Conference Speakers 2025

Ahmed Alshehri is an Energy Engineer II at King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering from King Saud University, specializing in solar energy and CSP systems. He has seven years of experience in the renewable energy field, focusing on thermal energy systems and energy modeling. Ahmed is passionate about renewable energy, energy efficiency, and innovation in the energy sector, aiming to advance sustainable energy solutions for a cleaner, more efficient future.

Hisham Alhegelan was appointed as the Country Manager for X-Noor Saudi Arabia in November 2024. With over 30 years of leadership experience, he has a proven track record of delivering outstanding strategic and operational results in diverse and challenging global environments. From 2014 to 2019, Hisham served as the Country Manager for Abengoa, then one of the world's largest solar power developers. Following this, he held leadership roles at the Saudi Ministry of Industry & Mineral Resources as well as Ministry of Municipality, Rural Affairs and Housing.

As VP of Product Development at Yellow Door Energy, Youssef oversees a team of product development experts to bring innovative product solutions to businesses. Most recently, he developed the company's battery energy storage system (BESS) solutions for commercial and industrial businesses in Middle East and South Africa. He has over a decade of experience in the renewable energy industry, with particular focus on hybrid solutions. Prior to joining Yellow Door Energy, Youssef was the Chief Technology Officer at Solstice Renewable Energy in Jordan, and the head of the renewable energy department at ACEMCO in Lebanon. Youssef holds an Executive Master in Business Administration (EMBA) from Ecole Supérieure de Commerce de Paris (ESCP) in France and a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering from American University of Beirut in Lebanon.

Dr. Puzant Baliozian is the VDMA PV Equipment Group's project manager since September of this year. He is involved in techno-economic studies for manufacturing capacity of PV along the value chain and represents the interests of European PV equipment manufacturers internationally. The PV Sector Group at VDMA also publishes the yearly international technology roadmap for photovoltaics (ITRPV) showing highly relevant technology projections and trends. Dr. Baliozian studied physics at the American University of Beirut (BSc., 2014) and has a specialization in renewable energy (MSc. 2016) from the university of Freiburg. From 2016 until recently, he worked at Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) in Freiburg in the field of photovoltaic production technologies where he also did his PhD. He is best known for developing the passivated edge technology for separated industrial solar cell concepts, to boost cell and module efficiencies.

With over 20 years of global research and development experience, I specialize in driving innovation in solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies and their integration into hybrid power solutions, adapting these technologies for new business applications. My expertise encompasses advanced materials, manufacturing, and reliable PV integration, with a focus on optimizing Net Present Value and Levelized Cost of Electricity in challenging arid environments. I have successfully led teams and projects across Qatar, Japan, and France, collaborating with industry partners and applied research institutions to secure funding and foster strategic partnerships in the renewable energy sector. Honored with the Women in New Energy Leadership Award and the Schieber Prize, I aim to enhance the efficiency and reliability of solar PV systems through the advancement of innovative technologies and solutions, contributing to the development of a green economy. I look forward to sharing my insights and experiences to support the Middle East's transition toward sustainable energy solutions.

Stanislav Betin joined Creek Capital as the Head of HYPR Energy Services under the Mobility vertical in June 2023. His primary objective with HYPR is to transform the off-grid energy consumption principles by introducing a clean power, mobile plug-and-play battery solution. As a versatile professional and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience, Stanislav has been focusing on driving growth in the mobility space. In 2017, he founded FabCab, a ride-hailing in Sri Lanka that revolutionized the online lending market. In 2019, he was the CEO and Country Manager for Anytime Belarus Carsharing. In 2020, Stanislav joined ekar, a car-sharing operator in Dubai, and two years later, became Chief Commercial Officer. Stanislav graduated with honors from Moscow State Linguistic University in 2001 and obtained an MBA from the Higher School of Economics in Moscow in 2006. Stanislav completed a professional course in "Consulting and Change" at the Tavistock Institute of Human Relations in 2011.

