Globally Appealing YFEL Outreach Program Enters 15th Year Creating an Alumni Body of More Than 600 Members
Khalifa University of Science and Technology today announced 24 members of the 2024 Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program, the flagship outreach initiative, received their certificates of completion at a grand ceremony after having successfully concluded their annual schedule of courses and projects.
Launched in 2010 by the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the YFEL program offers members – students and young professionals – exceptional and unmatched access to top global leaders, senior business executives, and academics engaged in clean energy and sustainability.
The 15 male and nine female members of the 2024 YFEL program represent six nationalities, and are associated with two local and eight international universities, demonstrating the global appeal of the YFEL program among students and youth interested in clean energy and sustainability. The YFEL 2024 cohort includes 14 international students who live outside the UAE, which further signifies the overall inclusive characteristic of the YFEL outreach program. The graduates join an alumni body of more than 600 former YFEL members, driving new initiatives in sustainability and clean energy.
Professor Bayan Sharif, Provost, Khalifa University, said: “The YFEL program is Khalifa University’s flagship outreach initiative that have consistently grown to its 15th year now, creating leaders for the future who can ensure the continuation of initiatives in sustainability and clean energy. The multifaceted aspects of the YFEL program make it more globally appealing as can be gauged from the cross-section of nationalities that are its current and past members. We believe these talented students and young professionals, fully equipped to tackle challenges, will provide sustainable solutions from the knowledge they have gained through the YFEL program. I offer my congratulations to the graduating 2024 YFEL members and wish them the best.”
One of the key events during the year was the fourth edition of YFEL German-Emirati Sustainability Days conference with inspiring debates, panel discussions and interactive dialogue between UAE stakeholders, German industry and 2024 YFEL members. A case study competition focusing on addressing misalignment challenges in EV wireless charging systems through literature reviews and innovative solutions produced 13 winners, selected for their exceptional research, insight, and alignment with program goals. As part of their recognition, they were awarded an exclusive training session sponsored by German company BASF. These were in addition to their active participation and engagement at events such as the World Future Energy Summit 2024, and the COP28 UAE Summit.
The 2024 YFEL members also successfully completed six projects that reflected their involvement in sustainability and clean energy technologies. The projects include ‘Sustainable Urban Design of Abu Dhabi Public Transportation’, ‘PV Panel Intelligent Fault Detection Techniques’, ‘Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS): Advancements, Challenges, and Future Prospects in the UAE’, ‘Advances in Methane Cracking for Hydrogen and Graphene Production’, ‘Promotion for Rooftop Solar Panels in Abu Dhabi Households’, and ‘Carbon Footprint Tracker’.
Emirati YFEL member and Khalifa University Biomedical Engineering student Rodha AlQubaisi said: “The YFEL workshops were highly relevant and beyond my expectations. The instructors were incredibly supportive, and I gained valuable skills and built lasting connections.”
YFEL member Abylai Shynggys from Kazakhstan and student at Hong Kong Poly Technic University said: “The YFEL program provided engaging workshops and an excellent platform to grow professionally. I appreciated the opportunity to network with others in my field and enhance my knowledge.”
YFEL member and Hong Kong Poly Technic University student Cai Zhuoang from China said: “The YFEL program provided excellent workshops, great support from instructors, and well-organized logistics. The networking opportunities were very effective, and I achieved my learning goals.”
Over the years, the YFEL program has received support from community leaders such as His Excellency Sultan bin Rashed Al Dhahiri, and His Excellency Mohamed Bin Kardous Al Ameri, as well as several UAE-based and German corporate sponsors including AHK, BASF, Siemens, Linde Engineering, Wilo Group, and ADNOC, Dolphin Energy, ADWEA, and ENEC.
