The Smart Way English Kindergarten hosted a joyful and knowledge-rich graduation ceremony for its students, marked by an engaging and interactive atmosphere. The event was distinguished by the valued participation of the Energy Research Center at Al-Mustaqbal University and the College of Engineering Technologies, whose contributions added depth and inspiration to the celebration. As part of the program, the students took part in a series of educational competitions and interactive quizzes designed in a fun and simplified manner. These activities introduced the children to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the concept of renewable energy, including its various types and the positive impact it has on both the environment and society. To encourage a spirit of healthy competition, solar-powered lamps were distributed as special prizes to the students who answered questions correctly. These thoughtful gifts were generously provided by the Future Energy Sales Center, located on Street 40, as part of its ongoing commitment to community awareness and education. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the kindergarten administration expressed its deep appreciation and gratitude to the Energy Research Center and the College of Engineering Technologies for their valuable efforts and unique contributions, which enriched the event with both useful knowledge and entertaining activities. The administration further emphasized that such initiatives play a vital role in raising environmental and scientific awareness among students, while nurturing a culture of sustainability and responsibility that will positively influence their future education and lives.

Solar energy is one of the most promising renewable resources for building a sustainable future. However, the performance and reliability of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules can be significantly affected by certain manufacturing defects or issues during handling and installation. Key defects and their impacts include: • Micro-cracks: Often caused by mishandling or lamination stress. • Potential Induced Degradation (PID): Can reduce performance by up to 30% within 2–3 years. • Delamination: Moisture ingress may cause 8–10% long-term power loss. • Hot Spots: Localized heating can lead to 2–6% short-term yield loss. • Snail Trails: May reduce long-term efficiency by up to 2%. • Bubbles and voids in EVA: Moisture penetration can lower efficiency by 5–7% over time. • Glass breakage/edge chipping: Immediate rejection or field failure. Energy experts stress that ensuring proper quality control during manufacturing, transport, and installation is crucial to maximize module reliability and long-term performance. Such measures are key to advancing high-quality solar technologies, achieving maximum renewable energy output, and accelerating the global shift toward clean energy solutions.

The Al-Mustaqbal Energy Research Center continues the activities of its “Solar Energy Hackathon” training program, launched as part of its initiatives to empower students and professionals in the field of renewable energy, with wide participation from engineering students and specialists. The session featured a comprehensive introduction to solar energy, covering fundamental concepts, its importance in the global transition to clean energy, and practical applications in electricity generation and carbon emission reduction. Dr. Ammar delivered a specialized lecture on PV Syst, one of the leading global software tools used for designing and evaluating photovoltaic systems. His detailed explanation included how to use the software to estimate power output, analyze performance, and conduct technical and economic feasibility studies for solar projects. The lecture also included interactive, hands-on training, enabling participants to practice directly with the software, thereby enhancing their skills in system design and real-world problem-solving within the solar energy sector. This training is part of the broader Solar Energy Hackathon competition, which combines specialized workshops and practical sessions, ultimately leading to the design of complete solar power projects to be evaluated by a panel of experts at the final stage. The center’s administration emphasized that the goal of the program is to equip a new generation of professionals with innovative, sustainable energy solutions, while bridging theoretical knowledge with practical applications to support national and global sustainable development goals.

As part of its continuous efforts to attract distinguished academic competencies, Al-Mustaqbal Center for Energy Research conducted a scientific interview with Mr. Hameed Baqir, one of the applicants seeking an academic position at Al-Mustaqbal University. The interview was chaired by Prof. Dr. Salwan Obeid Waheed, Director of the Center, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Qusay Rasheed Abdulameer. During the session, the candidate delivered a detailed presentation highlighting the core aspects of his Master’s thesis, which focused on wind energy utilization and electricity generation through air turbines. His presentation demonstrated both scientific depth and clarity, emphasizing the crucial role of renewable energy in addressing challenges associated with conventional energy sources and supporting the global shift towards sustainable and clean energy solutions. Prof. Dr. Selwan stressed that Al-Mustaqbal University is keen to engage highly qualified academics capable of enriching the fields of research and teaching, noting that such interviews are part of the Center’s mission to select the most suitable academic figures who can positively contribute to students’ learning outcomes and enhance the university’s research profile. For his part, Mr. Baqir expressed his eagerness to be part of Al-Mustaqbal University’s academic journey, confirming his readiness to apply his research expertise in serving both students and the Center, particularly in the field of renewable energy studies and practical applications. This initiative reflects the commitment of Al-Mustaqbal Center for Energy Research to adopting a rigorous academic approach in selecting candidates, thereby reinforcing the University’s standing as a pioneering institution dedicated to keeping pace with scientific advancements, especially in the vital field of renewable and clean energy.

The Al-Mustaqbal Center for Energy Research has commenced its scheduled periodic maintenance program for the Center’s equipment and facilities. This initiative comes as part of the annual plan to ensure the sustainability and efficiency of all research and laboratory devices. The maintenance works include the Center’s core equipment, in addition to the devices utilized in postgraduate research projects (theses and dissertations), as well as laboratory instruments used in scientific experiments and testing. This effort reflects the Center’s commitment to providing an integrated research environment that meets the needs of both researchers and students while keeping pace with the latest scientific advancements. The Director of the Center emphasized that this step is part of a broader strategy aimed at preserving the research infrastructure and ensuring its readiness, thereby contributing to the quality and reliability of scientific research outcomes. Through this initiative, the Al-Mustaqbal Center for Energy Research reaffirms its dedication to fostering a modern scientific environment supported by advanced technologies and continuous maintenance, ensuring the sustainability of research projects and serving the academic community.

The Solar Energy Hackathon has officially launched at Al-Mustaqbal University, organized jointly by the Al-Mustaqbal Center for Energy Research in collaboration with the College of Engineering and Engineering Technologies. The week-long event aims to encourage students to innovate and develop practical solutions in the field of clean and sustainable energy. The opening session featured a scientific lecture delivered by Prof. Dr. Azhar Mohsen Abd, Dean of the College, who addressed the scientific principles for installing solar energy systems, emphasizing the importance of following precise technical standards to avoid common mistakes and ensure maximum efficiency. He also highlighted the pivotal role of solar energy in providing sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives that support the country’s development goals. The workshop offered a highly interactive atmosphere, where students engaged in discussions that enhanced their understanding of the latest technologies and approaches in the field of renewable energy. At the conclusion, the Dean affirmed that the College, in collaboration with the Al-Mustaqbal Center for Energy Research, is committed to supporting innovative projects and practical workshops, equipping students to keep pace with global scientific advancements. This hackathon aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, reflecting the commitment of the University and its research center to establishing renewable energy concepts as a promising scientific and practical pathway for Iraq’s future.