Lewis is the Operations Director at NES Fircroft, the largest Engineering & Technical Manpower Solutions business in the world.

Dr. Nabih Cherradi is Desert Technologies' Chief Technology Officer. Has spent over 34 years building on a long track record of equipment's/production lines as well as business development in the semiconductor and photovoltaic industries. Prior to joining Desert Technologies, Nabih is also the CEO of EmpowerSun, a Swiss based photovoltaic energy consultancy, which he founded in 2009. In the meantime, he also co-founded ISWT a French solar developer company. From 2007-2009, as a Vice President/CTO, he accompanied Yingli Green Energy in its fast expansion with responsibility for the technology and manufacturing. He also participated in its IPO in New York (NYSE). As operations & process director at Applied Materials from 1997 to 2007 Nabih was responsible for installing turn-key semiconductor and photovoltaic production lines throughout the world, installing multiple GWs of production capacity across a ten year period. As a scientist, he focused on advance materials for different applications working with different industries (Semiconductor, Photovoltaic and Hard tools) He holds a PhD on materials sciences from the University Henri Poincaré, Nancy as well as an MBA, from the Business School of Nancy, (France).

Solar & Energy Storage Executive with 20+ years of Global experience. Extensive functional knowledge with accomplished marketing, financial, business development and technology skills. I'm a seasoned professional with extensive functional knowledge with accomplished marketing, financial, business development and technology skills with a keen understanding of RE market design/fundamentals and business models, and strong in-market commercial and transactional experience who lived in 3 continents.

As great supporter of renewable Energy in a safe environment. And with 17 years of experience in the testing, inspection, and certification industry, I bring a robust technical background and expertise in renewable energy challenges and questions As a passionate advocate for sustainable energy, supported countless projects focused on biomethane and renewable fuels of non-biological origin, driving certification processes that enhance the final product's value. In my current role as Vice President of Global Sales, I support organizations navigate in the complex world of regulations and laws and leverage DEKRA's broad range of services to provide strategic support to clients, ensuring compliance, minimize the risk and maximizing the impact of their projects sustainable

Denisa Fainis is a Senior Account Manager at Huawei Digital Power, specializing in the solar PV utility-scale sector in Dubai. She also serves as the Secretary General of the Middle East Solar Industry Association. Her role at Huawei involves managing key accounts for utility-scale solar PV developers, fostering stakeholder relationships, analyzing market trends, understanding local regulations, assessing lender interest for specific projects and regions, and performing due diligence. With over 18 years of international experience, Denisa has a diverse background in business development across sectors such as military contracting, diesel power generation, and solar energy.

Maria is an unwavering advocate for sustainability, harnessing her 22 years expertise in ESG frameworks to spearhead transformative change within industries like construction, real estate ,energy and the investment and services sectors. With an unwavering commitment to guiding cross-sector corporate clients and SMEs towards achieving net zero and ensuring social sustainability compliance, Maria is a driving force in the journey towards a greener future. As the visionary founder of "Sustainability Switch Consultancy," she has solidified her position as a leading woman solopreneur, empowering organizations to align their sustainability agenda with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Beyond her consultancy work, Maria actively contributes to the non-profit organization "Lean In Equity and Sustainability" as Board Co-Chair and Sustainability Chair, empowering women in the energy transition and advocating for a more inclusive industry. Maria's impressive academic background complements her extensive professional experience, as she holds both a UK Master's and Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and has acquired sustainability expertise from Cambridge University (CISL). Her 22-year international journey in corporate strategy and project operations includes the successful implementation of numerous large-scale projects and government initiatives, solidifying her reputation as a seasoned leader in her field. Recognized as an authority in the realm of sustainability, Maria is highly sought after as a keynote speaker at renowned conferences focusing on sustainability, ESG, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her captivating presence and deep knowledge inspire audiences while providing practical insights into tackling climate change challenges. Maria also conducts executive-level workshops, delving into various climate change subjects, empowering participants to take action and drive meaningful impact. Leveraging her wealth of expertise, she has published numerous articles that serve as beacons of knowledge, inspiring and educating others on the path to a sustainable future. As a thought leader, innovator, and influencer, Maria's contributions to cross sector industry decarbonization are paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient future. Her unwavering dedication, combined with her remarkable ability to connect with diverse audiences, makes her an indispensable voice in shaping the energy transition discourse.

