Exploring the Nexus of Energy, Food, and Human Mobility in the Northern Countries of Central America," offering a comprehensive analysis of the region's vulnerabilities and proposes a holistic framework toward building resilience.

Modeling Global Energy Resources

Decision-making frameworks for energy transition scenarios play a crucial role in navigating the complexities of transitioning to sustainable energy systems. Globally, energy systems are rapidly evolving due to technological advancements, shifts in consumption patterns, supply dynamics, and policy changes. These changes present both opportunities and challenges, including providing energy access to over one billion people without it, meeting the energy demand of an additional two billion people by 2050, and reducing carbon emissions. Decision-makers require effective tools to collaboratively address these challenges. Decision-making frameworks provide a roadmap for achieving sustainable energy transitions by aligning stakeholders, assessing system performance, and preparing for the future.

Learn about projects in Bolivia and Egypt where the Texas A&M Energy Institute have engaged with international partners on developing modeling frameworks that determine pathways towards sustainable energy transition.

Bolivia

The MOISES Program: A Model-Driven Approach to Bolivia's Energy Transition

Bolivia, once a thriving energy exporter, found itself at a crossroads. Declining fossil fuel reserves coupled with the global imperative to decarbonize economy posed significant challenges. The nation's energy sector, once a pillar of economic stability, was facing an uncertain future. Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the Texas A&M Energy Institute and Universidad Privada de Santa Cruz de la Sierra (UPSA), with the support of the US Embassy in Bolivia, embarked on a collaborative initiative: the MOdeling an Intelligent Sustainable Energy System for Bolivia (MOISES) program.

MOISES is led by Dr. Stratos Pistikopoulos, Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering, Director of the Texas A&M Energy Institute and Dow Chemical Chair; and Dr. Oscar Serrate, Dean of Engineering at UPSA. The program is pioneering a data-driven, model-based approach to address the complex challenges facing Bolivia's energy sector. At its core, MOISES aims to develop a sophisticated energy system modeling tool designed to support decision-making and policy formulation. This integrated approach ensures a holistic representation of the energy system, encompassing factors such as energy supply, demand, infrastructure, and environmental impacts.

Egypt

Energy Institute Supports Egypt’s Energy Vision

In Summer 2022, six faculty members from six universities in Egypt traveled to Texas as a part of an exchange program supported by the United States Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, and under the direction of the Texas International Education Consortium. In subsequent years, the faculty members have been engaging with the Texas A&M Energy Institute on research proposals, educational opportunities, an online workshop on the Energy-Water Nexus, and a jointly hosted event at COP 27 called the “Climate and Energy Impact Showcase.”

In Spring 2024, the Texas A&M Energy Institute and representatives from Assiut University, the Arab Academy for Science and Technology, Badr University, Cairo University, and Zagazig University collaborated for an event in Alexandria that was hosted by the Arab Academy for Science and Technology entitled Towards Egypt’s Energy Vision 2030: Egypt’s Just Energy Transition: Decarbonization Electrification, Education and Access. The workshop highlighted efforts, opportunities, and challenges toward fulfilling Egypt’s Energy Vision 2030 and beyond.

Energy Systems Supporting the Energy Transition

The Texas A&M Energy Institute has a long and collaborative history working in partnership with the TEES Gas and Fuels Research Center. The center has research and education facilities on Texas A&M University’s campuses in Doha, Qatar, and in College Station with the key objective of supporting shale gas and natural gas exploration, production and monetization activities both in the United States and Qatar.

Qatar

US-Qatar Collaborative Projects that Advance Energy Transition Systems

As highlighted in the March 2024 Energizer Newsletter, the TEES Gas and Fuels Research Center and the Texas A&M Energy Institute, have formally partnered since 2018 to propel a number of advancements in responsible oil and gas exploration and production in both the U.S and Qatar. We will continue to celebrate growth across this partnership as we work together on emerging research.

Educating and Training the Energy Workforce

The transition toward cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions demands skilled professionals. Education and workforce development play a crucial role in fostering the knowledge needed to support energy sectors marked by rapid technological advancements, intricate supply chains, and strict regulatory standards.

The Texas A&M Energy Institute is partnering with Saudi Arabia to equip their energy workforce through graduate education and workforce development programs to drive innovative technologies, streamline processes, and reduce energy costs on a global scale.

Saudi Arabia

Energy Policy Leadership Program at KAPSARC

The Energy Policy Executive Leadership Certificate Program, a collaboration with Texas A&M Energy Institute and King Abdullah Petroleum Studies & Research Center (KAPSARC) empowers entry-level professionals and mid-level managers in the Saudi Energy ecosystem with the expertise needed to shape effective energy policies, promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship.

