Wogen Yigebahal Zada: I am deeply interested in hydrogen’s potential as a clean and our future energy carrier

Thank you for joining us, Wogen. What were the key factors that influenced your decision to specialize in energy for your postgraduate studies, and why did you select the Institute of Energy?

Nowadays it is critical to address the global challenges such as climate change, energy access, sustainable development and find an alternative green energy resource. and I studied my master’s degree here and observed the quality of the education system and its reputation in the energy research.

After master thesis defense with classmates and scientific supervisor 

What attracts you most of all in your research field? 

I am deeply interested in hydrogen's potential as a clean and our future energy carrier, particularly in its integration with renewable systems and its role in decarbonizing industries.

What goals do you have for your graduate school experience?  

My goals include mastering energy systems modeling, publishing impactful research, and contributing to the global energy transition.

Tell us about your research topic

My research focuses on the analysis of hydrogen production technologies, particularly steam methane reforming and renewable-based systems, and their integration into existing energy infrastructures.

What challenges do you face in carrying out your research?  

Challenges include acquiring region-specific energy related data, integrating diverse technologies into a unified model, and navigating the complex economics of hydrogen production.

What results have you obtained so far?

So far, I have developed models for steam methane reforming and integrating it in to a thermal power plant system and identified key parameters affecting hydrogen production efficiency.

What practical applications might the results of your research have?  

My findings could help energy researchers, policymakers, energy developers, and industries to make conversant decisions on hydrogen adoption and investments.

 What conferences and scientific events have you participated in?  

    I have participated in several international conferences, including:  

    - XV conference “Youth in Power Engineering,” Warsaw, Poland.  

    - VII Международная научно-практическая конференция «Современные технологии и экономика энергетики».  

    - International School on Ecology 2023, Moscow, Russia.  

    - 5th International Forum on Long-Term Energy Scenarios, Bonn, Germany (IRENA).  

    - XIII Петербургского международного газового форума, 2024.

How do you interact with your supervisor? 

I maintain regular communication with my supervisor, who provides critical guidance and support in refining my research objectives and methodologies.

How do you see the development of your research topic in the future? 

I see opportunities to explore the integration of hydrogen technologies with renewable energy systems and their scalability in developing countries in Africa and Asia.

What would you improve in your postgraduate program? 

I would recommend enhancing industry collaboration and offering more hands-on workshops with advanced simulation tools.

What resources are helpful for your  research (libraries, labs, software)? 

I use academic e-libraries, Scopus indexed journals, energy data platforms, books and software tools like Aspen Plus, CAD United Cycle, Solid Works and MATLAB for modeling and analysis.

How do you find balance between your academic, research, and personal life?  

Time management is key. I ensure a balance by setting priorities, allocating time for personal growth and staying physically active.

What skills have you developed during your posgraduate studies?  

I have developed expertise in energy process modeling, energy systems analysis, scientific writing, big data analysis and project management are some of skills I have improved more.

Do you plan to pursue a career in academia or industry?

I aim to contribute to the energy sector, likely in industry, focusing on clean energy innovations, but I am open to an academic path as well. At the same time, I have a plan to join energy agencies running internationally.

What challenges and prospects do you think the modern energy industry is facing?  

The industry faces challenges like decarbonization and energy access but also significant prospects in hydrogen adoption, renewables, and grid innovations. At the same time the world energy politics is also key challenge in the future energy economic.

How do you see the future of the energy industry in 10-20 years? 

I envision a global shift toward renewable energy, widespread adoption of an innovative hydrogen generation technologies, and advancements in energy storage, transportation systems.

What advice would you give to future graduate students of the Institute of Energy? 

My advice to future students is to focus on impactful research, actively participate in international events, and make the most of the resources and expertise available at the institute and in the internet.