Since May 2020, Mr. Fuchs is heading the global sales team for NAS Batteries at BASF New Business. He has been working for three large electrical companies such as ABB, Siemens, and BASF for the last 33 years and since more than a decade he has been responsible for the sales of advanced energy storage technologies to utilities, project developers and system integrators. With passion he drives the deployment of new green technologies to accelerate the energy transition. He is an ambitious promoter of NAS® batteries (sodium-sulfur-based batteries) to customers across the globe and supports them on their way to the energy transition. Mr. Fuchs holds a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from the RWTH Aachen University and an Executive Master in Business Administration from the University of West Florida.

Daniel is a highly respected global marketing and event management leader with over 13 years experience in brand development, international marketing strategy and public relations campaigns. The proven track record of more than 400 successfully accomplished B2B marketing, communication and event management projects across the USA, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America reflects his strong intercultural competence and ability to translate customer demands into profit making concepts and avantgarde solutions. Extremely well connected in the global solar and energy storage industries, Daniel has acted as facilitator for hundreds of companies across all segments that wanted to expand their business in specific regions. Daniel holds a BA (Hons.) in International Business Management and MBA from the University of Wales, Cardiff.

Dr. Sebastian Gatz (45) received his diploma degree at the Technical University Munich in 2006. From 2007 to 2012 he was a research associate at the Institute for Solar Energy Research Hamelin ISFH, where he set a solar cell world record for efficiency for industrial PERC solar cells in 2011. In 2012 he received his doctorate in natural sciences from Leibniz University Hannover with his thesis on "Analysis and optimization of industrial type rear-passivated silicon solar cells". As of 2012, Sebastian Gatz works as a project manager at SolarWorld Innovation and was responsible for transferring the new PERC solar cell technology from the laboratory to industrial production. From 2013-2016 he worked at Manz AG as head of development in silicon photovoltaics and electronics. Here, vacuum and laser processes have been successfully implemented in various industrial applications in the solar and consumer electronics industries. At Meyer Burger AG, Sebastian Gatz worked from 2016 to 2019 as Head of Microsystems development for R&D and pilot systems. Sebastian Gatz has been Vice President of the Photovoltaics Business Area at VON ARDENNE GmbH from 2019 until 2024. Since January 2025 he is Vice President Renewable Energies & Strategic Partnerships. VON ARDENNE GmbH is a German

As a renewable energy expert, I have been involved in some of the largest projects in the world. Currently I manage a company that is leading green hydrogen projects development with a promising pipeline.

Sohan is a research analyst on Wood Mackenzie's Power and Renewables team and leads the coverage of solar PV and onshore wind markets in Africa and the Middle East. He forecasts renewable installations in the region and provides insights on the latest policy and regulatory developments. He is currently based in London. Sohan has previously been a member of Wood Mackenzie's European long-term power team, where his primary focus was on power purchase agreement (PPA) and guarantee of origin (GoO) trends. Earlier in his career, Sohan lived in Nigeria, where he gained experience collaborating with a local power solutions provider on a project to install off-grid residential PV systems in rural areas of the country. Sohan graduated from Imperial College London with a first-class master's degree in Chemical Engineering.

Dr. Jan Haizmann is a qualified lawyer with a background in European competition law. He founded Correggio Consulting in 2005 and became CEO of ZETA in 2024, focusing on zero-emission markets in the GCC region. He has held executive roles in EFET and advised the EU, Turkey, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan on energy market projects.

