EnerG Newsletter
U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Energy National University of Sciences and Technology
Oct-2016
Inside this Edition Launch of MS in Electrical Energy Engineering 20 Students and 2 Faculty Members Depart for U.S. on Their Academic Exchange Program 92 participants Trained on Batteries and Fuel Cells Technology Pakistani Engineering Students Battle Energy Crisis: Gender Roles USPCAS-E Going National Deputy Mission Director Peters James visited USPCAS-E building Research and Innovation at USPCAS-E 1st International Conference on and Expo on Biomass Gasification Technologies Research and Training for Pakistan’s Energy Sector by Forging International Alliances Liaison with Private Sector of Pakistan Hear from Samreen Siddiq (A Success Story)
Message
Pro Rector
Academics and Research National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) has a long and proud tradition as a distinguished education provider, since more than two decades. It is from this strong foundation and experience in learning and teaching that we have grown smart and have laid a strength for shaping our futures. NUST not only focuses on investing in students experience but also on developing and expanding our range of academic programs, ensuring the high quality of our curriculum and its delivery with the skills for life and work in a global economy. The U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Energy is designed to support Pakistan’s economic development by strengthening the relevance and responsiveness of university products, including applied and policy research and skilled graduates, to the needs of the public and private sector. I am gratified to see that upon its formal launch; the Center is now essentially proceeding to its execution and meeting its objectives of the innovative ideas and outcomes in the areas of research and curriculum reforms. The program objective is also committed to support in the area of financial assistance. I prospect that this will be a source of knowledge sharing to the socio economic development of Pakistan, with the help of its scholars exchange program. The program will work with its partners Arizona State University and University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, to share an extended outlook of innovative research ideas and exchange of best academic practices among young faculty and students. In the 21st century, NUST will push across the frontiers of knowledge to create, in service to the public, unique interdisciplinary programs of teaching, research, and outreach essential for agricultural and rural development. I anticipate that this partnership will float its strong ways and will end up as a substantial outcome for a prosperous Energy sector of Pakistan. Dr Asif Raza
USPCAS-E Newsletter Oct-2016
Pinnacles of USPCAS-E!!!
Launch of Graduate Degree Program in Electrical Energy Engineering USPCAS-E introduces its new degree program in Electrical Energy Engineering. The program mainly is tailored to meet the indigenous needs of the ailing power sector of the country by nurturing the human resource in this field. The qualified graduates will also be able to cater the emerging demands of the industry. It will equip the students with advanced and contemporary technical knowledge of electrical power systems and will enable them to better manage and govern the national
power system. The Graduate and Post-Graduate programs at USPCAS-E aims to provide access to higher education in energyrelated professions for women and economically disadvantaged students across Pakistan; by internationally competitive multidisciplinary graduate training, with improved relevance and quality curricula and by use of effective teaching methods. This program will have in-take of 40 graduate candidates each year during Fall session based on a high merit criteria.
Students during research at USPCAS-E www.uspcase.nust.edu.pk
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USPCAS-E Newsletter Oct-2016
2nd batch of Pakistani exchange students and faculty depart for the U.S. The second batch of exchange program candidates including 20 energy engineers and 2 faculty members left for U.S. on their academic exchange program. Senior officials from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and staff, students and faculty from Arizona State University (ASU), the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) and the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Peshawar gathered at NUST for a send-off reception for students and faculty departing for Arizona State University and Oregon State University
(OSU). Over the next four years, 100 graduate students and faculty from NUST will spend a semester each at ASU and OSU to carry out energy-related research at state of the art laboratories under the U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies (USPCAS-E). The exchange visits will provide faculty the opportunity to upgrade their pedagogy and corporate-partnering skills and the students to enhance their research skills and industry awareness.The first batch of 14 exchange students and 2 faculty members recently returned to Pakistan after spending a semester each in the U.S.
