SyNERGY MED 2024

The 3rd International Conference on Energy Transition in the Mediterranean Area (SyNERGY MED 2024) took place between 21 and 23 October 2024, in Limassol, Cyprus.

The conference brought together 155 delegates consisting of academics, researchers, students, and industry professionals hailing from 20 countries, to engage with the pressing global energy challenges facing in particular the Mediterranean area, exchange insights and ideas, analyse developments, and explore pathways to a sustainable energy future. This was facilitated by more than 90 paper presentations across 23 parallel sessions. In this respect, SyNERGY MED 2024 meaningfully built upon the excellent work of the two previous conferences, held in Italy (in 2019) and Greece (in 2022).

The 2024 edition of the Conference was organized by the University of Cyprus through the PHAETHON Centre of Excellence, with the support of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, the University of Western Macedonia, the University of Cagliari, and the IEEE University of Cyprus Student Branch. It was hosted at the Atlantica Miramare hotel, with its breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea providing the ideal backdrop to proceedings.

Professor George E. Georghiou, Conference Chair and Founder of the PHAETHON Centre of Excellence of the University of Cyprus, officially opened proceedings, welcoming delegates to luminous Limassol and inviting them to dive into three days of insightful keynote speeches, game-changing discussions, and exciting developments in the world of energy.

The Opening Ceremony included welcoming addresses by prominent government and industry representatives, whose leadership in advancing the energy transition in the island is helping to make a difference: MP Averof Neofytou, Deputy Chair, House Standing Committee on Energy, Trade, Industry and Tourism; Mr. Yiannis Tsouloftas, Chairman, Limassol District Local Government Organisation; and Mr. Adonis Yiasemides, General Manager, Electricity Authority of Cyprus.

SyNERGY MED 2024 featured six Keynote Speakers, each offering a unique insight into and facilitating discussion around key topics concerning energy challenges in the area:

• Klaus Hubacek, University of Groningen – A Global Value Chain Perspective on Europe’s Just Energy Transition. His insights on the carbon budget and his strategies for reducing emissions are crucial for driving the energy transition forward.
• Grigoris K. Papagiannis, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki – Behind the Meter Storage as an Enabler of Energy Transition. His presentation explored how behind-the-meter (BTM) storage consequentially benefits consumers and supports grid stability.
• Venizelos Efthymiou, PHAETHON Centre of Excellence, University of Cyprus – Smartened Grids Serving Energy Communities for Optimal Energy Systems. He highlighted the vital role of smart grids and digital technologies. His advocacy for energy communities driving system flexibility is critical in this shift.
• Andreas K. Athienitis, Concordia University – Modelling and Design of Decarbonised and Resilient Solar Buildings and Communities. He provided insights into innovative solar building designs, integrating solar energy systems, and achieving net-zero energy communities, to meet the challenges of a decarbonized future.
• Henrik Bindner, Technical University of Denmark – Providing Value from End-User Flexibility. His insights on integrating flexibility into distribution grids provide a roadmap for both grid companies and asset owners.
• Aravind Purushothaman Vellayani, University of Groningen – Energy Integrated Agroforestry and Hydrogen: Emerging Opportunities. He showcased the innovative carbon-neutral coffee program in India, advocating for biohydrogen adoption on a global scale.

SyNERGY MED 2024 also delivered a series of thought-provoking parallel sessions, covering cutting-edge topics in energy, showcasing innovative approaches, and highlighting the pivotal role of technology for the future. From breakthrough research in building-integrated technologies and energy system analyses to vital discussions on solar generation, green hydrogen, and energy storage solutions, to in-depth deliberations on policy and infrastructure, the delegates engaged in solution-focused conversations that will indubitably shape the future of the Energy Transition in the region.

Among the highlights of the Conference was a dedicated session on “Innovation in the Energy Sector”, which kicked off with inspiring presentations from Mikkel Sørensen, Director of DTU Skylab, who shared the innovative projects emerging from DTU Skylab’s efforts to turn research into real-world energy solutions; and Maria Markidou Georgiadou, Managing Director of Cyprus Seeds, spotlighting key programmes supporting the commercialization of energy research in Cyprus.