Dr. Hamed Hanifi holds a PhD on Electrical Engineering and Photovoltaics from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg. His career spans from 2013-2021 at Fraunhofer CSP in the groups of Module Technology and Module Reliability. Between 2021-2024, he has been leading the Research and Development department and since 2025, he acts as the Global Technical Director at AESOLAR. His group is dedicated to pioneering PV modules, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring durability, especially in extreme climates. Apart from standard modules, he focuses on PV applications such as Agrivoltaics, Shade-resistant, and PV-Thermal modules.

Michael Heilig is the CEO of SwissWatt One AG, with 17 years in the PV industry and 22 years in direct sales and business development. He spent 14 years at SunPower / Maxeon, managing key markets in Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Eastern Europe, Pakistan, and parts of the Middle East. Additionally, he lived and worked for 8 years in Southeast Asia, gaining deep industry expertise. His strengths include account management, revenue growth, distributor network expansion, and strategic market planning. He has represented SunPower and Maxeon at global trade fairs and conferences. Michael holds a Diploma in Business Informatics and has extensive experience in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. He is fluent in German (C2) and English (C1).

PhD in physical chemistry at Technical University Chemnitz - Chemical vapor deposition and insitu process analytic. Experience in high end semiconductor manufacturing processes at Advanced Microelectronic Devices, Globalfoundries and Intel in Germany, Ireland and USA. Since 2016 worked for Research and technology company CTF Solar GmbH in Dresden Germany in the technology development for CdTe thin film PV module manufacturing equipment and processes. Up to now 37 patents and multiple scientific publications.

Pierre Holstein is an accomplished logistics and supply chain leader with over two decades of experience at Kuehne + Nagel, where he has progressed through various leadership roles. Currently serving as the Senior Vice President, Global Head of Business Development for Industrial & Aerospace, Pierre oversees strategic initiatives and global business growth for key verticals. His expertise spans industrial solutions, key account management, and strategic business development, gained through roles such as SVP, Global Head of Industrial Vertical and Vice President of Global Industrial Solutions. Pierre's career began with a solid foundation in logistics services, earning his apprenticeship through HSBA Hamburg School of Business Administration (2002-2005). With a track record of driving innovation and operational excellence, he has played a pivotal role in developing and executing strategies that deliver value across global markets.

Luo Hong, Deputy Director General and First-level Inspector of the Provincial Department of Ecology and Environment, holds a doctoral degree and serves as a visiting professor at the University of Science and Technology of China. He has previously served as Deputy Director General of a provincial department and Deputy Mayor of a prefecture-level city. He is responsible for the supervision and inspection of ecological and environmental protection, ecological and environmental laws, regulations and standards, scientific and technological development, fixed asset investment, finance and auditing, foreign cooperation and exchanges, as well as environmental law enforcement work. Mr. Luo has long been engaged in the research and management of the new energy industry and ecological environment science, and is committed to accelerating the green transformation of the development mode in Anhui Province. His important scientific research achievements include "Research on the Major Action Plan for the Development of the Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Industry in Anhui Province", "Development Plan of the New Energy Industry in Anhui Province", "Research on the Development Prospect of Perovskite Solar Cells", etc.

Waqas Hussain has several years of interdisciplinary experience in the PV industry - covering design, EPC, project management and business development across Europe, Middle East as well as South Asia regions. His expertise lies in the intersection of technical feasibility, economic viability, and regulatory framework assessment of renewable energies - especially utility-scale PV - thus leading to the identification and implementation of business development and deployment strategies. He is currently working as Business Development Manager with Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen in Regensburg, Germany focusing on PV applications and increased integration of renewables into the grid by using Voltage Regulating Distribution Transformers (VRDTs). He received a master's degree in Renewable Energy Management from the University of Freiburg, Germany in 2012 and a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Engineering & Technology Taxila, Pakistan in 2008.