Energy Institute Project Highlights

Energy Institute commemorates 15 years in December

The Texas A&M Energy Institute commemorates our 15th year of innovation and impact in multi-disciplinary energy research and education through partnerships. Since its inception in 2009, the institute has consistently pushed boundaries in the development of technologies and sustainable solutions across the energy landscape.

Team Led by Hasan will Receive $1.5M from EPA to Reclaim Harmful Refrigerant Chemicals

Circular Logistics and Smart Reclamation: The SMART-RECLAIM Approach

Prof. Faruque Hasan, Assistant Director of Decarbonization at the Texas A&M Energy Institute and Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering, leads an EPA project entitled, SMART-RECLAIM: Scalable, Modular and Adaptable Reclamation Technology for Hydrofluorocarbon Refrigerant Enhancement, Circular Logistics, and Intelligent Manufacturing. In partnership with co-leads Prof. Eleftherios Iakovou, Associate Director of Supply Chain Resilience & Sustainability at the Texas A&M Energy Institute and the Harvey Hubbell Professor of Industrial Distribution, along with Dr. Kalin Baca, co-founder and Chief Operating Officer at Icorium Engineering Company, the team aims to reduce the overall time and cost of reclaiming highly mixed hydrofluorocarbons by developing a modular technology amenable to extreme changes in hydrofluorocarbon compositions and a data-driven and prescriptive framework for smart reverse logistics.

Texas A&M partners on NSF project to transition to a circular economy in advanced materials

NSF Convergence Accelerator selects six teams to further develop materials in an environmentally and economically sustainable fashion

Texas A&M Energy Institute is a partner on the Phase 2 SOLAR project led by Battelle Memorial Institute, entitled Securing critical material supply chains by enabling phOtovoltaic circuLARity (SOLAR), to develop technology needed to achieve sustainable solar recycling while helping to secure domestic supply chains of advanced materials. SOLAR enables circularity for end-of-life panels by developing decision-making tools for panel owners and recyclers, reducing recycling costs to rival landfilling and ensuring repurposing of valuable critical materials.

Texas A&M’s participation will be led by Prof. Eleftherios Iakovou, Associate Director of Supply Chain Resilience and Sustainability at the Texas A&M Energy Institute and the Harvey Hubbell Professor of Industrial Distribution; and Prof. Stratos Pistikopoulos, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Director of the Texas A&M Energy Institute.

This Phase 2 project is a continuation of the 2023 Phase 1 NSF Convergence Accelerator award. In both projects, the Texas A&M Energy Institute plays a key role in advancing technological discoveries in reverse logistics and next-generation supply chains related to recycling and reuse of critical materials present in solar panels.

Artificial + Human Intelligence Merge in the World of Process Safety Systems

Credit: Raven Wuebker

Artificial intelligence (AI) has grown rapidly in the last few years, and with that increase, industries have been able to automate and improve their efficiency in operations. Texas A&M University Department of Chemical Engineering researchers Prof. Faisal Khan, Professor and Department Head and Texas A&M Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate; Prof. Stratos Pistikopoulos, Professor and Director of the Texas A&M Energy Institute; and Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center postdoctoral researchers Dr. Tanjin Amin, Dr. Rajeevan Arunthavanathan; and Zaman Sajid are developing Intelligence Augmentation, a comprehensive framework that integrates AI and human decision-making into process safety systems.

From Salty to Sip-Worthy: Desalination Breakthroughs

Seed Funding: Banerjee and Dhir Scaling Desalination for Disaster and Rural Applications

To address critical water shortages in Texas, Dr. Debjyoti Banerjee, Mechanical Engineering Professor at Texas A&M University, James J. Cain '51 Faculty Fellow, and Texas A&M Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate; along with Dr. Vijay Dhir, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, former Dean of the University of California, Los Angeles Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, and former Texas A&M University Hagler Institute Fellow; along with doctoral students Jonghyun Kim and Chinmay Chavan, are pioneering novel desalination experiments through seed funding by the Texas A&M Energy Institute. The project unlocks untapped potential of brackish groundwater reserves to be transformed into drinking water and ranch water through desalination.

Okoroafor is New Geothermal Consortium Lead

The Texas A&M Energy Institute is pleased to announce that Dr. Rita Okoroafor, Assistant Professor in the Department of Petroleum Engineering at Texas A&M University and Texas A&M Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate, is taking the helm of the Texas A&M University Geothermal Consortium. Under Dr. Okoroafor’s new leadership, the consortium will enhance Texas A&M’s geothermal expertise and visibility, foster stakeholder engagement and collaborations, and promote knowledge sharing and educational opportunities.

