Dr. Binjian Nie Honored with WSSET Innovation Award

At the 21st International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies (SET2024), Dr. Binjian Nie, a Departmental Lecturer in Chemical Engineering, received the prestigious Innovation Award from the World Society of Sustainable Energy Technologies (WSSET). This accolade recognises his significant contributions to sustainable technologies, including advancements in low-carbon heating and cooling, as well as sustainable chemicals for long-term renewable energy storage. 

Dr. Nie leads the Energy Storage and Energy Carriers group, focusing on innovative thermal batteries for renewable energy conversion and management. By utilising the large latent heat of phase change materials and the enthalpy[1] from reversible chemical reactions, the group has developed batteries for clean heating and cooling, alongside sustainable chemical storage of renewables using hydrogen and its carriers. Their work has demonstrated over 30% energy consumption reduction, providing a total off-grid solution compared to traditional methods.

"Thermal batteries will be pivotal in delivering a smart and flexible energy system that can integrate high volumes of low-carbon power, heat, and transport. I am very grateful to WSSET for this recognition and the support from the Department."

Professor Zhanfeng Cui, Donald Pollock Professor of Chemical Engineering, added, "I am pleased to see our young chemical engineer making exceptional contributions to the net-zero transition. Congratulations to Dr. Nie for this well-deserved recognition of his work in sustainable energies."

For over two decades, WSSET has united members from 186 countries, fostering collaboration among thousands of researchers and professionals. The WSSET Innovation Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals and organisations in developing sustainable technologies and encourage their broader application.