Dr Radovan Kopecek received his diploma in physics from the University of Stuttgart in 1998 and studied as well at Portland State University (Oregon, USA), where he obtained a Master of Science degree already in 1995. In 2002, he completed his doctoral thesis in Konstanz in the field of crystalline thin-film photovoltaics. Until the end of 2006, he was group leader for n-type cell technology at the University of Konstanz. As one of the founders of ISC Konstanz, Dr Kopecek has been a full-time manager and researcher at the institute since 2007 and was managing director, CTO and head of the Advanced Solar Cells department until June 2023 and head of the Strategy and Education department since July 2023. He is the author of several books and more than 200 articles and holds several patents for the production of n-type PV technologies. He is the organizer of several workshops that he started in Konstanz, such as nPV, bifiPV, tandemPV and BCworkshop. Dr Kopecek was on the board of EUREC (Association of EU's R&D centers involved in renewables) from 2016 to 2021. In 2018, he co-founded ATAMOSTEC - a research and development center for desert modules and systems in Chile and has been on the board since 2022. In 2022, Dr Kopecek was also elected to the board of the ESMC (European Solar Manufacturing Council). Since May 2023, he has been one of the spokespersons for the PV Production Working Group of the BMWK (Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection).

Farzad Kpour is an accomplished professional with over 20 years of extensive experience in the energy sector. He has a strong background in substation automation, Power System modeling and analysis, Energy Management Systems (EMS), Advanced Distribution Management Systems (ADMS), Microgrids, and the integration of DERMS with DERs (EVs, BESS, Remote-Grids). Farzad's expertise has positioned him as a leading figure, driving innovative solutions and advancements in energy management and future distribution grid designs.

Cecilie is a research associate in Wood Mackenzie's Power and Renewables team, focusing on European, Middle Eastern and African storage markets. Before joining the storage team, she contributed to Wood Mackenzie's Middle East and Africa solar and onshore wind analysis, monitoring project development updates, asset transactions and policy updates. Prior to joining Wood Mackenzie, she worked as an ESG and social impact analyst for a financial services firm. In that capacity, she focused on EU regulation and international frameworks and advised on sustainability-related investments. Cecilie holds a bachelor's degree in International Relations and a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from IE University in Madrid, Spain.

Nishant Kumar is Analyst specializing in the Middle East energy market of Rystad Energy's Renewable & Power Research team, with years of experience working within the energy industry. He has experience in monitoring market trends, fostering strategic collaborations with various clients and offering invaluable insights into the renewable & power sector.

Laurent Longuet is the Chief Executive Officer of Positive Zero's Generation business (SirajPower). With a career spanning over two decades, Laurent brings a wealth of experience in leading and executing international energy projects, specializing in the solar sector. As the CEO of Positive Zero's power generation arm, Laurent oversees the management of the largest distributed solar energy portfolio in the GCC, boasting a capacity of more than 140MWp in the UAE. Under his leadership, SirajPower has achieved impressive results since its inception in 2015, such as reducing over 140,400 metric tons of carbon emissions, installing solar PV systems on more than 600,000 sqm of roofs, and operating more than 500 buildings, making a significant impact on the regional energy landscape. a global perspective, working towards a new energy economy. Laurent holds a BS from Ecole Normale Supérieure and a MS from Paris Tech, both in France.

Gesche Maass is Conference Manager at Solar Promotion International GmbH. She organizes besides the Intersolar Middle East Conference worldwide Intersolar Conferences such as the Intersolar North America Conference, Intersolar China Conference or the equivalent in India and Mexico. Besides, she is involved in the organization or various online events as for example the Green Hydrogen Conference or onsite events on Off Grid, Green Hydrogen or Renewable Energy in Germany. Formally, she served as Marketing Assistant at ISCAR Germany GmbH an Israeli firm for precision tools running PR campaigns, exhibition appearances and market research. She hold a diploma in International Cultural and Business Studies from the University of Passau and is fluent in German, English, Russian and French. With basic knowledge in Hebrew and Spanish.