The Geothermal Consortium is a partnership between the Texas A&M Energy Institute and the Department of Petroleum Engineering. It was established in 2021 by Dr. Jean-Louis Briaud, Distinguished Professor and Chair in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Texas A&M University and Texas A&M Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate. Under Dr. Briaud’s leadership, the consortium grew to 47 faculty members in 10 departments across the Texas A&M University campus as well as over 20 industry contacts.

A Geothermal Symposium is planned for Spring 2025. Details will soon be available on the Texas A&M Energy Institute events page closer to the event.

Global Power System Transformation Consortium Established at Texas A&M

Dr. Eleftherios Iakovou, the Harvey Hubbell Professor of Industrial Distribution and Associate Director for Resilience and Sustainability of Integrated Energy and Manufacturing Supply Chains at the Texas A&M Energy Institute, and Dr. Mark O’Malley, Professor of Power Systems at Imperial College London and former Texas A&M University Hagler Institute Fellow, are collaborating to accelerate the transition to low-emission power systems through a newly established Global Power System Transformation Consortium. The Consortium aims to ensure a clean energy transition on an unprecedented scale through comprehensive support and knowledge infusion to power system operators.

Energy Institute Student Highlights

Texas A&M Energy Institute Graduates Defended Innovative Student Research

The Texas A&M Energy Institute acknowledges four graduate students affiliated with the institute who successfully defended their dissertations and theses at the Texas A&M Energy Institute. We also extend recognition to their esteemed advisors, whose mentorship and guidance significantly contributed to their academic and research achievements.

Dissertations

Dr. Mengdi Li presented her doctoral defense entitled Optimal Energy Storage, Integration, and Electrification of Process Heat for Industrial Decarbonization on May 16. Dr. Li’s graduate advisory committee includes Profs. Faruque Hasan, Debjyoti Banerjee, Mahmoud El-Halwagi, and Joseph Khan.

Dr. Moustafa Ali presented his doctoral defense entitled, Toward Feasibility and Sustainability of Oxidative Coupling of Methane (OCM): A Challenge and Opportunity for Process Intensification and Process Safety Management on May 22. Dr. Ali’s graduate advisory committee includes Profs. Stratos Pistikopoulos, Mahmoud El-Halwagi, Faisal Khan, Hongcai Zhou, and Eleftherios Iakovou.

Dr. Marcello Di Martino presented his doctoral defense entitled Advances in Food-Energy-Water Nexus Systems Optimization on July 2. Dr. Di Martino’s graduate advisory committee includes Prof. Stratos Pistikopoulos, Dr. Patrick Linke, Prof. Mahmoud El-Halwagi, and Dr. Le Xie.

Theses

Kyle Wilson presented his Master of Science in Energy thesis entitled Using WEF Nexus Methodology to Analyze Hypertension on June 3. Mr. Wilson was advised by Prof. Rabi Mohtar, Dr. Konstantinos Pappas, and Dr. Bassel Daher.

Hunter Howton presented his Master of Science in Energy thesis entitled, Sustainable Energy Finance and ESG: A Comparison Between Financial Performance and Commodity Prices on June 14. Mr. Howton was advised by Dr. Sorin Sorescu, Dr. Silva Hamie, and Dr. Adam Kolasinski.

Congratulations to our Texas A&M Energy Institute Master of Science in Energy Graduates!

The Texas A&M Energy Institute recognizes Lochlin Shaun Bramlett and Abiola Oladeninde for graduating with their Master of Science in Energy degrees in May 2024.

We also celebrate our August 2024 Master of Science in Energy graduates (from left in photo): Hunter Howton, Ricardo Aragon, Joshua Encinas, Matheus Pasti, Carlos Sandoval Mercado, Jessica Rios-Black, and Anthony Tarabay Rahme. Not pictured Eric Marsico and Kyle Wilson.

TEX-E: Nurturing Entrepreneurs for a Sustainable Future

Thirteen Texas A&M students receive TEX-E fellowships

By Emily Velez

Thirteen Texas A&M University students were selected as TEX-E Fellows for the Class of 2024-’25 to explore the critical importance of global energy transition while delving into the pillars of entrepreneurship. TEX-E is le by Greentown Labs in Houston and MIT’s Martin Trust Center for Entrepreneurship. The 13 Texas A&M University TEX-E awardees comprise eight doctoral students including Texas A&M Energy Institute students Marco De Sousa, Sahithi Srijana Akundi, and Austin Johnes; Jack O’Brien, a Texas A&M Energy Institute Master of Science in Energy student; and four Bachelor’s students.