A fascinating Fireside Chat with Mr. Demetris Skourides, the Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation, and Technology of the Republic of Cyprus, then followed, moderated by Mr. Sørensen. The discussion touched upon the government’s commercialization of energy research strategy and how Centres of Excellence such as PHAETHON can maximize their impact. It was a thought-provoking conversation that shed light on Cyprus’s vision for the future, in conjunction with emerging global developments and trends.

Lastly, the Panel Discussion on ‘Success Stories in the Energy Sector’ was an exciting showcase of real-world impact, featuring inspiring contributions from Evgenia Herodotou (CEO, Energy Intel); Marios Alexandrou (COO, Energy Intel), Pambos Anastasiou (CEO, iQ3Solar), George Tziazas (CEO, Ascanio), and Margarita Kyprianou (Innovation Program Manager, Cyprus Seeds). Asger Riis Rasmussen from DTU Skylab served as the moderator, with the discussion delving into the challenges and breakthroughs in bringing innovative energy solutions to the market.

The dedicated session on “Energy in the Real Economy” was chaired by Andreas Stavrou from the Electricity Authority of Cyprus. From policy frameworks to real-world implementation, the session offered invaluable insights into the energy transition challenges facing Cyprus and the evolving electricity market. Key contributions were made by the following, who both presented and then participated in a panel discussion: Costas Stasopoulos (Transmission Manager, Electricity Authority of Cyprus), Makis Ketonis (Director, WINCONO), Takis Lefkarides (General Manager, PETROLINA ELECTRIC), and Prof. Lorenzo Squintani (Professor of Energy Law, Groningen Centre for Energy Law and Sustainability). Their lively exchange provided a closer look at the challenges and opportunities the Cypriot energy sector faced.

The Best Paper Award recipient at SyNERGY MED 2024 was Constantinos Vassiliades, Associate Professor at Neapolis University, for his outstanding research on Enhancing Energy Efficiency in Mediterranean Residential Buildings: The Role of Double Facades and Photovoltaic Systems. Special congratulations go to the recipients of the Best Student Paper Award, which highlights the incredible contributions of early-career researchers in shaping the future of energy. This award was shared by Andrea Petrucci (PhD student, Concordia University), for his paper on Towards dynamic pricing algorithm for residential buildings: A Model Predictive Control framework for load aggregation, and Giuseppe Russo (PhD student, University of Naples Federico II), for his paper on Operational strategies for a photovoltaic-thermal system integrated with an electric air-to-water heat pump.

Social events added a touch of local culture to the conference, allowing attendees to explore Limassol and its rich history. A welcome cocktail by the pool at the venue allowed for informal networking amidst beautiful sunset views. On Wednesday, delegates toured the ancient Kourion Amphitheatre, learning about its well-preserved Greco-Roman architecture. They also visited the historical Limassol Castle, where they learned about its role throughout Cyprus’ history, and walked through Limassol’s old town, discovering the lively atmosphere and cultural heritage of the city. The conference dinner, held at a traditional tavern, was an unforgettable evening of delicious local food and lively performances by traditional Cypriot dancers, adding a festive close to the event.

As with previous editions, SyNERGY MED 2024 benefited from the technical sponsorship of the IEEE Power & Energy Society. Moreover, this year, new special issues in the leading journals Renewable Energy and Sustainable Energy Grids and Networks will soon follow, further promoting the dissemination of groundbreaking research in the field.

A massive thank you to the invaluable SyNERGY MED 2024 Gold Sponsors, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus, TotalEnergies, Petrolina Electric, Universal Life, Wincono Cyprus, and Ketonis Developments Ltd. Together with the conference’s Academic Supporters, their cooperation and contribution both in the lead-up to and during the conference vitally added to achieving a consequential SyNERGY MED 2024.

Moreover, EasyConferences provided seamless support for the conference’s online registration system, abstract submission, website design, coordination, and secretariat services, ensuring that SyNERGY MED 2024 ran smoothly from start to finish.

SyNERGY MED 2024 delivered on its promise to advance critical discussions on the Energy Transition, facilitating in-depth, solution-oriented exchanges among key actors in this effort, while also providing a memorable platform for networking, synergizing, and academic and cultural exchange in one of the Mediterranean’s most dynamic cities.

Energy SyNERGISTS are now invited to mark their calendars for SyNERGY MED 2026, which will be hosted by Kadir Has University in beautiful Istanbul. Stay tuned for more information.