Philippe Macé, Chief Operating Officer at the Becquerel Institute, a Belgian strategic consultancy and applied research company specialising in photovoltaic solar energy. Where he has been working for more than 8 years.Philippe has a strong expertise in new business model design as well as in techno-economic issues, both upstream of the value chain, such as PV production cost assessment, and downstream, on systems competitiveness assessments. With his team, Philippe is exploring all key aspects of solar PV, from economics to technology, market and regulation as well as environmental or social life cycle analysis, providing strategic insights and creating value for customers as part of consulting missions and research projects. Philippe has a double academic background, with a MSc in Business Engineering as well as an MSc in Environmental Sciences and Management.

Karim is the Founder and Executive Director of Orisun Invest, a project origination platform in renewable energy he launched in 2020, focusing on wind and solar in emerging markets. Orisun has closed after 3 years of operation 605 MW in 8 different countries and the company benefits from continuous deal flow of around 1.5 GW. Karim has over 20 years of experience in the energy sector, having founded and co-founded several companies active in Europe, Africa and Asia, providing advisory or development services to both private companies and governments. He participated through his companies in the closing of over $500 million of equity. Earlier in his career, Karim held managerial positions at Dexia Bank, participating in the closing of more than $ 2 billion of debt and over 1 GW of on-shore wind and solar capacities. He is a board member of the Global Solar Council and is acting as Director Transaction Advisor in Dii Desert Energy, a leading business network in the MENA region advocating for an acceleration of the energy transition, which he represents at the IRENA Coalition for Action.

Over 11 years of professional experience in research and consulting, business strategy, technology assessment and benchmarking. Expertise in executing projects across GCC, South Africa, East & West Africa, European Union and India. Particular expertise in: -Localization & investment promotion -Go to market strategy, geographic expansion and partner prospecting -Market sizing, forecasting and opportunity assessment -Business intelligence and planning -Regulatory policy, electricity tariffs, utility business models and due diligence Experience base covering broad range of sectors, including: -Energy efficiency and management across industrial, residential & commercial consumers -Energy & Power Systems - conventional and renewable generation -Distributed Generation and Energy Storage -Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration -Subject Matter Expertise in power utilities, energy systems and energy value chain -In-depth understanding of energy & power system technologies from a supply and end user perspective -Ability to develop and define framework and methodologies for market and business opportunity assessment - especially for products, technologies and services linked to energy production and consumption -Comprehensive communication skills with logical and solution driven approach -Assisted a leading Saudi ministry is developing an investment strategy for localization of machinery & equipment products & value chain components -Delivered on a key technology and market opportunity assessment project for a leading Saudi government organisation in the distributed energy segment -Successfully assisted government entities, global OEMs and family business groups in the GCC on market expansion and technology localization opportunities -Conferred with Frost & Sullivan's 'President's Club' award for outstanding performance in 2021

Marta Mieres Bárcena is EMEA Pole Director for Renewables and Energy Storage in Honeywell International ,Inc. Marta has +15 years of experience working for multinational corporations and leading transactions in the field of large-scale renewable assets and power unit converters, with a primary focus on the energy markets of Europe and America. Marta earned a Master´s degree and Master of Science on Industrial Engineering with intensification in electrotechnical technology. She holds a Master´s degree in International Trading, and Master´s degree in Strategic Marketing Management by Esade Business&Law School. Marta is collegiate member of COIIAS (Official College of industrial Engineers - Oviedo, Spain), Member of ISES (International Solar Energy Society - Freiburg, Germany), and member of GWNET (Global Women's Network for the Energy Transition- Vienna, Austria). She is Steering Committee member in the Honeywell´s council for Inclusion&Diversity and HWEN (Honeywell Women European Network). Marta also cooperates with several institutions and universities, being co-director in Master´s degrees on renewable projects execution and hybrid systems applications. She also actively participates as speaker or moderator at international energy forums and congresses, addressing fundamental aspects for renewables development, energy efficiency in the industrial sector, and international energy challenges for global deployment of a cleaner energy mix. She is also certified mentor in RAI- Royal Academy of Engineering (Madrid- Spain) enhancing talent development and promoting vocations of future professionals in STEM areas. She speaks regularly on leadership in energy business at industry forums and academic institutions.