Chrisandina Receives Best Poster Award Honor

Congratulations to Natasha Chrisandina, Texas A&M Energy Institute doctoral student, who received the Foundations of Computer Aided Process Design (FOCAPD) conference Best Poster Award in Breckenridge, Colorado for Resilient-Aware Design for Sustainable Energy Systems. Co-authors include Shivam Vedant, Catherine Nkoutche, and Prof. Eleftherios Iakovou, Prof. Stratos Pistikopoulos and Prof. Mahmoud El-Halwagi. FOCAPD is the premier international conference focusing exclusively on the fundamentals and applications of computer-aided design for the process industries.

Former Energy Institute Student Honored with Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award

Dr. Yuhe Tian, a Texas A&M chemical engineering doctoral student from 2016 to 2021 who worked in the Texas A&M Energy Institute, is being honored with the the Foundations of Computer-Aided Process Design (FOCAPD) Outstanding Doctoral Dissertation Award.

Co-authors Pistikopoulos and Tian Book Reviewed in The Chemical Engineer

Article by Roy Calder in The Chemical Engineer (October 2022, Issue 976)

Roy Calder, Oil & Gas Industry Principal for New Energies at Aveva wrote a book review in The Chemical Engineer (October 2022, page 58) on Synthesis and Operability: Strategies for Computer-Aided Modular Process Intensification co-authored by Prof. Stratos Pistikopoulos, Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering, Director of the Texas A&M Energy Institute and Dow Chemical Chair, and Dr. Yuhe Tian.

Master of Science in Energy students attend Hydrogen Technology Expo

Texas A&M Energy Institute Master of Science in Energy students Geraldo Alves, Matheus Pasti, and Brandon Thompson attended the Hydrogen Technology Expo event in Houston to learn about hydrogen production and utilization and carbon capture technologies.

Texas A&M Energy News

Reddy Receives Research.com's 2024 Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Leader Award

Credit: TAMU Faculty Affairs

Dr. J.N. Reddy, a Regents and University Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Texas A&M Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate, has received the 2024 Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Leader Award from Research.com, ranking no. 5 nationally and no. 8 worldwide among mechanical engineers. Rankings within the field of mechanical and aerospace engineering are based upon scientists' Google Scholar and Microsoft Academic Graph profiles, reviews across several indicators, and metrics — namely the D-index (Discipline H-index) metric, which only includes papers and citation values for an examined discipline.

Gabbai Elected AAAS Fellow

Credit: Shana K. Hutchins

Dr. Francois Gabbai, Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Texas A&M University and Texas A&M Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate was one of eight university faculty honored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS),for scientifically or socially distinguished efforts to advance science or its applications. Dr. Gabbai was recognized by AAAS for distinguished contributions to the field of main group chemistry, which have applications in drinking water analysis and environmental monitoring, and development of catalysts for the activation of unsaturated hydrocarbons derived from oil.

Xie joining Harvard University

It is with mixed emotions that the Texas A&M Energy Institute announces the departure of Dr. Le Xie, who has been an integral part of Texas A&M University. Dr. Xie joined Harvard University as the Gordon McKay Professor of Electrical Engineering in August 2024. His dedication, passion, and expertise have left a lasting impact on Texas A&M, and we are grateful for his service.

“The Texas A&M Energy Institute will miss Dr. Xie’s intellectual intensity, spark, and warm collegiate interactions,” says Prof. Stratos Pistikopoulos, Director of the Texas A&M Energy Institute. “We will continue to watch with pride his continued achievements.”

Claridge and Petersen honored with Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award

Credit: Maddi Busby

Two J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering faculty members and Texas A&M Energy Institute Faculty Affiliates, Dr. David Claridge and Dr. Eric Petersen, were honored with the Association of Former Students 2024 Distinguished Achievement Award. This is among the most prestigious awards presented to Texas A&M faculty and staff, recognizing achievement in teaching, research, individual student relationships, continuing education/extension, graduate mentoring, and staff and administration. Dr. Claridge received the Distinguished Achievement Award for Graduate Mentoring, and Dr. Petersen received the Distinguished Achievement Award for Research on energy systems, propulsion, advanced experimental techniques, and the combustion chemistry of fuels and propellants.

Faculty Affiliates Awarded Patents

Dr. Sarbajit Banerjee, Professor and Chair in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and Texas A&M Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate, received a United States patent in partnership with Assistant Chemistry Professor Dr. Luis De Jusus Baez at the University of Pennsylvania and Texas A&M University students Justin Andrews and Abhishek Parija. The patent titled Electrochemical Storage Incorporating Size- and Morphology-controlled Metastable Vanadium Pentoxide as a Cathode Material for Ion Batteries for a reversible topochemical and electrochemical insertion of magnesium ions into a metastable one-dimensional polymorph of vanadium oxide.

