Daniel Mutia Mwendwa | Energy Systems | Best Researcher Award

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Mr. Daniel Mutia Mwendwa | Energy Systems | Best Researcher Award

Daniel Mutia Mwendwa at University of Oxford, United Kingdom

Summary:

Daniel Mutia Mwendwa is a Rhodes Scholar currently pursuing a DPhil in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford, where his research focuses on geospatial analysis of solar-powered irrigation systems in Sub-Saharan Africa. He holds an MSc in Energy Systems (Distinction) from Oxford and a BEng (First Class Honours) in Electronics and Electrical Engineering from the University of Edinburgh. Co-founder of BuniTek, he is dedicated to introducing technology to African youth. Daniel also works as a Research Assistant in the Climate Compatible Growth Programme, contributing to energy planning in Kenya and global green hydrogen initiatives.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

University of Oxford, UK (2023 – Present)
DPhil in Engineering Science (Rhodes Scholar)

  • Thesis Topic: Geospatial analysis of solar-powered irrigation in Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on the water, energy, and food nexus.

University of Oxford, UK (2021 – 2022)
MSc in Energy Systems (Distinction, Rhodes Scholar)

  • Thesis: Developed a geospatial methodology for sizing and costing solar-powered irrigation systems for different crops.

University of Edinburgh, UK (2017 – 2021)
BEng (Hons) in Electronics and Electrical Engineering (First Class Honours, MasterCard Foundation Scholar)

  • Thesis: Developed an optimized hybrid energy storage system (HESS) combining battery storage, hydrogen fuel cells, and supercapacitors using MATLAB Simulink.

🏢 Professional Experience:

Rhodes Trust, Oxford, UK (Mar 2024 – Present)
Rhodes Scholarship Ambassador for East Africa

  • Engages with universities across East Africa to introduce students to the Rhodes Scholarship and supports their application process.

University of Oxford, Oxford, UK (Mar 2022 – Present)
Research Assistant, Climate Compatible Growth Programme

  • Developed least-cost electrification pathways for Kenyan counties using the Open-Source Spatial Electrification Tool (OnSSET). Conducted capacity-building workshops on energy planning models like OSeMOSYS and IRENA’s Flextool. Also involved in geospatial modeling of green hydrogen production potential globally.

Loughborough University, Nairobi, Kenya (Nov 2022 – Present)
Research Consultant

  • Designed off-grid electrification solutions for poultry farming and health facilities. Authored academic papers on energy planning and developed funding proposals.

BuniTek, Nairobi, Kenya (Jun 2020 – Present)
Co-Founder

  • Co-founded BuniTek, an initiative that introduces technology concepts to African high school students in an engaging and hands-on manner. Led a team of 15 volunteers to develop 14 new courses.

Research Interests:

Daniel Mutia Mwendwa’s research interests lie in renewable energy systems, particularly in optimizing solar-powered irrigation and hybrid energy storage solutions. He is passionate about integrating geospatial modeling and energy planning to address sustainability challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa. His work also focuses on green hydrogen production, off-grid electrification, and the energy-water-food nexus.

Author Metrics:

Mwendwa has co-authored several research papers and reports, including:

  1. “Spatial Data Starter Kit for OnSSET Energy Planning in Kitui County, Kenya” – Published in Data in Brief (2022).
  2. “Mapping the Energy Planning Ecosystem in Kenya” – Published on GOV.UK (2023).
  3. “County Energy Planning Data Flows in Kenya: Practitioner Perspectives” – Published on GOV.UK (2023).

Top Noted Publication:

GIS-Based Method for Assessing the Viability of Solar-Powered Irrigation

  • Journal: Applied Energy
  • Publication Date: January 2025
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.124461
  • Contributors: Daniel Mutia Mwendwa, Alycia Leonard, Stephanie Hirmer
  • Summary: This paper presents a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based methodology for evaluating the feasibility of solar-powered irrigation systems. The method integrates spatial data with factors such as water availability, crop water demand, and solar energy potential to determine where solar-powered irrigation systems can be most effectively deployed in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Spatial Data Starter Kit for OnSSET Energy Planning in Kitui County, Kenya

  • Journal: Data in Brief
  • Publication Date: December 2022
  • DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2022.108691
  • Contributors: Daniel Mutia Mwendwa, Jeffrey Tchouambe, Emily Hu, Micaela Flores Lanza, Andrea Babic Brener, Gyubin Hwang, Layla Khanfar, Alycia Leonard, Stephanie Hirmer, Malcolm McCulloch
  • Summary: This article provides a comprehensive spatial data kit designed for energy planning in Kitui County, Kenya. It is part of the Open-Source Spatial Electrification Tool (OnSSET) framework, which assists planners in developing least-cost electrification pathways. The dataset includes geographic and energy-related data to facilitate more efficient and accurate energy planning.

