International Symposium in Morocco Advances Sustainable Energy Dialogue for Africa's Future
Key Insights
Missouri S&T's 4th International Laufer Energy Symposium convened global experts in Marrakech, Morocco, to address sustainable energy challenges and opportunities in Africa.
Discussions at the symposium spanned critical areas including renewable energy, hydrogen, electrification, decarbonization, and advanced nuclear and hybrid energy systems.
Keynote speakers emphasized the profound importance of international collaboration and integrated energy solutions for achieving stable and affordable energy access across the African continent.
The event highlighted Africa's unique energy landscape, underscoring the necessity of combined technological advancements and robust policy frameworks to foster sustainable development.
MARRAKECH, MOROCCO – Energy experts and researchers from across the globe recently converged in Marrakech for Missouri S&T’s 4th International Laufer Energy Symposium, a pivotal event aimed at addressing the future of sustainable energy and the unique challenges and opportunities facing Africa and the wider world. Held at the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, the symposium brought together a diverse group of stakeholders to advance discussions on critical energy solutions.
Dr. Joseph Smith, a professor at Missouri S&T’s Linda and Bipin Doshi Department of Chemical and Biochemical Engineering and president of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, underscored the broader implications of energy access. "Stable and affordable energy is not just a technical challenge but a human challenge that affects billions of lives," Smith stated. He emphasized the collective responsibility to deploy existing technologies and expertise, highlighting the symposium’s role in fostering collaboration among researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers.
The three-day event delved into a comprehensive array of topics crucial for a sustainable energy transition, including renewable energy deployment, hydrogen production and utilization, electrification strategies, decarbonization pathways, and the integration of nuclear and hybrid energy systems. Notable speakers included Dr. Smith, who delivered the opening plenary address, and Dr. Muhammed Lameen Abdul-Malik, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate recognized for his work with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Further technical insights were provided by Dr. Joseph Newkirk, professor and chair of nuclear engineering and radiation science at Missouri S&T, who presented on integrated energy systems for future grids. Dr. Shoaib Usman, an associate professor from the same department, offered an update on the status of small modular and advanced reactors, underscoring their potential role in diversified energy portfolios. The symposium also featured keynote contributions from institutions spanning Morocco, Kuwait, Spain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom, reflecting a truly international perspective.
Dr. Newkirk expressed optimism regarding the outcomes, noting, "We saw outstanding collaboration and a real exchange of new ideas at this year’s symposium. There’s a real sense of momentum and shared purpose, and I am excited for the role nuclear energy will play with this." The organizing committee, comprising experts from the U.S., Morocco, and Canada, including Dr. Smith and Dr. Muthanna Al-Dahhan, Missouri S&T’s current Laufer Endowed Energy Chair, facilitated a robust exchange of knowledge. This symposium marks a significant step in accelerating the adoption of sustainable energy solutions tailored to Africa’s specific needs, fostering a collaborative environment for innovation and implementation.