Quan Zhou | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Quan Zhou | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Full Professor | Hunan University | China

Prof. Quan Zhou is a leading academic and Full Professor at Hunan University, China, with a strong background in power systems, communication technologies, and cyber-physical system resilience. He obtained his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology in 2019, where his research focused on resilient and distributed control strategies for hybrid AC/DC microgrids, laying the foundation for his pioneering contributions to next-generation smart energy systems. His professional journey includes extensive international research experience and collaborations with globally recognized scholars, resulting in more than 70 publications in top-tier journals such as IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, and IEEE Communications Surveys and Tutorials, collectively earning him over 2,800 citations, 2,469 citing documents, and an h-index of 31. His current research interests center on satellite Internet applications in modern power systems, integrated satellite-terrestrial communication frameworks, secure terminal access technologies, and coordinated communication-control mechanisms for resilient and sustainable grids. Prof. Zhou possesses advanced research skills in distributed control, cyber-security for energy systems, satellite communication design, and predictive modeling for energy management. In recognition of his scholarly excellence, he has been invited to deliver lectures at Stanford University, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and several international conferences, while also serving as Associate Editor for IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid and Special Issue Editor for leading journals in power and energy systems. His professional honors include multiple Best Reviewer Awards from IEEE journals and prestigious fellowships such as the Paul D. McCoy Family Fellowship. A Senior Member of IEEE and an active contributor to task forces and editorial boards, Prof. Zhou combines technical innovation with leadership, mentoring, and community service. With his outstanding academic contributions, international recognition, and vision for advancing secure, intelligent, and sustainable energy infrastructures, he exemplifies the qualities of a best researcher deserving of global recognition.

Profiles: Google Scholar | Scopus

Featured Publications

Zhang, Z., Ding, T., Zhou, Q., Sun, Y., Qu, M., Zeng, Z., Ju, Y., Li, L., Wang, K., & Chi, F. (2021). A review of technologies and applications on versatile energy storage systems. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 148, 111263.

Zhou, Q., Shahidehpour, M., Paaso, A., Bahramirad, S., Alabdulwahab, A., & Abusorrah, A. M. (2020). Distributed control and communication strategies in networked microgrids. IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials, 22(4), 2586–2633.

Zhou, Q., Shahidehpour, M., Alabdulwahab, A., & Abusorrah, A. M. (2020). A cyber-attack resilient distributed control strategy in islanded microgrids. IEEE Transactions on Smart Grid, 11(5), 3690–3701.

Shao, C., Feng, C., Shahidehpour, M., Zhou, Q., Wang, X., & Wang, X. (2021). Optimal stochastic operation of integrated electric power and renewable energy with vehicle-based hydrogen energy system. IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 36(5), 4310–4321.

Zhou, Q., Tian, Z., Shahidehpour, M., Liu, X., Alabdulwahab, A., & Abusorrah, A. M. (2019). Optimal consensus-based distributed control strategy for coordinated operation of networked microgrids. IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 35(3), 2452–2462.

 

Mr. Emmanuel Kekle Ahialey | Energy | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Emmanuel Kekle Ahialey | Energy | Best Researcher Award

PhD candidate at University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani, Ghana

Emmanuel Kekle Ahialey is a dedicated researcher and doctoral candidate in Sustainable Energy Management at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Ghana. With academic foundations in Technology Education and Energy and Sustainable Management, his research focuses on the impact of Land Use Land Cover and climate change on hydropower development, particularly the Pwalugu Hydropower Plant. He has authored peer-reviewed articles in reputed journals, contributed a scholarly book, and presented at major international conferences on renewable energy and climate change. Beyond research, he actively serves as a reviewer for global scientific journals and as a Scientific Committee Member for the Asian Council of Science Editors and the Annual International Congress on Civil Engineering. His work demonstrates a strong commitment to advancing renewable energy, sustainability, and climate resilience.

Professional Profile

Google Scholar | Orcid Profile

Education

Emmanuel Kekle Ahialey possesses a strong academic background that underpins his expertise in renewable energy and sustainability. He earned a Bachelor of Education in Technology from the University of Education, Winneba, where he gained a solid foundation in science, technology, and applied teaching methodologies. His passion for sustainable solutions led him to pursue a Master of Science in Energy and Sustainable Management at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology , equipping him with technical and managerial competencies in energy systems. Currently, he is advancing his research as a Ph.D. candidate in Sustainable Energy Management at the University of Energy and Natural Resources, Ghana, with expected completion. His doctoral research focuses on land use, climate change, and hydropower sustainability, reflecting his academic rigor and problem-solving orientation.

Professional Experience

Emmanuel has developed considerable professional experience as both an academic and researcher in the field of energy and environmental sustainability. As a doctoral researcher at the Regional Centre for Energy and Environmental Sustainability (RCEES), University of Energy and Natural Resources, he is undertaking impactful research on climate change and hydropower systems. His work integrates quantitative, qualitative, and systematic review methodologies, resulting in multiple high-quality publications. Beyond his doctoral role, he contributes as a reviewer for several international journals, demonstrating his expertise in critically evaluating scientific work. He has actively engaged with global research communities, presenting at international conferences in renewable energy and climate change. His professional journey showcases a blend of teaching, research, and scholarly service, reinforcing his position as a promising academic leader in energy sustainability.

