Named Professorship Scheme addressing the energy crisis through sustainable and clean energy

A growing world population requires a vast amount of energy, which inevitably leads to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Achieving net-zero carbon emission goals depends strongly on targeted R&D and technological innovations.

Professor Alex Jen Kwan-yue* & Professor Pan Chin^

*Lee Shau Kee Chair Professor of Materials Science
^CLP Power Chair Professor of Nuclear Engineering

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Professor Alex Jen Kwan-yue, Lee Shau Kee Chair Professor of Materials Science, and Professor Pan Chin, CLP Power Chair Professor of Nuclear Engineering, are two renowned scientists who are devoted to searching for evolutionary technologies for tackling the severe challenges posed by climate change to ensure a sustainable environment.

To help create affordable clean energy and a sustainable environment, Professor Jen has focused on the potential impact of innovative materials for printable solar cells and energy-saving applications. Professor Jen envisages that in the future, manufacturing these innovative solar cells will be like printing newspapers, with easily scaled up production, facilitating the large-scale deployment of highly efficient materials and solar cells for clean energy applications.

“I would like to convey my heartfelt gratitude for Dr Lee Shau-kee’s generous support for the Named Professorship Scheme. The tremendous support has contributed significantly to the pursuit of excellence at CityUHK,” said Professor Jen.

Professor Pan is also contributing to the development of sustainable energy using another approach: nuclear engineering. To address the global energy crisis, Professor Pan has continued his research on nuclear safety technology. In particular, his group is evaluating the use of seawater as an alternative emergency coolant for nuclear power plants to enhance nuclear safety. He believes that use of energy has to become safer and more efficient if we are to avert potentially catastrophic climate change because of excessive carbon emissions.

“CLP Power Hong Kong Limited’s support motivates me to continue developing cost-effective, clean energy applications for the benefit of the world,” said Professor Pan.

The two professors have been supported by the Named Professorship Scheme to continue their research on the advancement of Smart City, one of CityUHK’s five overarching themes outlined in the Strategic Plan 2020–2025. Their contribution and fruitful research are significant for the development of energy science for the benefit of the world.