Meet the Speakers of the Third Panel at Tirana Energy Forum 2024

As the energy sector in Albania embraces the transition towards renewables, the Tirana Energy Forum 2024 offers a timely platform for dialogue and collaboration. Held on November 20 at the Palace of Congresses, the forum will bring together influential voices in the energy industry. The third panel focuses on expanding the adoption of renewable energy and the importance of innovative solutions in this transition.

The third panel, “Advancing Renewable Energy in Albania: Regulatory Needs and Innovative Storage Soulutions,” will address the need for a regulatory framework and innovative energy management, including battery storage solutions. Key speakers include:

• Mr. Francesco Paolo Lamacchia, Ph.D, P.Eng., President of Network Edifici a Consumo Zero, Founder Member of Institute for BIM Italy (I.B.I.M..I)

With over ten years of teaching experience, Francesco is skilled in technological knowledge transfer and has published extensively in scientific journals. He is a peer reviewer for The Research Council of Oman and a member of the editorial board of ZeroBuild Journal. He has organized international conferences focused on the transition to a carbon-free world and is a key member of the CANDO-EPE steering committee.

In 2011, he founded Italy’s First National Network for Zero Energy Buildings and became its national president in 2014. Under his leadership, the network launched the “First International Summer School for NZEB’s Design,” now in its 18th edition. From 2020 to 2022, he conducted webinars on Zero Energy and BIM design across Italy.

Francesco has served as Deputy Vice-President of the Institute for BIM in Italy, contributing to the digital transition in the building industry. His current focus is on Zero Energy Buildings and sustainable design. Recently, he has led the design of a 120 MW agricultural-photovoltaic plant in Puglia, integrated with green hydrogen production. An expert in EU funding and innovative building projects, Francesco is recognized as a disruptive innovator in the construction industry.

• Prof. Dr. Saim Memon, CEO and Industrial Professor of Renewable Energy Engineering

Prof. Dr. Saim Memon is the CEO and Industrial Professor of Renewable Energy Engineering, focused on advancing sustainable net-zero energy solutions through innovative vacuum insulation technologies. His mission is to empower individuals, homeowners, contractors, and institutions to effectively reduce energy consumption.

Ranked in the top 0.96% globally in Energy and top 0.86% overall among scholars in the past five years, Prof. Saim has published over 120 research papers, taught 41 modules in various engineering disciplines, and supervised numerous PhD and MSc projects. With 50+ keynote speaking engagements and collaborations in over 40 countries, he boasts 1,600+ citations and serves as an editor and reviewer for several academic journals.

Prof. Saim earned his PhD in Mechanical, Electrical & Manufacturing Engineering in the UK, along with multiple qualifications, including a PGCert in Teaching and a BEng (Hons) in Electrical Engineering (1st Class Distinction). He is a Chartered Engineer and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

His multidisciplinary research expertise spans net-zero energy buildings, thermal management of electric vehicle batteries, and renewable energy technologies. Prof. Saim has made significant volunteer contributions, leading initiatives like the Solar Car Challenge, and fostering academic-industrial engagement to enhance education and professional environments globally.

• Prof. Dr. Petrit Zorba, University UPT / Director Department of Meteorology at the Institute of Geosciences

Professor Petrit Zorba has been a key member of the Department of Meteorology at the Polytechnic University of Tirana since 1985, following his tenure at the Hydrometeorological Institute, part of the Academy of Sciences of Albania, until 2008. He has taught climatology at various Albanian universities since 1993 and has completed postgraduate training in several countries, including France, the UK, Israel, Germany, and Spain. Fluent in English, French, Spanish, and Italian, Professor Zorba represents Albania in World Meteorological Organization (WMO) commissions on Agrometeorology and Climatology.

As a member of international meteorological institutions such as AMS, WMA, SMF, and SAGC, he co-authored the “World Guide of Agrometeorology” in 2012 and helped found the International Association of Agricultural Meteorology (INSAM). He has published multiple works on climatology and aviation meteorology, including the “Monthly Climate Bulletin” for Albania.

Professor Zorba has conducted extensive research on meteorology’s applications in agrometeorology and renewable energy, developing methodologies like the “Touristic Climate Index” and the “Huglin Index Map of Albania.” He actively guides students in their diploma theses and Ph.D. studies. Recently, he was elected a permanent member of the Physics and Chemistry Commission of the Academy of Sciences of Albania on May 24, 2024.

• Eng. Mohammed Al-Taani, Secretary General Arab Renewable Energy Commission (AREC)

Eng. Mohammed Al Ta’ani is the Secretary General of  Arab Renewable Energy Commission  (AREC)and the Vice Chairman of Jordanian Renewable Energy Society (JRES) & general manager . He is the founder of both JRES & AREC.  He was working in the field of Renewable Energy since 1988 (Solar PV &Green Building) as Project manager and researcher and publish more than 25 papers. From 1999-2007 he was the project manager for the Renewable energy in King Abdullah the Second Design&Development Bureau (KADDB). In 2002 he was the Project manager for the Jordanian Solar Car & Zero fossil Fuel House (Eco House for KADDB) Project manager. He was the Vice Director of Energy Center in Jordan University from 2007 until 2008 where he was working as the founder of this center. He was the founder of the Global Net for Renewable Energy in the Desert regions (GNREADER). Also was  the Chairman of Renewable energy committee in Jordan Institution for Standards & Metrology , Ambassador of the DONG energy solar challenge events in the middle-east countries (World Cup for Solar Powered Boats). Member in the board of directors of renewable energy center in Philadephia university.

• Mr. Evetar Zeqiri, CEO and Board Member of Transmission, System, and Market Operator of Kosovo (KOSTT)

Evetar Zeqiri holds a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) in Strategic Management and Leadership from Northern Illinois University in the United States, completed through the Transformational Leadership Program, co-financed by USAID and the Government of Kosovo. He also obtained a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) in Finance from the University of Sheffield, United Kingdom, and completed his undergraduate studies in Management and Information Systems at the University of Prishtina. Mr. Zeqiri is a Certified Public Auditor by SCAAK and a certified internal auditor by the Ministry of Finance. He is also a fully qualified member of CIPFA and CMI (United Kingdom) – leading international bodies in finance, accounting, auditing, and management.

Mr. Zeqiri has managerial experience in business management, operations, consulting, project management, auditing, finance and accounting, and procurement. He brings his experience from the private sector, public sector, public enterprises, and international organizations operating in Kosovo. Among his diverse work experiences, he worked for several years at the National Audit Office. Recently, Mr. Zeqiri worked as Finance and Administration Manager in a Switzerland-based development consultancy, implementing a long-term project in the water sector. He currently holds the position of Chief Executive Officer at the Kosovo Transmission, System, and Market Operator (KOSTT).

The third panel at TEF 2024 is the place to be for those looking to understand the latest advancements in renewable energy. Join us for an engaging discussion on how Albania can embrace sustainable energy solutions and what it means for the future of the sector.