Dr. Lucy Mar Camacho Chico, Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Engineering at Texas A&M-Kingsville and Texas A&M Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate, along with doctoral student Mohammad Shafiq received a United States patent titled Recovery of Rare Earth Metals and Other Metals from Natural Liquid Sources by Electrodialysis Metathesis to access rare earth elements liquids including sea water, geothermal water, produced water, and other natural solutions that may contain rare earth elements from sources other than the traditional solid rocks.

Dr. Micah Green, Professor of Chemical Engineering and Associate Department Head of External Engagement at Texas A&M University and Texas A&M Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate, received a United States patent in partnership with Texas A&M students Smita Shivraj Dasari, Aniela Wright, and Daniel Carey; Dr. Anubhav Sarmah, Postdoctoral Associate at the University of Minnesota; and Dr. Nirup Nagabandi. The patent titled Free-Form Fabrication of Continuous Carbon Fiber Composites using Electric Fields is for an out-of-oven system for free-form fabrication of continuous carbon fiber composites that include a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) applicator configured to create an electric field proximal to the continuous carbon fiber composite.

Tabor Receives NSF CAREER Award Learn more

Credit: Shana K. Hutchins

Dr. Daniel Tabor, Texas A&M University Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry and a Texas A&M Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate, was one of four recent 2024 university recipients of the National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award, the agency’s most prestigious award for junior faculty. Tabor’s project titled Development of Adaptive and Efficient Computational Inverse Design Methods for Organic Functional Materials supports his ongoing research efforts to develop new machine-learning tools for accelerating the design of functional materials, with a focus on new materials that interact with light in novel and interesting ways. Accelerating the computational materials design process could lead to new applications along with novel materials for energy storage and to efficiently capture carbon dioxide.

Machine Learning May Be Key to the Future of Nuclear Energy

Credit: Julianne Hodges

Dr. Yang Liu, Assistant Professor in the Department of Nuclear Engineering at Texas A&M University, received a Distinguished Early Career Award from the U.S. Department of Energy for a proposal titled Integrating Thermal Hydraulic Simulation and Experimentation with Data-Driven Methods to Support Molten Salt Reactors Development that will investigate the use of machine learning in designing and understanding new nuclear reactors.

Xie Research Team Visits ERCOT

Dr. Le Xie, Professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Texas A&M University and Texas A&M Energy Institute Associate Director of Energy Digitization, and Texas A&M students, Dongjoo Kim and Arun Karngala, visited the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) headquarters to meet with ERCOT CEO and President Pablo Vegas, and his executive team Woody Rickerson, Kristi Hobbs, Venkat Tirupati, and Dan Woodfin, to share findings from their extensive study on demand flexibility in Texas. Dr. Xie’s team presented a detailed outline of demand response programs and energy efficiency measures that have potential to reduce peak electricity demand on the grid.

Iakovou Cited in 2024 Economic Report to the President

Prof. Elefterios Iakovou, Associate Director of Supply Chain Resilience & Sustainability at the Texas A&M Energy Institute, Co-Director of Global Value Chains Program at The Bush School of Government and Public Service, and Prof. Chelsea White, Schneider National Chair of Transportation and Logistics at the Georgia Institute of Technology, were cited in the 2024 Economic Report of the President from their 2020 Brookings Institution article How to build more secure, resilient, next-gen U.S. supply chains which discusses next-generation cost-competitive resilient supply chains for the United States.

Egieya is NSF Collaborative Learning School Participant

Dr. Jafaru Egieya, Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Texas A&M Energy Institute, was selected as one of 15 early career researchers to attend a two-week National Science Foundation (NSF) funded Collaborative Learning School in the Chesapeake Bay area, focused on the water-energy-food (WEF) nexus. This international event drew participants from three continents (Africa, Europe, and North Africa) and 13 nationalities, (i.e., Colombia, Congo, Ghana, Greece, Iran, Morocco, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, South Africa, Turkey, USA, and Zimbabwe). Participants spent time at Dickinson College Farm in Carlisle, Pennsylvania to develop practical and implementable policy recommendations for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture aimed at reducing effluent runoff and contamination in the Chesapeake Bay. They also visited the Conowingo Hydro Dam, the Worton Wastewater Treatment Plant Facility, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to explore practical applications of the WEF nexus. The program culminated in a networking workshop that connected WEF nexus clusters from the USA and Europe, fostering collaborations for future research publications, training, and proposal submissions.