Research Interest

Emmanuel’s research interests lie at the intersection of renewable energy, climate change, sustainable development, and hydropower systems. His doctoral research emphasizes the complex relationship between Land Use Land Cover (LULC) changes, climate variability, and hydropower development, with specific focus on Ghana’s Pwalugu Hydropower Plant. He is particularly interested in developing evidence-based solutions that address the environmental and socio-economic impacts of energy infrastructure projects. His publications explore themes such as climate modeling, water resource management, and sustainable energy pathways. Beyond hydropower, his broader research goal is to contribute to climate-resilient energy policies and technologies that align with global sustainability agendas. Through systematic reviews, empirical research, and international collaborations, he is committed to advancing practical knowledge that informs policy, planning, and renewable energy development in Africa and beyond.

Award and Honor

Emmanuel’s academic contributions have earned him significant recognition within the international research community. He serves as a Scientific Committee Member of the Asian Council of Science Editors and the Annual International Congress on Civil Engineering, reflecting his professional standing and expertise. His role as a reviewer for global journals further highlights his recognition as a trusted academic voice in renewable energy and climate research. Additionally, he has been invited to present at leading international conferences, including the World Congress on Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technologies and the World Congress on Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability held in Rome . These platforms provided him opportunities to share his research with global audiences, enhancing his visibility as a young scholar. Collectively, these honors reflect his growing impact and leadership in the field.

Research Skills

Emmanuel possesses a versatile set of research and analytical skills that strengthen his scholarly contributions. He is proficient in both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, employing advanced data analysis and modeling to assess climate change impacts on hydropower systems. His expertise includes systematic review methods, demonstrated by his widely cited publication on the impacts of LULC and climate change on hydropower generation. He is adept at using geospatial and hydrological analysis tools for assessing land cover and water resource interactions. His collaborative approach enables him to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams across energy, climate science, and engineering fields. In addition, his experience in academic writing, reviewing, and conference presentations highlights his ability to communicate research outcomes effectively. These skills position him as a resourceful and innovative researcher with practical problem-solving abilities.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Impacts of LULC and climate changes on hydropower generation and development: A systematic review
Authors: E.K. Ahialey, A.T. Kabo-bah, S. Gyamfi
Year: 2023
Citation: Heliyon, 9(11), e21247. DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21247

Title: Impacts of LULC and climate changes
Authors: E.K. Ahialey, A.T. Kabo-bah, S. Gyamfi
Year: 2024
Citation: Lambert Academic Publishing, ISBN: 9786207463374

Title: LULC changes in the region of the proposed Pwalugu hydropower plant
Authors: E.K. Ahialey, A.T. Kabo-bah, S. Gyamfi
Year: 2024
Citation: Journal of Geography and Cartography, 7(2), Article 8282. DOI: 10.24294/jgc.v7i2.8282

Title: Impact of climate change on the proposed Pwalugu hydropower plant based on shared socio-economic pathway (SSP) scenarios
Authors: A.T. Kabo-bah, E.K. Ahialey, E.K. Siabi, S. Gyamfi
Year: 2025
Citation: Journal of Discovery Sustainability (Accepted)

Title: Impact of climate change on the streamflow in the region of the proposed Pwalugu Hydropower Plant based on the Shared Socio-Economic Pathway scenarios
Authors: E.K. Ahialey, A.T. Kabo-bah, S. Gyamfi
Year: 2025
Citation: Journal of Hydrological Ecology and Water Security (Under Review)

Title: Examination of land use land cover and water availability in the basins around the site of the proposed Pwalugu Hydroelectric Power Plant – A component of the Pwalugu Multipurpose Dam Project
Authors: E.K. Ahialey, A.T. Kabo-bah, S. Gyamfi
Year: 2025

Title: Climate variability and changing LULC on the streamflow in the region of the proposed Pwalugu Hydropower Plant, Ghana
Authors: A.T. Kabo-bah, E.K. Ahialey, E.K. Siabi, S. Gyamfi
Year: 2025

Conclusion

In conclusion, Emmanuel Kekle Ahialey exemplifies a dedicated researcher whose work bridges the gap between academic inquiry and practical solutions in renewable energy and climate resilience. With a strong educational foundation, impactful publications, and active involvement in the international research community, he has demonstrated both scholarly excellence and leadership potential. His contributions extend beyond his doctoral studies, encompassing journal reviewing, scientific committee membership, and international conference engagements, which establish him as a credible and influential academic voice. Looking ahead, Emmanuel has the capacity to expand his research influence through Q1 journal publications, global collaborations, and editorial board roles. His vision and commitment to sustainable energy development make him a highly deserving candidate for recognition through the Best Researcher Award, underscoring his potential to drive impactful change in science and society.