Reza Alayi | Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage | Best Academic Researcher Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Assist. Prof. Dr. Reza Alayi | Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage | Best Academic Researcher Award

Head of the Department at Islamic Azad University | Iran

Assist. Prof. Dr. Reza Alayi is a distinguished academic and researcher recognized for his pioneering contributions to energy systems engineering, renewable energy technologies, and sustainable power generation. As an Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Mechanics at the Islamic Azad University, Germi Branch, he has established a strong reputation in advancing hybrid renewable systems, thermodynamic optimization, and clean energy integration. His research spans a wide array of interdisciplinary domains including photovoltaic thermal systems, hydrogen production, biomass utilization, microgrids, and waste-to-energy conversion, all directed toward achieving global sustainability and low-carbon development. With a prolific publication record in high-impact international journals such as Sustainability, Clean Energy, Physics of Fluids, and International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies, Dr. Alayi has made significant scholarly contributions that bridge theory with industrial application. Beyond authorship, he serves as a reviewer and editorial board member for numerous scientific journals, reflecting his deep engagement in the global scientific community. His analytical work on energy, exergy, and economic performance of renewable systems continues to inform innovative energy transition strategies, particularly for regions pursuing efficient and eco-friendly technologies. Known for his collaborative spirit and forward-thinking approach, Dr. Alayi has co-authored research with international experts, fostering academic networks across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. His academic leadership, innovative vision, and commitment to advancing renewable energy research position him as an influential figure driving the evolution of sustainable mechanical and energy engineering worldwide.

Profiles: Scopus | ORCID | Google Scholar

Featured Publications

Haghmoradkhani, A., Alayi, R., & Assad, M. (2025, July 23). Thermodynamic investigation and optimization of a low-concentrating photovoltaic thermal collector.

Hadi Bonab, S., Hosseinzadeh, H., Alayi, R., Mitrovic, Z., & Hosseini, S. (2025, March 21). Geraghty-L-contraction type Darbo’s fixed point theorems with an applications.

Mohammad, S. I., Vasudevan, A., Al‐hedrewy, M., Abdullah, M., Ballal, S., Singh, A., Singh, S., Rapeti, S. R., & Alayi, R. (2025, January). Hybrid biomass and natural gas combined cycles: Performance and economic analysis.

Zhang, J., Su, Z., Meng, J., Yao, Y., & Alayi, R. (2025, January). Techno‐economic and sensitivity analysis of a hybrid concentrated photovoltaic/thermal system and an organic Rankine cycle to supply energy to sports stadiums.

Alayi, R., & Ebazadeh, Y. (2025, January 24). Modelling and control of a hybrid renewable energy based hydrogen and electricity production and storage systems.

Bashirul Haq | Hydrogen Storage | Sustainable Energy Practices in Petroleum Award

Published on by Petroleum Engineering

Dr. Bashirul Haq | Hydrogen Storage | Sustainable Energy Practices in Petroleum Award

Associate Professor at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia

Dr. Bashirul Haq is a distinguished Associate Professor and seasoned researcher with over a decade of significant contributions in the field of petroleum engineering, with a specialized focus on underground hydrogen storage, hydrogen blending in gas networks, and green enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technologies. Renowned for his interdisciplinary approach, Dr. Haq has established a strong academic and research presence through his impactful collaborations, innovative methodologies, and leadership in both education and applied research. His work bridges the critical interface between sustainability and energy production, offering practical solutions to complex engineering challenges.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Dr. Haq’s academic foundation is rooted in a commitment to scientific excellence. He holds a Ph.D. in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Western Australia (2013), where his doctoral research addressed the role of green surfactants in microbial enhanced oil recovery—pioneering a sustainable approach to conventional energy production. He earned both his Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, where he specialized in reservoir studies and hydrogen production via steam reforming. These qualifications laid a strong foundation for his continued academic innovation and research leadership.

Experience

With an academic career spanning over 15 years, Dr. Haq currently serves as Assistant Professor at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, where he leads several major research initiatives funded by Saudi Aramco and the Centre for Advanced Materials. Prior to this, he held teaching and research positions at Edith Cowan University, The University of Western Australia, and Curtin University. He has demonstrated excellence in course development, thesis supervision, and inter-institutional collaboration. His research portfolio includes cutting-edge projects on underground hydrogen storage, corrosion mitigation in H₂-blended gas pipelines, CO₂ utilization, and predictive well health monitoring systems. His earlier consultancy roles with Chevron and APA Group further reflect his applied expertise in production diagnostics and reservoir engineering.

Research Interest

Dr. Haq’s research interests are defined by the convergence of sustainability and energy innovation. His investigations into underground hydrogen storage consider the petrophysical, mechanical, and microbial interactions within subsurface reservoirs, while his work in hydrogen blending focuses on optimizing pipeline safety and material integrity in mixed-gas environments. Equally noteworthy is his contribution to green EOR through nanotechnology-enabled biosurfactants and carbon materials derived from organic waste, which advance both environmental goals and production efficiency. His research has had a lasting impact on the development of safer, cleaner, and more efficient hydrocarbon and hydrogen energy systems.

Award

Dr. Haq has been the recipient of several prestigious research grants and accolades. He was awarded over SAR 3.8 million in research funding by Saudi Aramco and associated institutions between 2020 and 2023, supporting high-impact projects on hydrogen storage and green EOR. He is the co-inventor of a U.S. patent titled “Oil Recovery Methods Using Carboxylated Pyrolyzed Date Leaves” (US10836952), which proposes a novel, environmentally friendly approach to oil recovery. He also received the CSIRO–University Postgraduate Scholarship in Australia and was nominated for the UWA Faculty Teaching Award for Outstanding Contribution in 2011. These accolades underscore his scientific innovation and commitment to academic excellence.

Publication

Dr. Haq is a prolific author with a strong publication record in high-impact journals. Selected peer-reviewed articles include:

  1. “A Review On Worldwide Underground Hydrogen Storage Operating And Potential Fields”, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2022 – cited in studies of emerging hydrogen infrastructure.

  2. “Naturally Derived Carbon Material for Hydrogen Storage”, APPEA Journal, 2022 – contributed to sustainable hydrogen materials research.

  3. “Date-Leaf Carbon Particles for Green Enhanced Oil Recovery”, Nanomaterials, 2022 – referenced in green EOR studies.

  4. “Surfactant Formulation for Green Enhanced Oil Recovery”, Energy Reports, 2022 – utilized in comparative surfactant evaluations.

  5. “Green Enhanced Oil Recovery for Carbonates”, Polymers, 2021 – cited for carbonate reservoir applications.

  6. “Comparative Study of Green and Synthetic Polymers for Enhanced Oil Recovery”, Polymers, 2020 – frequently referenced in polymer EOR research.

  7. “Modification of Eclipse Simulator for Microbial Enhanced Oil Recovery (MEOR)”, Journal of Petroleum Exploration and Production Technology, 2019 – instrumental in MEOR simulation enhancements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr. Bashirul Haq represents a model of excellence in academic leadership, scientific research, and innovation in sustainable energy technologies. His career achievements reflect a dedication to bridging research with industry needs and environmental responsibility. Through pioneering efforts in hydrogen storage, EOR, and curriculum development, he continues to influence the global energy discourse and mentor the next generation of engineers. Dr. Haq’s nomination for this award is a recognition of both his past achievements and his ongoing contributions to a sustainable energy future.