Texas A&M Blazes Trail in Semiconductor Education and Training

Credit: Texas A&M Engineering

Starting in Fall 2025, Texas A&M University's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering will introduce a new Master of Science program focused on microelectronics and semiconductors. This program will blend digital and analog integrated circuit design with semiconductor manufacturing, ensuring students are proficient in both areas and can collaborate effectively between design and fabrication processes. As part of the program, the Texas A&M University Department of Chemical Engineering will offer a safety in semiconductor processing certificate, which will be available to all engineering and science graduate students. This certificate will be integrated with the Mary Kay O'Connor Process Safety Center.

Balbuena and Seminario Discovery Can Lead to Improved Lithium Metal Batteries

Credit: Michelle Revels

Dr. Perla Balbuena, University Distinguished Professor of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University, and Dr. Jorge Seminario, Professor in Chemical Engineering, are using quantum mechanics to better understand the impact of external pressure on lithium ions. Both of the Texas A&M Energy Institute Faculty Affiliates aim to improve lithium-metal battery fabrication processes to develop longer-lasting, more efficient battery technologies.

Djire Improving Renewable Energy Storage Devices

Credit: Raven Wuebker

Dr. Abdoulaye Djire, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University and Texas A&M Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate, and chemical engineering undergraduate student James Kasten are pioneering the development of new materials for improved energy storage. Amid the growing demand for renewable energy storage solutions, there is a pressing need to enhance the performance of electrochemical devices such as batteries. The team’s research underscores the potential of a compound known as MXenes to serve as a dependable option for energy storage devices, with applications spanning from small electronics and large-scale grid storage to electric vehicles.

TEES Awards Seed Grants at 2024 Annual Research Conference (TARC)

Credit: By Lauren Jenkins

The Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) awarded a total of $40,000 in seed grant funding to new research collaborations at the 2024 TEES Annual Research Conference (TARC) held May 20-21. Two winning teams were awarded seed funding for energy research.

The SpaceH2Station team, led by Dr. Kiseok Kim, Assistant Professor in the Department of Petroleum Engineering at Texas A&M University and Texas A&M Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate, won a $5,000 prize for the project titled Feasibility of H2 Generation on the Moon. The aim of the research is to explore hydrogen generation from space rock as a means for refueling, thereby saving costs and energy associated with earth-to-moon travel. Dr. Rita Okoroafor, Assistant Professor in Petroleum Engineering at Texas A&M University and Texas A&M Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate, is also on the team with four other members from Texas A&M University System universities.

The Electric Vehicle Active Coordination team led by Dr. Antonio Medrano, Assistant Professor of Geospatial Computer Science at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, won $2,500 for their project titled Intelligent EV Charging Coordination During Natural Disasters for Grid Resiliency. The goal of the project is to develop an intelligent system that provides electric vehicle owners with coordinated information on where to charge and navigate to evacuate during emergencies. Texas A&M Energy Institute Faculty Affiliates Dr. Xin Chen, Assistant Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Texas A&M University and Dr. Guanyu Tian, Assistant Professor in the Department of Marine Engineering Technology at Texas A&M University-Galveston are also on the team with three other members from universities across the Texas A&M System.

During the 2024 TARC conference Dr. Shayan Sean Niknezhad, Texas A&M Energy Institute Postdoctoral Research Associate, presented the results of one of the 2023 awards entitled “A new charging paradigm for electric mobility”

Holtzapple Develops Carbon Neutral Technology

Credit: Crystal Carter

Bioveritas, a company created by Dr. Mark Holtzapple, Professor of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University, a prolific inventor, and Texas A&M Energy Faculty Affiliate, has developed a process to convert biomass into valuable fuels. The company has raised over $160 million and has about $200 million committed to build the first commercial plant in Bryan, Texas starting in August 2024. The first product is expected to be available on the market in 2027.

Xie Team’s Large Language Models May Revolutionize the Electric Energy Sector

Credit: Katie Satterlee

A group of researchers led by Dr. Le Xie, Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Texas A&M University and Associate Director of Energy Digitization at the Texas A&M Energy Institute, are exploring the boundaries of large language models like ChatGPT and how they can help power engineers perform daily tasks and overcome challenges in control centers and the field. The team includes Dr. Chao Tian, Associate Professor and Dr. Dileep Kalathil, Assistant Professor, both in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Texas A&M University. Their research is detailed in a paper titled Exploring the Capabilities and Limitations of Large Language Models in the Electric Energy Sector, which was published in Joule.