Deputy Mission Director, Mr James Peter, Pro-Rector NUST, Dr Asif Raza,VC UET-P, Dr Iftikhar Hussain with officials from USAID, NUST, UETP, Faculty and Exchange Program candidates
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USPCAS-E Newsletter Oct-2016
92 participants trained on Batteries and Fuel Cell Technology
Prof. A M Kannan, Pro-Rector NUST, Dr Asif Raza, with officials from ASU, NUST, UETP, Faculty and Training Participants
Alternative energy developments are a result of the growing need to build economy of the future that will rely not only on fossil fuels, but also on renewable and clean energy sources. The new generation of engineers that will support this shift in the energy production must develop truly multidisciplinary skills and be able to respond efficiently to diverse demands. A 3-day Technical Workshop was conducted by senior faculty member Prof. A M Kannan from Arizona State University (ASU) at National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST). This workshop was designed to provide insights into batteries and fuel cells for stationary, automotive and portable applications. More than 90 energy engineers, teachers and scientists from USPCAS-E, NUST, UET- Peshawar were trained in the rigorous
sessions during 3 days. For the learning of participants, live demonstration of batteries, solar technology and fuel cell technology were also established. This workshop covered global, comprehensive evaluation of all renewable energy sources with focus on batteries, hydrogen, and fuel cells. A couple of sessions were earmarked for energy system analysis and design exercises for teams of participants to brainstorm solutions towards maximizing energy conversion and storage. The Key Workshop Goals were far-reaching activities for promotion of renewable energy sources, development of concepts and all critical components for energy conversion and storage, strong combination of fundamental and applied research; and pursuit of real products and processes. www.uspcase.nust.edu.pk
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USPCAS-E Newsletter Oct-2016
Pakistani engineering students battle energy crisis, gender roles (UET) in Peshawar. Renewables key to solving Pakistan’s energy crisis Two Pakistani women have important Many engineers remember the device or insights into their country’s colossal en- question that first ignited their passion ergy crisis. Engineers Warda Mushtaq and for finding scientific and technological soSyeda Mehwish are master’s students lutions. For Syeda, her interest began with that came to Arizona State University a fascination concerning how televisions as part of the U.S.-Pakistan Centers for and radios worked. Raised in southwestAdvanced Studies in Energy (USPCAS-E) ern Punjab, Pakistan, Syeda says, “my earliest and fondest memories of childhood program. Supportive parents, a hunger for scien- involved the wonders I could see and tific knowledge and progressive academic hear through these devices.” programs have fueled their successes in For Warda, her interest in engineering engineering, a field dominated by men came later. Though born in Pakistan, she in Pakistan and most parts of the world. spent her childhood and teenage years Their cohort, composed of 25 Pakistani in Saudi Arabia until she returned to her engineering students, spent the spring home country to pursue an undergraduate degree. semester learning new re“I have seen how posh the “My research search techniques and tackling energy-related projects is focused on lifestyle of many communities in the Middle East is, alongside ASU researchers. the fabrication compared to our lifestyle Funded from the United of low-cost here in Pakistan,” she says. States Agency for International Development photovoltaics… She feels that the energy crisis facing Pakistan, in par(USAID), USPCAS-E is a available to ticular, is causing a majority partnership between ASU everyone in of the societal and economic and two leading Pakistani universities, the National Pakistan..” Warda strain in Pakistan. This energy crisis is deeply University of Sciences and concerning, as the supply of energy is Technology (NUST) in Islamabad and the far less than the growing demand of the University of Engineering and Technology By ROSE GOCHNOUR SERGAO
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Wardah Mushtaq