Abdelfattah Narjis | Renewable Energies | Editorial Board Member

Posted on by Best Paper Award

Prof. Abdelfattah Narjis, Renewable Energies, Editorial Board Member

Professor at Ibn Zohr University, Morocco

Summary:

Prof. Abdelfattah Narjis is a distinguished academician and researcher with a solid background in physics. Holding a Ph.D. in Solid Matter Physics from Cadi Ayyad University since March 2013, he has consistently demonstrated excellence in his field. With a Diploma in Advanced Studies in Physics and a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics, his academic journey reflects a commitment to continuous learning and scholarly pursuits. Currently serving as a Qualified Professor at ENSA Agadir and the Faculty of Sciences Semalali, Cadi Ayyad University, specializing in Physics, Prof. Narjis brings a wealth of experience. His multifaceted career includes roles as an Assistant Professor and, earlier, as a dedicated Professor of Secondary and Intermediate School, focusing on Physics-Chemistry. Proficient in Arabic, French, and English, he actively contributes to the academic community as a reviewer for renowned international journals. Additionally, his administrative role as a committee member for the physics department showcases his commitment to the academic governance. With a dedication to mentorship, Prof. Narjis supervises Ph.D. and Master’s students, as well as guiding numerous Bachelor’s end-of-studies projects. His extensive contributions underscore his impact on both the educational and research fronts.

Professional Profile:

Scopus Profile

👩‍🎓Education & Qualification:

March 2019: University Qualification Certificate

  • Issued by: Cadi Ayyad University

March 2013: PhD

  • Specialty: Solid Matter Physics

December 2008: Diploma in Advanced Studies

  • Specialty: Physics

May 2004: Bachelor

  • Specialty: Physics

Work Experience:

March 2019 – Present: Qualified Professor

  • Affiliation: ENSA Agadir and the Faculty of Sciences Semalali, Cadi Ayyad University
  • Specialty: Physics

2015 – March 2019: Assistant Professor

  • Affiliation: Faculty of Sciences Semalali, Cadi Ayyad University
  • Specialty: Physics

2001 – 2015: Professor of Secondary and Intermediate School

  • Specialty: Physics-Chemistry

Prof. Abdelfattah Narjis has accumulated a wealth of experience in the academic realm, establishing himself as a dedicated professional in the field of Physics. His journey includes serving as a Professor of Secondary and Intermediate School, specializing in Physics-Chemistry. Subsequently, he advanced to the role of Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Sciences Semalali, Cadi Ayyad University, where he continued to contribute significantly to the academic landscape. Since March 2019, he has held the esteemed position of a Qualified Professor at ENSA Agadir and the Faculty of Sciences Semalali, further enhancing his impact on Physics education and research.

Publication Top Noted:

Title: Structural and optical properties of smooth radio frequency sputtered XTe (X=Cd, Zn) thin films

  • Authors: Elmourabit, F., Dlimi, S., Id Ouissaaden, F., Limouny, L., Narjis, A.
  • Journal: Physica B: Condensed Matter
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 666
  • Pages: 415058

Title: Optimisation of the density of copper oxide nanowires synthesized by the electrochemical technique followed by annealing

  • Authors: Elmassi, S., Ablouh, E., Amiri, L., El Kissani, A., Outzourhit, A.
  • Journal: Journal of the Korean Physical Society
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 83(5)
  • Pages: 358–364

Title: Tuning Thermoelectric Properties of Spin-Coated Cu2SnS3 Thin Films by Annealing

  • Authors: Welatta, F., El Kissani, A., Mellalou, A., Aggour, M., Outzourhit, A.
  • Journal: Journal of Electronic Materials
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 52(8)
  • Pages: 5396–5400
  • Citations: 1

Title: Effect of RF power on structural, optical and electrical properties of sputtered nickel oxide

  • Authors: Elmassi, S., Bousseta, M., Amiri, L., Ammar, A., Outzourhit, A.
  • Journal: Physica B: Condensed Matter
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 659
  • Pages: 414853
  • Citations: 6

Title: Investigation of the Effect of Vacuum and air Annealing on the Structural, Optical, and Electrical Properties of Radio Frequency Sputtered WO3 Thin Films

  • Authors: Bousseta, M., Elmassi, S., Tchenka, A., Nkhaili, L., Outzourhit, A.
  • Journal: Journal of Nano Research
  • Year: 2023
  • Volume: 80
  • Pages: 97–110