Dr Mauro Pravettoni is Sr Director at the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Research Center of TII, a national research institute in Abu Dhabi. He got his PhD at the Imperial College. He is member for UAE of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC TC82), where in the past he also represented Switzerland and Singapore. He is member of the British Society for the Philosophy of Science, Technical Assessor for NATA, the Australian National Agency of Testing Authorities and Referee for EMPIR, the European Metrology Programme for Innovation and Research. From 2017 to 2023 he was Director of PV Modules at SERIS, Singapore's national research institute for solar energy. Since 2018 he is member of the International Scientific Committee of SNEC, in Shanghai, one of the world largest solar exhibitions. He wrote a number of peer-reviewed papers, books, and conference proceedings, with over 1000 citations. In 2008 he co-developed the world record efficiency luminescent solar concentrator.

Mr. Satar Rafie holds Master's degrees in Physics and Renewable Energy, with 20 years of experience in designing and planning solar power plants across the Middle East and Germany. He is also a certified renewable energy consultant in Germany and is officially listed as an energy efficiency expert. Recently, he founded AS-Energie, a Germany-based company specializing in optimizing renewable energy planning for farms and buildings, including smart energy solutions for Smart Homes.

Dr Muhammad Rashid is an Assistant Professor at the University of Warwick, where he is involved in the development of battery technology and electric mobility in the UK. He earned his Ph.D. in Mech. Eng. from IIT Delhi in 2016 which was focused on the development of battery technology in India. He also did his master's (2011) and bachelor's (2009) in Mech. Eng. from India. For the past 13 years, he has been working in various segments of battery technology, i.e., battery design and development for electric vehicles and 2nd life applications. He has gained this expertise via working on different industrial projects with various batteries (ILLIKA, AMTE Power, UKBIC, British Volt) and EV manufacturers (JLR, Bentley, Norton, Aston Martin) in the UK; and European Metal Recycling and as a Postdoctoral Fellow at IIT Roorkee and IIT Delhi on various clean energy projects. He has several publications in high-impact journals and attended various conferences as a guest speaker.

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Aditya Saraswat is a Research Director at Rystad Energy, leading the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) energy analysis. With over 10 years of experience in upstream operational and business analysis, Aditya has previously worked in the drilling industry across India and Norway. He holds a Master's degree in Petroleum Engineering from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and a Bachelor's degree in Petroleum Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-ISM), India.

Hans Jürgen Sauter brings over 14 years of expertise in planning and constructing large-scale solar projects, following key management roles in globally renowned companies such as BASF, ATOS, and ABB, predominantly in Supply Chain Management and Steel Optimization. Leveraging his mechanical engineering background and extensive managerial experience from steel mills across the globe, he has focused on optimizing and implementing racking and tracking solutions, particularly in Europe, Africa, and the Gulf region. Throughout his various roles as CEO, VP MENA, and CSO in the renewable energy sector, he oversaw the deployment of racking and tracking solutions exceeding 5 GW. As the founder of spma GmbH and HJS Consulting LLC in Dubai, he has been instrumental in shaping the industry. Currently, he serves as an advisor to the board of IDEEMATEC.

Currently a Sr. Renewable Energy expert at K.A.CARE, with expertise in PV and CSP technologies. Previous work in the field of photovoltaics includes R&D in the field of multijunction solar cells which was partly funded by the US Department of Energy and NREL. This work resulted in developing the world's first solar cell to exceed 40% efficiency under concentration in 2007 which was followed by leading a multidisciplinary team to commercialize the technology. Raed obtained his M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He has several publications in addition to 29 issued patents in the field of advanced electronics and solar cells, with prior work experiences in high tech companies such as IBM and Boeing.

Sangeetha has worked in the energy transition and sustainability space for over 14 years. At EUPD, she tracks market developments closely - from policy and regulatory change to key players, equipment providers and emerging business models. She identifies client's requirements and curates market intelligence products, marketing campaigns, events or bespoke consulting projects to meet them.

