Sara Khalil Zaidan Awarded Best Student Research Presentation on Energy System Models and Sustainable Development听
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Khalifa University PhD student Sara Khalil Zaidan from the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences was awarded first place for Best Student Research Paper for her study on sustainable development at the 3rd MENA International Association of Energy Economics (IAEE) at King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The study was presented at the conference and was selected out of over 220 submissions and 112 presentations.听听
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Zaidan鈥檚 paper, co-authored by Dr. Mutasem El Fadel, Chair, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, is titled 鈥楲everaging Energy System Models Towards Optimal Synergies Between Net-Zero Transitions and Sustainable Development Goals.鈥� It focuses on the critical intersection of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Net Zero Emissions, two key topics that dominated conference discussions.听
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The 3rd IAEE MENA Conference, themed 鈥楧omestic Energy and Economic Transformations in a Transitioning World,鈥� provides a platform for economists, academics, researchers, and policymakers to engage in meaningful discussions about challenges and opportunities with clean and sustainable energy transition in the MENA region.听
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Zaidan鈥檚 paper presentation addresses the intertwined nature of the United Nations’ goals: the short-term target of achieving the SDGs by 2030 and the long-term objective of reaching Net Zero Emissions by 2050 under the Paris Agreement. With a pressing timeline for the SDGs, the research emphasizes effective policy actions targeting multiple SDGs simultaneously.听
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Using modeling tools, the study explores the connections between various SDGs, utilizing the 248 indicators defined by the UN. It categorizes the SDGs into environmental, economic, and social domains, revealing that current Energy System Models (ESMs) primarily focus on energy-related environmental indicators, with limited attention to economic and social factors.听
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Dr. Mutasem El Fadel said 鈥淭his excellent student achievement at the 3rd MENA International Association of Energy Economics (IAEE) showcases Sara鈥檚 dedication to advancing research in energy studies and supports the position of Khalifa University as a key player in the dialogue about sustainable energy solutions.鈥�
Alisha Roy
Science Writer
