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Al-Mustaqbal Energy Research Center

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17 September 2025

Department of Electrical Engineering Technologies Organizes a Scientific Field Trip to the Power Station at Al-Khair Residential City in Karbala

Under the patronage of the President of Al-Mustaqbal University and the supervision of the Dean of the College of Engineering and Engineering Technologies, the Department of Electrical Engineering Technologies, in cooperation with the Al-Mustaqbal Science Engineering Office and the Al-Mustaqbal Center for Energy Research, organized a scientific field trip to the electrical power station of Al-Khair Residential City in Karbala Governorate. The visit included a comprehensive tour where students were introduced to the main generators of the complex and the step-up transformers used for long-distance power transmission. They also explored the control panels of the Switch Gear system, the secondary transformers, and the mechanisms of electrical load distribution within the complex, in addition to visiting the control systems for water pumping operations. As part of the program, the students participated in a practical workshop delivered by: • Eng. Ghanem Hassani Hamza • Eng. Ziad Tareq Kareem • Eng. Mohammed Abbas Hamza The workshop provided a detailed explanation of the synchronization mechanisms between generators and power stations, along with a practical demonstration of the operating principles of the Switch Gear system. This scientific trip comes as part of the department’s ongoing efforts to enrich students’ knowledge, bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical applications, and prepare highly qualified engineers capable of meeting the evolving demands of the energy sector and the labor market.

16 September 2025

Integration of solar energy with agriculture: a research project for graduate students at the Future Center

Al-Mustaqbal Renewable Energy Research Center continues to host and support graduate students’ projects, as a Master’s student from the University of Babylon pursues her applied research on plant cultivation beneath solar panels within the center’s laboratories. The center’s scientific and engineering staff are providing full support for the student, by ensuring a well-prepared research environment, offering the required instruments and facilities for measurements and experiments, in addition to direct supervision and continuous guidance throughout the project’s progress. This initiative comes under the sponsorship and support of the President of Al-Mustaqbal University College, Prof. Dr. Hasan Shakir Majdi, with the supervision of the Dean of the College of Engineering Technologies, Asst. Prof. Dr. Azhar Mohsen, and the follow-up of the Director of the Research Center, Dr. Salwan Obaid. The project aims to examine the efficiency of solar panels under different conditions, while studying the impact of shading on plant growth. This research opens new horizons for integrating renewable energy with the agricultural sector, contributing to innovative solutions that address both energy and food security challenges. Al-Mustaqbal Renewable Energy Research Center reaffirms its commitment to supporting solid scientific research, and empowering young researchers to transform their ideas into pioneering applied projects that serve the community and align with global trends in sustainability and clean energy.

16 September 2025

World Ozone Day – September 16

Every year on September 16, the world celebrates the World Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, commemorating the signing of the Montreal Protocol (1987) which marked a turning point in international efforts to reduce ozone-depleting substances. 📊 Data from 1979 to 2008 indicate that the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation reaching the Earth's surface has increased significantly as a result of ozone erosion. The largest increase was recorded in the Southern Hemisphere, reaching 25% at near-Latitudes of the South Pole, while the increase was lower in the Northern Hemisphere, and remained almost stable at the equator. ☀️ This increase in ultraviolet radiation is a global concern, as it is among the most dangerous waves for human health (UV-B), which is associated with high rates of skin cancer and eye diseases, in addition to its negative effects on plants and ecosystems. 🔹 This International Day comes to remind that international cooperation can protect our planet, and that continued adherence to the provisions of the Montreal Protocol enhances the chances of recovering the ozone layer and ensuring a healthy environment for future generations.

14 September 2025

Australia to build solar-powered giant desalination plant

Australia has completed the construction of the world's largest fully solar-powered desalination plant. This plant pulls seawater, filters it through advanced reverse osmosis membranes, and produces millions of liters of fresh water daily. Unlike older plants that consume fossil fuel energy, this plant runs entirely on solar fields stretching across the desert. Special membranes covered with nanomaterials improve efficiency, requiring less pressure to remove salt from the water. This reduces energy use and maintenance costs. The plant can expand its production depending on rainfall, ensuring a stable water supply during periods of drought. It also integrates smart storage tanks, to distribute clean water to cities and farms throughout Australia's arid regions. For a country that suffers from frequent water scarcity, this project is a major achievement in the field of sustainable resource management. Other countries with dry climates are already studying this model. Australia's achievement could reshape how humanity can secure fresh water in an era of climate pressure. In an innovative move to support global planning, a team of researchers at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) has compiled three tools to assess the economic feasibility of solar hybrid desalination plants: 1. Geographic Information Systems (GIS): To determine optimal locations based on proximity to the coast, terrain, protected areas, and population density. 2. Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM): • Allows the entry of all variables and determines the weight of each factor. • It helps decision makers accurately choose the best location for the station, taking into account environmental and economic factors. 3. Technical and economic model: • It consists of two parts: • First: CSP factory simulation using the System Advisor Model (SAM). • Second: The CSP-MED model in MATLAB to simulate every part of the system including PTC, the Rankin cycle, and the sequending MED system. • Objective: To estimate the financial recovery period, taking into account the terrain, salinity, and water temperature. Results of the study: • The case study of Australia showed that the West Coast is economically most suitable because of the height of the DNI and the less severe terrain, while the East Coast has protected areas and high altitudes that reduce economic feasibility.