heat-wave prone country. An over-reliance on imported fossil fuels and untapped renewable energy sources has greatly contributed to the national crisis. Due to management difficulties, increased power generation costs and underdeveloped infrastructure, power shortfalls approached 50 percent of national demand and the country experienced two major blackouts last year. “I feel very passionate about using my skills to do something for my community, to contribute to resolving the energy crisis,” says Warda. At ASU, Warda worked in Assistant Professor Zachary Holman’s lab on advanced
USPCAS-E Newsletter Oct-2016 generation photovoltaics. Her research aspires to help solve Pakistan’s energy crisis with increasingly affordable solar power alternatives to fossil fuels. Solar power is one of the most feasible energy solutions in Pakistan, believes Warda, “but it’s very expensive because all solar cells are imported.” “My research is focused on the fabrication of low-cost photovoltaics…available to everyone in Pakistan, from our largest city to the smallest villages,” says Warda. Syeda worked with Associate Research Professor Govindasamy Tamizhmani in the Photovoltaic Reliability Lab on ASU’s Polytechnic campus. “I am looking at making electricity cheaper for rural [communities] by proving the feasibility of standalone power plants in remote locations,” says Syeda. These alternative energy power plants could improve access and sustainability in rural communities in Pakistan, and across the world, if their feasibility can be proved. The research contributions of engineers like Warda and Syeda aim to address this complex problem and are championed by leaders at their university. “We believe that women can play an integral role in the socio-economic development of Pakistan and in resolving the energy crisis,” says Sonia Emaan, the Communications and Outreach Specialist for USPCAS-E at NUST, the university Syeda and Warda attend. “I believe that our women are giving their utmost in finding ways to perform with perfection…[including] working at the power plants, in the process industry,
conducting field surveys, developing ways search should be on how something is of improving existing processes at the oil going to affect your community, what the and gas refineries, or designing and test- real-world application is,” says Warda. “I ing machinery for converting, transmitting see a lot of that kind of purpose-driven and supplying useful energy to meet Paki- research here [at ASU], and that’s somestan’s needs for electricity,” adds Emaan. thing I look forward to applying back Time at ASU boosts research home.” potential Both students aim to pursue a doctoral Both Syeda and Warda decided to pursue degree. a master’s degree in energy Navigating a malesystems engineering at NUST, dominated society in part, because of the USPOn track to graduate this “I am looking CAS-E program. summer, Warda and Syeda at making Syeda enjoyed collaborating are among four female electricity on her research at ASU, which students in their class of she calls “a melting pot for cheaper for rural about 30 master’s students people from all regions of the communities..” at NUST. world.” “But that ratio is increasSyeda Warda describes her initial ining,” says Warda, and NUST troduction to ASU as surprising. is focused on bringing more women into “I think we were all a little shocked at technological fields through recruitment how huge ASU is and just how much re- efforts and the addition of specific facilisearch goes on here,” she says. ties for female students, including living Warda says the USPCAS-E program jumpstarted her research career and has been “an amazing experience.” She was so committed and excited about the opportunity USPCAS-E provided that she turned down a prestigious Fulbright doctoral program fellowship, offered by the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan, to spend the semester at ASU. In addition to funding from USAID, Syeda won the British Council’s Scholarship for Women in Energy in 2013. Both Warda and Syeda have returned to Pakistan to continue their careers in advancing renewable energy. “I’ve always thought the focus of rewww.uspcase.nust.edu.pk 7 Syeda Mehwish Bukhari
