Conference Speakers 2025

Simay Akar is an entrepreneur with reputable corporate industrial background and experience in the energy industry. She specialized in photovoltaic manufacturing, battery storage for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies and the clean energy market development. ​Akar is currently the Chief Commercial Officer & Co-Founder at Innoses. Her past roles include Sales & Marketing Director of EkoRE - Eko Renewable Energy and Marketing & Business Development Director of GoodWe Turkey, Head of Overseas Marketing at Talesun Solar Akar has worked in China and Turkey and mostly focused on international commercial activities and has been employed by CSUN Eurasia, Schneider Electric, Arcelik (BEKO), and Lucida Solar. In addition to her professional acclimates, she is an IEEE Senior member, acknowledged volunteer since 2007. Simay is a graduate of Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey and she participated Energy Innovation and Emerging Technologies Program at Stanford University. ​ Simay is Certified Soft Skills Trainer since 2008. Additionally, She is METU Alumni Association Energy Commission Member, Turkish Women in Renewables North America Liaison & Sailing Team Member, KYSKD(Female Sailors Sports Club Association) member. She is Licensed Sailor Athlete at the Turkish Sailing Federation and also Swimmer. She participates open seas swimming races, marathons, and sailing cups across the world. ​ IEEE has important role in her life. She is also IEEE VOLT Graduate, IEEE Educational Activities TISP Champion, She has been serving several volunteer membership and leadership positions in different areas including mainly global committees of IEEE Humanitarian Technology Activities ( IEEE SIGHT -Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technology and HAC), IEEE Power& Energy Society (Women in Power, Young Professionals, Solar and Wind Committee), IEEE Women in Engineering, IEEE Young Professionals, IEEE Social Implications of Technology Society (SSIT), IEEE Student Activities, IEEE Entrepreneurship Committee and other positions on Regional Boards of IEEE Region 8 (Europe Middle East and Africa) &10 (Asia Pacific). ​

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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

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.

My name is Satar Rafie. I hold a Master's degree in Physics as well as a Master's degree in Renewable Energy, and I have 20 years of experience in designing and planning solar power plants across the Middle East and Germany. Additionally, I am an official renewable energy consultant in Germany and am listed as an energy efficiency expert. Recently, I founded AS-Energie, a company based in Germany that focuses on digitizing renewable energy planning for farms and buildings, including Smart Home solutions.

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.

Hans is a very experienced manager, coming from steel and supply chain optimisation background. Now he is more than 10 years active in leading positions in the solar industry where he was responsible for building largest solar plants everywhere in the world. Starting with fixed tilt racking solutions mainly in Europe, Hans focused more on more on high efficient solar solutions such like single axis tracking systems especially to support lowest LCOE in the MENA region. Hans was responsible for the contracting, design and implementation of more than 3 GW solarpower, including regional top projects like Sweihan and Al Kharsa. Hans holds a Master Degree in Mechanical Engineering and graduated the Swiss SGBS Business School for strategic Management

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.