Dr. Gëzim Tosuni is a distinguished economist and academic, currently serving as Professor of Economics and Finance at the University "Kadri Zeka" in Gjilan. With a strong background in corporate governance, financial institutions, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors, he has made significant contributions to higher education and research in Kosovo. Dr. Tosuni is also a Member of the State Quality Council (SQC) at the Kosovo Accreditation Agency (KAA), where he plays a key role in shaping education policies and ensuring academic standards. His research and publications focus on corporate governance, financial market stability, and political party financing, providing valuable insights into the intersection of economics, policy, and business. Beyond academia, Dr. Tosuni has been Chairman of the Board of KOSTT Sh.a since December 2024, where he contributes to the strategic direction of Kosovo's transmission system operator. His expertise in finance and governance supports KOSTT's mission to enhance the reliability and efficiency of the country's electricity grid while fostering international collaboration in the energy sector.

Lennart's solar career started in 2008, as CEO of Krannich Solar in the Benelux. He gained further expertise at SMA in Germany and California and later joined LONGi. With a clear understanding of global regions and key industry verticals, based in London he represents today the Global Solar Council, uniting the voice of the solar industry with governments, associations, policymakers, and businesses.

Dr. Lili Wang is Senior Director-Renewable Energy Materials of Renewable and Sustainable Energy Research Centre of Technology Innovation Institute (TII) in Abu Dhabi. She received her bachelor's degree on Materials Chemistry in Fudan University in 2005 and was awarded Ph.D. on Materials Chemistry and Physics in Chinese Academy of Science in 2010. Before joining TII, she worked as Director of Process Technology and served as Member of Patent Review Committee in Solaria, a solar module manufacturer based in the US, California, a pioneer developing high-density shingle module technology (acquired by Maxeon in 2023). During 2018-2019, she led the development of upscaling process of perovskite thin film PV technology in Energy Everywhere Inc., a startup company in Berkeley, California. Prior to starting her journey in the US solar industry, she worked on perovskite solar cell development as a Camille and Henry Dreyfus Postdoctoral Fellow at Michigan State University and a visiting researcher at Case Western Reserve University respectively. Her research at TII is focused on materials and process development for advanced solar PV (cell and module) technology including emerging thin film PV and c-Si.

Dr. Florian Wessendorf is Managing Director of Solar Promotion GmbH and Solar Promotion International GmbH. He is responsible for the global conference program and exhibitions in North America, South America and India. He has deep expertise in the solar industry, and formerly served as Managing Director of Photovoltaic Equipment at VDMA, where he was responsible for strategic development, market research and technology scouting, advocacy and policy advice, events, PR and marketing.

Mr. Zeqiri currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of KOSTT (System, Transmission, and Market Operator) since October 2022. He holds a Master of Public Administration (MPA) in Strategic Management and Leadership from Northern Illinois University, USA, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance from the University of Sheffield, UK. His undergraduate studies were in Management and Information Systems at the University of Prishtina. Mr. Zeqiri is a Certified Public Auditor with SCAAK and a certified internal auditor through the Ministry of Finance. He is also a fully qualified member of CIPFA and CMI (UK), leading international bodies in finance, accounting, audit, and management. He has previously held supervisory board roles in the publicly-owned utility 'Prishtina Regional Water Company' ('KRU Prishtina') and served as an Audit Committee member for a renowed financial sector company in Kosovo. His previous management experience spans in business management, operations, consulting, project management, audit, finance, accounting, and procurement, with a background in both the private and public sectors, as well as international organizations operating in Kosovo. He has previously held supervisory board roles in the publicly-owned utility 'Prishtina Regional Water Company' ('KRU Prishtina') and served as an Audit Committee member for a renowed financial sector company in Kosovo. His previous management experience spans in business management, operations, consulting, project management, audit, finance, accounting, and procurement, with a background in both the private and public sectors, as well as international organizations operating in Kosovo.