Hartl leads TAMU team to Shine Light on Lunar Resources

Credit: Alyssa Schaechinger

Led by Dr. Darren Hartl, Associate Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M University, researchers at Texas A&M have partnered with NASA Langley Research Center to engineer a solution using solar reflectors to get solar power to the bottom of lunar craters. Solar energy is the optimal energy source to power lunar mining since it does not need to be transported from Earth but rather is beamed straight from the Sun.

Diaz and Nastasi Receive DOE Advanced Nuclear Energy Technology Award

Texas A&M University graduate student Benjamin Mejia Diaz received one of 33 Department of Energy Nuclear Science User Facility Rapid Turnaround Experiment awards in partnership with Dr. Michael Nastasi, Professor and Department Head in the Department of Nuclear Engineering at Texas A&M University. The project titled Hybrid proton and heavy ion irradiation for void swelling testing introduces a novel method that combines proton and heavy ion irradiation to investigate void swelling in 316L stainless steel.

Demkowicz and Jiang Cracking the Code of Hydrogen Embrittlement

Credit: Alyssa Schaechinger

When deciding what material to use for infrastructure projects, metals are often selected for their durability. However, if placed in a hydrogen-rich environment, like water, metals can become brittle and fail. Since the mid-19th century, this phenomenon, known as hydrogen embrittlement, has puzzled researchers with its unpredictable nature. Now, a study published in Science Advances brings us a step closer to predicting it with confidence. The work is led by Washington and Lee University in collaboration with Texas A&M University Department of Materials Science and Engineering researchers Dr. Michael Demkowicz, Professor, and Dr. Lai Jiang, Postdoctoral Researcher.

The study helps to lay the groundwork for better predictions of hydrogen embrittlement. In the future, hydrogen may replace fossil fuels as a clean energy source. If this change occurs, all of the infrastructure currently used to store and use fossil fuels would become susceptible to hydrogen embrittlement. Predicting embrittlement is crucial for preventing unexpected failures, making a future hydrogen economy possible.

TAMU System to Bring Nuclear Reactors to RELLIS Campus

Credit: TAMUS Office of Marketing and Communications

Leaders at The Texas A&M University System announced plans to bring the latest nuclear reactors to the Texas A&M-RELLIS. John Sharp, Chancellor of the Texas A&M System, said the System seeks to provide a platform for companies to test the latest reactors and technologies. It also will address the pressing need for increased power supply. To kickstart the latest nuclear initiative, the Texas A&M System will be seeking information – and later proposals – from manufacturers of nuclear reactors. Ultimately, the site could host multiple electrical power-generating facilities, and it could host first-of-a-kind reactors with a net increase of up to 1 GW of capacity that will have a direct connection to the grid operated by Electric Reliability Council of Texas, Inc (ERCOT).

Texas A&M System Helps Stabilize Texas Energy Grid

Credit: Texas A&M University System Communications

The Texas A&M University System took its first steps toward creating a peaker power network on land it owns across the state to help stabilize the Texas power grid during peak demand. Peaker power plants, also known simply as “peakers,” are power plants typically used to provide electricity during periods of peak demand. They are an essential component of modern electricity grids, providing a reliable source of power during periods of high demand.

Safe Decarbonization: University-Industry Collaboration

Credit: Raven Wuebker

The need to find a safe and efficient way for carbon capture and storage on marine vessels has brought together a collaborative research effort between the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) and Texas A&M University’s Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center (MKOPSC). This project on onboard carbon capture, utilization, and storage is led by chemical engineering Ph.D. candidate Ahmed El-Kady, along with Texas A&M chemical engineering faculty Dr. Faisal Khan, Department Head and Professor, Director of the MKOPSC, and Texas A&M Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate; Visiting Lecturer Dr. Tanjin Amin; and Professor of Practice Dr. Nazmul Rahmani; in collaboration with ABS contributors Quaim Chowdhury, Altaf Shaik and Dr. Kevin McSweeney.

Texas A&M Energy Presentations

The Texas A&M Energy Institute is pleased to announce our lineup of eminent speakers with our 2024-2025 Distinguished Lecture Series in Energy. Mark your calendars and join us! For registration and details visit Texas A&M Energy Institute Events.

Prof. Gabriel Eckstein, Professor in the Texas A&M Department of Geology and Geophysics and Director of the Energy, Environmental, and Natural Resource Systems Law Program at Texas A&M University School of Law, and Texas A&M Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate, presented Who Owns the Heat? Science-Based Legal and Practical Challenges to Allocating Ownership Rights in Subsurface (Geo)Thermal Energy. Prof. Eckstein postulated on legal ownership of heat from geothermal energy resources.

