UTech, Jamaica International Conference to Highlight Hydrogen as a Sustainable Domestic Fuel
The findings of a University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech, Ja.) led research project focusing on the sustainable production of hydrogen as a fuel for domestic cooking, will form the basis of presentations and discussions at an International Hydrogen Conference and Exhibition being hosted by UTech, Ja at its Papine campus November 3 – 4, 2015. The conference is first of its kind in the Caribbean region.
In 2012, UTech, Jamaica began a research project on "The Application of Solar-Powered Polymer Electrolyte Membrane (PEM) Electrolysers for the Sustainable Production of Hydrogen Gas as Fuel for Domestic Cooking," along with research partners from Brunel University, United Kingdom, University of the West Indies, Bureau of Standards Jamaica and the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining. The research project is co-funded by the European Union under the ACP Caribbean & Pacific Research Programme for Sustainable Development.
Dr. Ruth Potopsingh, Associate Vice President, Caribbean Sustainable Energy & Innovation Institute in the School of Graduate Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship, UTech, Ja., and coordinator of the conference, explains that the issue of hydrogen as a sustainable energy source is particularly relevant to Jamaica at this time. She points out that "the use of hydrogen whether for cooking at the household or commercial level, clean transportation fuel or utility scale applications such as power to gas, are options which the Caribbean region needs to further examine."
Conference presentations by local and international research experts will highlight global trends in hydrogen as a key enabling pathway for renewable energy applications. Thematic areas to be examined include hydrogen from renewable resources; environmental issues and climate change; hydrogen as a transportation fuel, the future of hydrogen technology; hydrogen storage systems, education and public awareness for using hydrogen as a domestic fuel, case studies, on successful hydrogen projects, among other areas.
Keynote Speakers
Hon. Phillip Paulwell, Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining (MSTEM) and Her Excellency Paola Amadei, Ambassador, Head of Delegation of the European Union in Jamaica will both address the opening ceremony.
Prof. Maria Kolokotroni, Professor / Theme Leader for Resource Efficient Future Cities at Brunel University will deliver the keynote address on day one of the conference. Dr. Andrei Tchouvelev, Chairman of ISO's primary technical committee on hydrogen technologies based in Canada will be keynote speaker on day two. Other presenters include the project research team led by Dr. Earle Wilson, Lecturer, School of Engineering, UTech, Ja., Dr Zahir Dehouche, Brunel University, Dr Kurt Edward, UWI, Mr. Omar Alcock, Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining and Mr. Hunstan Hunter, Bureau of Standards, Jamaica. Presentations will also be delivered by representatives from industry and the European Union ACP Research Programme for Sustainable Development.
The International Hydrogen conference will also include an exhibition featuring faculty and student research as well as innovations and service providers from the local energy sector. The conference is free and open to the public, however participants are being asked to register their intent to attend owing to limited capacity. The public exhibition opens to the public from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm on each day. Further information is available at http://www.solarhydrogen.utechsapna.com or via email CSEII@Utech.Edu.Jm
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Contact:
Michelle Beckford
Corporate Communications Manager
University of Technology, Jamaica
Telephone: 970-5299
Email: mbeckford@utech.edu.jm