USPCAS-E Newsletter Oct-2016 accommodations, a medical center, a gym and increased transportation offerings. Total female enrollment at NUST is currently 30 percent, but the environmental science and engineering programs are approaching almost 50 percent. “By being the backbone of the society and having a dominant representation in the population of Pakistan, [women] can provide a ripple effect with their understanding of engineering programs and the dissemination of their learning and practical application to the larger part of the community,” says Emaan. Though many supportive teachers and parents encouraged Warda and Syeda on their engineering journeys, they acknowledge that many women face pressures that can limit career progression. According to Syeda, “society norms in Pakistan usually dictate that women and girls are expected to run a household instead of going after a dream job.” “It was only through the constant support and belief of my family that I have reached where I am today,” she says. At various times throughout her academic journey, Warda says she has encountered “inappropriate attitudes and comments” due to the unfortunate belief that women shouldn’t pursue careers. “When I excel and do better than most of my male colleagues, I gain respect and observe a change in attitudes. This has given me confidence that the only way we can gain respect in this male-dominated society is by pursuing our dreams and excelling in them,” says Warda. “Society will not always be your best 8
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friend, especially as a woman, so you must be firm in your beliefs and stay true to your passion,” says Syeda. While championing the “sanctity and piousness” of her own culture, Syeda admits it can be a struggle when she feels judged for her desires to interact with people from different religions, cultures and parts of the world. Despite any criticism, Syeda champions becoming a “global citizen.” “Only when we understand and listen to the problems faced by people from all corners, can we completely eradicate the petty things dividing us, the simple things distracting us and the radical things holding us,” she says. Warda adds, “I look up to every careerminded woman who is determined to be strong, independent and brave enough to not worry about what the society thinks she should or shouldn’t do.” She adds, “From a Pakistani women who drives an auto to support her family to the Pakistani scientist in the team who discovered gravitational waves, and everyone in between, all these women—their strength inspires me.” Syeda says her time at ASU helped her to gain confidence in her research focus and gave her the zeal to “bring Pakistan to the forefront of academic research, especially for young girls who aspire to be researchers and scientists.” Published in FULL CIRCLE, an Engineering News magazine for Alumni and Friends of by IRAA. FULTON SCHOOLS of engineering at ASU Publishing Date: June 9, 2016 http://fullcircle.asu.edu/programs/pakistani-engineersbattle-energy-crisis-gender-roles/
USPCAS-E Newsletter Oct-2016
Warda and Syeda with their exchange program group at National Park Grand Canyon, USA
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USPCAS-E Newsletter Oct-2016
USPCAS-E National Outreach Program The Outreach team at USPCAS-E conducted a campaign on national level to inform potential students in different engineering universities about the degree programs and opportunities at the Center. More than 1,200 students of final year under graduate program from 12 universities across Pakistan participated in the 1st cohort of seminars conducted by the team. These seminars included details about Center, information on research, scholarship and exchange program and other bright opportunities that students and researcher can avail at USPCAS-E. The campaign which included seminars print and e-media outreach assisted in receiving more than 800 applications against 120 seats for Graduate and Prost Graduate degree programs at NUST. The major universities where these seminars were conducted includes, University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, Baluchistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, Mirpur University of Engineering and Technology, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University, Quetta, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore and energy relevant departments at NUST. The 2nd cohort of the campaign will include more universities nationwide to disseminate information regarding USPCAS-E, its components and further opportunities that can be availed. Team USPCAS-E conducting outreach seminars at various universities nationwide
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USPCAS-E Newsletter Oct-2016
Deputy Mission Director Mr James Peters, USAID, ASU, NUST and UET-P Team visiting USPCAS-E building
USPCAS-E building comprises state-of-the-art 8 laboratories with the unique research capabilities. A green building with approximately 60,000/- sq. ft. covered area holds the capacity of 5 class rooms, multiple office spaces, conference room and seminar hall. The building is likely to be under use by USPCAS-E students, faculty and officials by the end of 2016.
