Dr. Ahmed Amine Hachicha and Dr. Ali Radwan, distinguished researchers from the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Engineering (SREE) Department at the University of Sharjah, have been awarded the prestigious Best Paper Award at the 15th International Renewable Energy Congress (IREC 2025), which took place from February 2 to February 4, 2025, in Hammamet, Tunisia.

Their groundbreaking research, titled "Numerical Study of Dust Accumulation on Parabolic Trough Solar Collectors," was presented in the Solar Thermal Energy session of the conference. The paper addresses a significant challenge in the field of solar thermal energy, focusing on how dust accumulation can impact the efficiency of parabolic trough solar collectors. Through advanced numerical simulations, the study explores potential methods to mitigate the negative effects of dust, providing valuable insights for improving the performance of solar energy systems in arid and semi-arid regions.

The IREC 2025 conference brought together global experts, researchers, and industry leaders to discuss the latest innovations in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and sustainability. The Best Paper Award underscores the importance of research-driven solutions in advancing solar energy technologies.