The Association for Research and Promotion of Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development SCEESD – Skopje, on October 29, 2024 at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies have announced the beginning of the twelfth Student Conference on Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development. This year the conference was honored by the presence of official representatives of the state institutions of the Republic of North Macedonia, the Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Mrs. Sanja Bozinovska and the Rector of the University of St. Cyril and Methodius, prof. Biljana Angelova. Their presence is a direct confirmation of the recognition of the conference and an incentive for participating students to work and research even more deeply and fundamentally in the field of energy efficiency and sustainable development, towards a greener future.
The Dean of FEIT, prof. Dr. Vladimir Atanasovski was first to say the opening words.
“All of us – as researchers, engineers and professionals – have an obligation to find ways to balance technological development, environmental protection and resource optimization, thereby directly influencing the economy, the environment and our quality of life. SCEESD is a step in that direction, a platform that enables a wider discussion of current and future trends in the development of energy-efficient systems and that strongly contributes by proposing innovative solutions for sustainable development, which is not only a need for future generations, but also a responsibility of our generation.” , pointed out Prof. Dr. Vladimir Atanasovski, dean of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Information Technologies – FEEIT, in his address to the participants of the twelfth edition of the Student Conference “Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Development” (SCEESD), which is being held from October 29 to November 1, 2024 at the same faculty in Skopje.
The dean of FEEIT, prof. Dr. Atanasovski pointed out that this edition of SCEESD will focus on the most advanced topics in the field of energy transition, i.e. on renewable energy sources and their integration, on electric vehicles and energy-efficient transport, the importance of the circular economy and waste management as well as artificial intelligence, which opens new horizons in terms of energy management.
“At the conferences like SCEESD, students have a unique opportunity to experience interdisciplinarity in action, getting to know different perspectives and approaches to the topics that interest them. Such events allow them to expand their knowledge, develop critical thinking, network of professional contacts, practical application of theory, motivation and inspiration,” said the dean of FEEIT, prof. Dr. Atanasovski.
According to the rector of the University “St. Cyril and Methodius”, Prof. Dr. Biljana Angelova, the significance of this conference is that it gives young people the opportunity to present their research, ideas and solutions in the field of energy efficiency and sustainable development, and also to deepen their knowledge.
„The conference itself represents a bridge between professionals and students, who work together in finding solutions for sustainable development and a better future.” This is a unique opportunity to bring together students, their professors, experts and successful companies that are professionals in this issue.” said prof. Dr. Angelova, announcing that for the past 12 years SCEESD has been constantly developing, with over 1,500 participants, over 300 student papers produced and presented, and more than 50 Macedonian companies working in the field of engineering and energy.
The Minister of Energy, Mining and Mineral Resources, Sanja Božinovska emphasized that SCEESD 2024 represents one of the important pillars of the development of future young engineers and experts in our country.
„In a world that is increasingly facing the challenges of climate change, the energy transition and the need to achieve sustainable development, conferences like SCEESD are of vital importance. We appreciate the fact that these important issues and problems are recognized by young people and become their interest, priority of work and solution. With this conference, young engineers get a chance to present their ideas, research and innovations and learn from experienced professionals. SCEESD may be the beginning of the path to creating solutions that will transform our energy sector in the direction of greater energy efficiency and sustainability,” said Minister Božinovska, adding that the Government is committed to creating conditions to support young engineers and scientists, all in order to contribute to sustainable solutions in the energy sector.
At the opening of the conference, the President of the Engineering Institution of Macedonia, prof. Hristina Spasevska, who emphasized the importance of young engineers in building a sustainable society, and the President of the University Student Assembly at UKIM, Aleksandar Nikolovski, welcomed the engagement of students to create ideas and be active drivers of positive changes.
The president of SCEESD, Emilia Zumrova, pointed out that this conference represents a fusion of knowledge, innovations and visions for the future.
“The conference is of exceptional importance, not only for the academic and scientific community, but also for the wider society. We are in an environment where energy and environmental problems should be of great importance to us. The need for sustainable solutions is becoming more and more important, and our role as young people and engineers in action is to find a way to a more sustainable future. This conference is exactly that, a place where we will combine knowledge, our ideas and find innovative solutions that will help us respond to the community’s challenges,” said Zurmova.
At the end, in her address, the coordinator of the conference, prof. Dr. Lihnida Stojanovska-Georgievska emphasized the importance of the continuous growth of the conference and the contribution of all generations who invested in it.
„ Starting as the first student conference in the field of energy, SCEESD gradually grew into a significant actor in the promotion of energy goals. Today SKEEOR is a student conference with international participation and an international scientific board that includes professors from 12 different countries. Behind us are 12 editions of the Proceedings, which make student creativity timeless. Today, the SCEESD association is a recognized youth association in the Register of Youth Organizations, a member of the Engineering Institution of Macedonia and part of the European Youth Energy Network. The SCEESD conference is established as a place for interaction between young people, the academic environment, companies and the public sector, creating a solid synergy between them, in order to develop and share ideas and solutions for the key challenges of the 21st century: the provision of sustainable energy and the energy transition. That is reason we are here today, to hear fresh ideas, new and innovative approaches that are aimed at dealing with the energy challenges of our society.”
This year, the conference has a rich and comprehensive agenda which, in addition to student papers, also includes exceptional plenary lectures on today’s most current topics related to the Energy Transition and sustainable energy, interesting panel sessions, workshops, as well as company presentations. More information about the detailed Agenda can be found at https://skeeor.feit.ukim.edu.mk/?lang=mk.
This 12th conference was born built on the foundations of previous successes and we are sure that what it will present in the next few days will leave a mark and be an incentive for even greater successes in the years to come.