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USPCAS-E Newsletter Oct-2016
Research and Innovation at USPCAS-E USPCAS-E aspires to achieve excellence by fostering innovations in teaching, learning and applied research through provision of conducive learning environment through establishment of state of the art laboratories and libraries, instructional reforms and quality of course work and applied learning through modernized curriculum and enhanced teaching capacities and faculty development programs, integration of innovative IT platforms for teaching, learning and research, collaboration with Innovation and Commercialization (I&E) Directorate of NUST to emphasis on applied research and encourage innovative and commercially viable applied research solutions and liaison with top tier energy industry through the Corporate Advisory Council to provide means through which individual discoveries become value added products. Likewise core technologies likely to spark new industries often result from university patents. Such an ecosystem enables the USPCAS-E to become a hub for innovation, enabling transfer of research from laboratories to the market, leading to economic growth through technology transfer. Through these mechanism in the roots of the Center, the research and its dissemination is fostered and the global visibility is ensured by its publications. Following are a few research
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highlights of the Center; 1) The cost Benefit Analysis of Quaid-e-Azam Solar Power Pvt Ltd 100 MW Plant in Pakistan The investment on project has been analyzed in terms of benefits that might accrue from this renewable energy resource. The study propounded that the installed plant is replete with low efficiency, thus limiting the benefits. RET screen software was used to evaluate cost benefit analysis using technical and financial approach. 2) Performance evaluation of static Excitation System of Tarbela Power Station A digital solution to otherwise manual operation has been proposed for the control and management of Tarbella Power Station. Improvements are recommended for the following three critical components of the generating station: 1. Excitation System 2. Governor System 3. Protection System DOI: 10.1109/ICECUBE.2016.7495224
USPCAS-E Newsletter Oct-2016
3) Real time monitoring of ultra fast sensitization for Dye- Sensitized Solar Cell Photoanodes The degree of sensitization is a sensitive variable in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells. This paper reveals a novel method of real time monitoring of the degree of sensitization to ensure high quality solar cells. Consequently the amount of material used and duration for fabrication can be optimized for low cost fab. DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2016.02.014
4) Treatment of industrial effluents by making coal water slurry using pollutants as combustible components This study innovates the use of industrial wastewater instead of fresh water to prepare coal slurry fuel that can be fired in boilers replacing expensive fossil fuel oils. Industries like sugar industry, textile industry, dairy industry etc. have both the problems, energy production and wastewater. By utilizing their wastewater as a raw material for coal slurry fuel both these problems can be solved.
5) Efficiency analysis of locally manufactured cross flow turbines. A case study of Chitral By varying the flow rates of water, efficiency of locally manufactured and installed cross flow turbines at four sites in Chitral was calculated and compared to the standard efficiency curves provided by the manufacturers. Results highlighted highest efficiency of 67 percent at Overick site. 1. Rise is literacy rate due to availability of power 2. SME’s established 3. Critical medicine storage at low temperature become possible 4. Environment for medical equipment created 5. Reduction in deforestation
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USPCAS-E Newsletter Oct-2016
1st International Conference and Expo on Biomass Gasification Technologies
Minister Science and Technology Rana Tanveer, Rector NUST, Resident Coordinator, Neil Buhne, Esaam Alqararah, UNIDO Representative and Dr. Bilal, Principal USPCAS-E at the opening session of Conference
The first International Conference & Expo on Biomass Gasification Technologies”, held at Jinnah Auditorium, NUST, Islamabad on July 27-28. The two-day conference was organized by the U.S.Pakistan Centre for Advanced Studies in Energy (USPCAS-E) in collaboration with United Nations Industrial Development 14 www.uspcase.nust.edu.pk
Organization (UNIDO) Pakistan, under a GEF-funded project “Promoting Sustainable Energy through Biomass in Pakistan”. Federal Minister for Science & Technology Rana Tanveer Hussain graced the occasion as the chief guest in opening session on Wednesday July, 27. USPCAS-E, NUST and UNIDO are col-
laborating on fostering Entrepreneurship on clean technology innovation, with special focus on indigenous manufacturing of biomass gasifiers. Pakistan has biomass potential estimated at 5000 MW. The Forum brought together a collation of eminent statesmen, diplomats, academics,
USPCAS-E Newsletter Oct-2016 practitioners, and students to deliberate on issues confronting the energy sector in Pakistan. Eminent international keynote speakers including Prof. Dr. Carlos Rufin a PhD in Public Policy with a specialization in economic development from the Harvard Kennedy School, Prof. Dr. Olvar Bergland, associate professor in energy economics at the School of Economics and Business, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Dr. Jussi Rasinmäki, a PhD on Forest Sciences at the University of Helsinki, Prof. Dr. Razi Nalim (Executive Associate Dean for Research of the Purdue School of Engineering & Technology ), Prof. Dr. Xinying Liu (head of XTL/FTS research group MaPS, University of South Africa), Mr. Alois Posekufa Mhlanga is an Industrial Development Officer at UNIDO Energy Branch, Prof. Dr. M. Khurshid Khan formerly Dean at Bradford University graced the occasion. The primary themes of the Conference comprised of Current Research and Development Trends of BGTs, BGTs Lessons for Developing Countries: Strategic Overview for Technology Transfer, BGTs
for SMEs & Rural Communities: Resource, Economics and Business Aspects, BGTs Integration with Other Technologies: Options and Sustainability, Policy & Regulatory Considerations for Promotion of BGTs in Pakistan and Financing Biomass Technologies: Role of public, private and international agencies. Fourteen leading local and overseas companies exhibit their products in the parallel expo.
