PEMC (Power Electronics and Machines Center) research student and lecturer in the electrical engineering study program from Madiun State Polytechnic Nur Asyik Hidayatullah recently attended the International Summer School on Global Just Transition: Equity in Net Zero, hosted by the UK Energy Research Centre (UKERC) at Newcastle University, which took place between 19-23 June 2023. It was attended by 80 PhD students from across the globe, with 28 nationalities represented, and 49 different institutions sending students with multiple disciplines and research backgrounds.
Nur said, “It was wonderful to learn and interact with experts from energy policymakers, researchers, and industry representatives. I can improve my perspective of Net Zero, enabling me to learn, deeper understanding, and analyse the challenges as well as develop initiatives to solve them.
“Reaching Net Zero is not a simple task. It will require fundamental changes, intervention and transformation – raising complex uncertainties around technology, policy, jobs opportunity, economic, social stability, and political willingness.
“However, real action has already been taken by the UK government’s partnership with academia and industry to deliver a more secure, affordable, low-carbon energy system. The Driving the Electric Revolution Industrialisation Centres (DER) are using UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to accelerate the delivery of Power Electronics, Machines and Drives (PEMD) solutions and innovations. I had an opportunity to visit them and see evidence of how the transition to net zero is being addressed.
“As an engineering student, this program enlightened and broadened my piece of knowledge of future sustainable energy systems towards Net Zero. The interactive session delivered by Dr Rihab Khalid on Towards a Holistic Energy Systems Transition: Exploring Alternative Social Theories for Equity, Justice, and Sustainability helped me understand how such approaches are necessary for Just Transition in Net Zero – something I never would have comprehended without attending this International Summer School.
“Best of all, I had the opportunity to perform a practical exercise in developing initiatives for the Zambian Just Transition towards equity in Net Zero, and to present these suggestions to Zambian policymakers. My proposed policy briefs: Solar Powered Rural Zambia and Biomass for the Masses for Just Transition in Zambia by 2063 were awarded ‘The Best Overall’ presentation!”
Well done Nur!
Source : the PEMC Newsletter – a source of news and information about the Power Electronics, Machines and Control Research Group in the Power Electronics and Machines Centre within the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Nottingham (PEMC Newsletter August 2023)