Dr. Eman Hammad, Assistant Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution Professor at Texas A&M University and Texas A&M Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate, presented Towards Resilient-by-Design NextG Power Systems: Embracing Uncertainty and Leveraging Complexity. She presented an operational risk-based model for smart-grids that efficiently captures cyber-physical uncertainties and enables a better resilient operation. .

Dr. Elnaz Kabir, Assistant Engineering Technology and Industrial Distribution Professor at Texas A&M University and Texas A&M Energy Institute Faculty Affiliate, presented Towards Zero-Carbon Power Grids: Navigating Renewables’ Complexities and Constraints. The presentation analyzed challenges for power system operations including the co-variability between renewable energy supply and electricity load, the interplay between these resources, and the operational constraints of the power grid.

Dr. Marianthi Ierapetritou, Bob and Jane Gore Centennial Chair of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at the University of Delaware, presented Big Data, AI, Machine Learning: Process Engineering Challenges and Opportunities at the Texas A&M University Department of Chemical Engineering. Her presentation provided insight on Process Systems Engineering and the resources needed to facilitate process development, system analysis, and optimization to support sustainability, circular economy and public health goals.

Dr. Le Xie, Professor in the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Texas A&M University and Texas A&M Energy Institute Associate Director of Energy Digitization, led the Blockchain and Energy Research Consortium Workshop to share advancements at the crossroads of blockchain and energy including data-driven analysis of Large Flexible Load impacts on the Texas grid, covering reliability, market trends, and the carbon footprint.

Dr. Xie also presented Energy System Digitization in the Era of AI: A Three-Layered Approach Toward Carbon Neutrality. The presentation provided perspective on how artificial intelligence (AI) can provide transformative impacts on accelerating the speed and scale of carbon-neutral transition .

Upcoming Energy Events

September 11-13, 2024

2024 Texas A&M Conference on Energy

Texas A&M Memorial Student Center Texas A&M Energy Research Society, in cooperation with the Texas A&M Energy Institute, will host the 2024 Texas A&M Conference on Energy at the Texas Memorial Student Center. This year’s event focuses on new and ground-breaking advancements pertaining to both the petroleum and renewable sectors of energy.

For more information, visit the event website.

September 10, 2024

Building Nexus Resilience: Addressing Migration and Conflicts in Water-Energy-Food Systems Series Second Webinar: Integrating Migration Models and WEF Assessments

Organizing Committee Bassel Daher, Texas A&M Energy Institute, SustainFood Network, IWRA Floor Brouwer, United Nations University - Flores Chrysi Laspidou, University of Thessaly, NEXUSNET

For more information, visit the event website.

September 25, 2024

Texas A&M Energy Institute Distinguished Speaker Series: Dr. Michael Kerby

Harnessing Hydrogen: A Key Element of the U.S. Energy Future

Senior Advisor, ExxonMobil Corporate Strategic Planning and Texas A&M Energy Institute External Advisory Board Member

For more information, visit the event website.

October 16, 2024

Texas A&M Energy Institute Distinguished Speaker Series: Dr. Gabriel Eckstein

Who Owns the Heat? Legal and Practical Challenges to Allocating Ownership Rights in Geothermal Energy

Professor and Director of the Program in Natural Resources Systems, Texas A&M University School of Law

For more information, visit the event website.

October 22-24, 2024

2024 Mary Kay O’Connor Safety & Risk Conference

Hilton Hotel, College Station

The TEES Mary Kay O’Connor Process Safety Center in association with the Institution of Chemical Engineers welcomes attendees to its 27th annual international Symposium. This symposium serves as the crossroads for process safety where industry, academia, government agencies, and other stakeholders come together to discuss critical issues of research in process safety. Experts from around the world will gather as part of this three-day symposium to share the latest information on the hottest topics aimed at making the process industry a safer place.

For more information, visit the event website.

November 12-14, 2024

Innovation Forward (IF2024)

Texas A&M University Campus

IF2024 will dive into discussions on Energy Transition, examining solutions that address both today’s needs and future challenges.

More information is available at the Texas A&M Innovation Forward website.

November 13, 2024

Texas A&M Energy Institute Distinguished Speaker Series: Dr. Ilya Zaslavsky

Leveraging AI and Large Language Models to Navigate the Water-Energy-Food-Health Nexus

Director of Spatial Information Systems Laboratory, University of California San Diego

For more information, visit the event website.

December 9-13, 2024

AGU24: What’s Next for Science

Washington D.C.

Scientists, educators, policymakers, journalists and communicators attend AGU24 to better understand our planet and environment, opening pathways to discovery, opening greater awareness to address climate change, opening greater collaborations to lead to solutions and opening the fields and professions of science to a whole new age of justice equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging.

More information is available at the AGU24 website.