Mr. Ing. Harrie Knoef, International Speaker on Biomass Technology from Netherland
Mr. Alois Posekufa Mhlanga, Industrial Development Officer at UNIDO Energy Branch, speaking on the management of Renewable Energy Projects
The forum was finally concluded with “Islamabad Biomass Declaration” read by Prof. Dr. Carlos Rufin (Harvard Kennedy School) on behalf of the participants on the two-day conference calling for all stakeholders working together for the promotion and indigenization of biomass gasification in Pakistan. Lastly memoranda of understanding and letters of intent were exchanged between Purdue University, USA, NUST and UET Peshawar for cooperation in renewable energy and biomass gasification research and the Dutch company, Knoef Consulting and K-axis Engineering pertaining to cooperation in biomass gasification technology.
Minister for Science and Technology, Pakistan Rana Tanveer
Pro-Rector Planning and Reforms NUST, Eng M Shahid
Olvar Bergland, International Speaker on Water Resources and Energy from Norway
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Research and Training for Pakistan’s Energy Sector by Forging International Alliances Development in Pakistan remains con- with exposure to new technology and strained by an ongoing energy crisis that an opportunity to collaborate with other is deeply connected with experts in their fields. The facilities the country’s security chalMr. Akif Zia Khan, faculty lenges and ever growing available in smart member at USPCAS-E, demand for power. Over grids laboratory NUST, who specializes in the past few years, chronic Smart Grids technology, viswill help the energy shortages have cost ited Arizona State University Pakistan up to 4% of GDP researchers to (ASU) from January through downfall. The closure of of this year to attend model, simulate March hundreds of factories, paraa series of meetings on curlyzed production, and in- and validate the riculum, lab equipment, and creased unemployment are different domains applied research projects the worst outcomes of the with peer faculty and fellow energy crisis for a develop- of electric power researchers at the Power ing economy. The country Systems Research Center grid. also lacks a skilled workforce in this important sector; both in the industry as well as academia. The launch of U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Energy at National University of Sciences and Technology (USPCAS-E) by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Arizona State University (ASU) is an effort to fulfill this pressing national need. This partnership builds on existing talent in Pakistan by providing university faculty 16 www.uspcase.nust.edu.pk
(PSERC). His collaborative work with Dr. George Karaday of PSERC during his stay at ASU is now playing an instrumental role in developing new curriculum and availability of modern power hardware in the loop smart grids laboratory for Electrical Energy Engineering Program at USPCAS-E at NUST.The facilities available in smart grids laboratory will help the researchers to model, simulate and validate the different domains of electric power grid. Power quality analysis and energy auditing can also be performed with the equipment available with this laboratory. Various entities under the umbrella of Pakistan Electric Power Company (PEPCO)
Akif Zia Khan
USPCAS-E Newsletter Oct-2016 as well as industries can utilize for Proton Exchange Membrane the available facilities in the lab- Fuel Cells (PEMFC). This conoratory for development and tribution will help the industry validation of their prototypes. in lowering the cost of fuel cell The opportunity for him to and improve portable fuel cells participate in different technical application, and improve energy workshops and events hosted by production” says Dr. Naseem the IEEE Power and Engineering Iqbal. On his return, he has initiSociety chapter at ASU resulted ated a feasibility analysis in colin an extraordinary capacity laboration with Hyundai Motors building of the faculty under this Group for the development of exchange program and Khan is novel electrocatalyst with ultracommitted to replicate the same low Platinum metal loading for teaching and experimental fa- fuel cell vehicles to mainly lower cilities at the NUST down the cost of campus that he ob- The main bottle Fuel Cell technolserved at ASU. ogy by developing Dr. Naseem Iqbal, neck in the fuel cheap catalyst