14 September 2025

The most efficient solar panels for homes in 2025”

This table compares the best models of solar panels intended for residential use, and presents important information that helps consumers and engineers choose the most suitable panel in terms of efficiency and technology. All these panels are intended for residential use, in sizes ranging from 54 to 132 cells, and do not include large commercial panels. Simplified explanation of the techniques used: • N-Type: Purer cells, resistant to loss of efficiency over time (LID). • TOPCon: A modern technology that raises efficiency and reduces thermal loss. • IBC / ABC: Cells with rear contact, giving a neat shape and high efficiency. • HJT (Heterojunction): fusion of crystalline and amorphous silicon, excellent high-temperature performance. Why is this photo important? • Helps you choose the most suitable board according to efficiency and technology. • Demonstrates the global trend towards N-Type cells and advanced technologies such as TOPCon and IBC. • Very useful in preparing technical presentations or comparative studies for residential solar energy projects. It assists engineers and researchers in choosing the right panels for residential projects. • Reflects the rapid development of solar cell technologies. • Supports the trend towards clean energy in Iraq and the region.

14 September 2025

Marsh crisis in Dhi Qar: drought threatens the source of livelihood and life

The Mesopotamian Marshes represent one of Iraq’s most vital ecological and economic resources, as local communities depend mainly on fishing and buffalo breeding. However, the ongoing drought and declining water levels have severely impacted both livelihoods and social stability. The Energy Research Center expresses its deep concern over the challenges threatening the sustainability of life in the marshes, emphasizing that addressing this crisis requires joint governmental, scientific, and community efforts to develop sustainable environmental and water solutions that can secure a better Al-Mustaqbal for these unique natural and cultural treasures.

13 September 2025

Under the patronage and presence of the respected Governor of Babylon, the launch of the preparations for Al-Mustaqbal Ambassadors Camp Festival for Sustainability

Under the patronage and presence of the respected Governor of Babylon, the launch of the preparations for Al-Mustaqbal Ambassadors Camp Festival for Sustainability Under the patronage and presence of the Governor of Babylon, Mr. Adnan Fayhan Al-Dulaimi, and in line with her vision of supporting youth energies and adopting pioneering initiatives, preparations for the Future Ambassadors for Sustainability Camp were launched at Al-Mustaqbal University, which is scheduled to be held in early October on the ground of Babylon Tourist Resort. The activities of this day witnessed the presence of the Governor of Babylon, Mr. Adnan Fayhan Al-Dulaimi, and the President of the Future University, Prof. Dr. Hassan Shaker Majdi, in addition to assistants, deans and department managers, as well as a group of professors, associates and students from the ambassadors of the future for sustainability. The activities of the symposium began with a presentation by Prof. Dr. Muzaffar Sadiq Al-Zuhairi, Director of Scientific and Academic Supervision, which dealt with the details of the establishment of the camp, its strategic objectives, the most prominent ongoing preparations for its success, and the announcement of the launch of the hackathon competition for artificial intelligence for sustainability, which will constitute a creative space for students to highlight their ideas and employ technology in the service of sustainable development issues. The presentation was followed by a dialogue session in which the Governor of Babylon, Mr. Adnan Fayhan, the President of Al-Mustaqbal University, Prof. Dr. Hassan Shaker Magdy, and the Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Dr. Ammar Al-Husseini, participated. The President of the University opened the session with a speech in which he welcomed the attendees, appreciating the support of the Governor and his active participation in the various scientific and cultural forums organized by the University, stressing that the camp represents a wide platform for the exchange of visions among young people and an opportunity to network with partners from various sectors. For his part, the Governor of Babylon expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Presidency of the Future University for adopting such qualitative initiatives, which are the first of its kind at the level of Iraqi universities, stressing that the Future Ambassadors Camp for Sustainability will have an important role in strengthening national belonging and consolidating community identity, stressing the continued support of the local government for the university's projects, which made it the most prominent scientific and cultural interface in the governorate. The session concluded by presenting the vision of the Governor on a number of relevant files, interspersed with interventions and discussions from professors and students, to conclude with the recommendation to complete all the necessary preparations to ensure the success of the camp and highlight it in a way that reflects the leadership of the Future University and its status locally and internationally.

13 September 2025

Participation of the Center Director in the Third Preparatory Meeting for the 3rd Future of Renewable Energy Conference

The Director of the Renewable Energy Research Center, Prof. Dr. Salwan Waheed, participated in the third preparatory meeting for the 3rd Future of Clean Energy Conference, organized by Al-Mustaqbal University in October. The meeting discussed the latest updates related to the scientific and preparatory committees, strategies to attract researchers and participants from Iraq and abroad, as well as reviewing the organizational and logistical arrangements to ensure the conference’s success at both local and international levels. This meeting comes as part of the ongoing efforts of the University and the Center to strengthen their role as leading institutions in the field of renewable energy, while promoting scientific research and supporting sustainable solutions to global challenges in energy and the environment.