Assistant Profes- cell development This exchange prosor at USPCAS-E, has forged is the Platinum gram NUST, who speimportant research cializes in fuel metal loading on collaboration becells technology, catalyst which tween ASU and visited ASU under NUST that will increases the the same exchange cultivate a stronger program. Dr. Iqbal overall cost for research culture worked with a rePakistan’s this technology. among search group at the academics and asPolytechnic School, sist university facASU, led by Professor A. M. Kan- ulty to execute applied research nan, a renowned expert in fuel projects. These research procell technology. During his visit, jects will address some of the Dr. Iqbal utilized the resources most pressing energy concerns around him to catapult his re- facing Pakistan today. Faculty and search forward.“The main bottle students at NUST are geared neck in the fuel cell development to undertake projects for effiis the Platinum metal loading cient energy storage and elecon catalyst which increases the tro-chemical reduction of CO2 overall cost for this technology. for converting CO2 into useful I developed a process to lower chemicals for improved environthe Pt loading on electrocatalyst ment.
Dr Naseem Iqbal
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USPCAS-E Newsletter Oct-2016
Spreading the Word to Industry
USPCAS-E’s Industry Collaboration Initiatives The Energy Sector Committee is one of the most dynamic Sectors of the NUST Corporate Advisory Council (CAC) with its constituent eminent personalities from top line local and international organizations, development organizations and consultants, and academicians. The External Session of CAC Energy Sector Committee was held on Monday, 11th July 2016, in NUST, H-12 Campus Islamabad. Dr. M. Ilyas Fazil, Chief Executive Officer, Oil Companies Advisory Council (OCAC), Mr. Rashid Aziz, Former Senior Energy Specialist World Bank, Mr. Shahid Sattar, Former Member Energy Planning Commission of Pakistan, Mr. Ali Mehmud, Chief Executive Officer, Global Sunergy Systems, Mr. Ghazi Alam, Director, Hydra Consulting Services, Mr. Zamir Awan, Deputy Director, Chinese Studies Centre were the key external participants both direct and indirect to the development of the energy sector in Pakistan focusing on the Policy for Power Sector. the NUST Co-Chair CAC Energy Sector
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Committee, Dr. M. Bilal Khan, and the Industry Co-Chair CAC Energy Sector Committee, Mr. Amer Z. Durrani headed and directed the session. As the applied research component, USPCAS-E will be conducting 20 Applied Projects, 15 Projects will be conducted independently while 5 Projects will be carried out jointly between USPCAS-E NUST and Arizona State University (ASU). In this context,ASU has suggested themes for joint projects for consideration by USPCAS-E NUST. One of the projects is “Developing a toolkit for Pakistan Energy Policy Review and Assessment”. The key outcome of the session was sharing of the thoughts by the external members on what should be the objectives for this Joint USPCAS-E & ASU Project, how they can collaborate within the committee and what future directions they would like the committee to take forward for revamping the Renewable Energy Policy of Pakistan.
“I am greatly indebted to USAID and NUST for providing me this unique opportunity. It was initially intimidating to visit a completely different culture for the first time, to see everything being done differently but I learnt so much during this exchange program and not only about research. I made a lot of friends from all over the globe, which helped me form a new outlook of the world. I am particularly impressed by the work ethics that is prevalent at Oregon State University (OSU). As part of the this exchange program, I visited a number of hydro power plants and a wind farm which gave me a visual picture of everything I had studied in theory till now. I am thankful to Dr. Kendra Sharp, Dr. Brian Fronk and Dr. David Bernell for being excellent mentors and Tabeel for being an amazing coordinator.
Samreen Siddiq Exchange Program Beneficiary
For feedback, questions and media queries:
Communications and Outreach Office U.S.-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Energy National University of Sciences and Technology Email: info@uspcase.nust.edu.pk
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