Achievements
Achievements and Impact
Advancing Sustainable Energy Through Research and Innovation
The Sustainable Energy Technologies Center has established a strong record of research excellence, technological innovation, strategic collaboration, and national capacity building. Its achievements reflect the Center’s commitment to developing practical energy solutions, supporting Saudi Vision 2030, and strengthening King Saud University’s contribution to the national and international energy research landscape.
| 2025 indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Published research papers | 18 |
| Patent outcomes | 4 |
| Funded projects | 3 |
| Research funding | SAR 3,748,150 |
| Conference and workshop participations | 11 |
| Collaborating countries | 15+ |
SET produced 567 scientific publications between 2012 and 2024, demonstrating sustained research productivity across multidisciplinary areas of sustainable energy.
Research Excellence
During 2025, SET researchers published 18 scientific papers in internationally peer-reviewed journals covering thermoelectric materials, solar energy, hydrogen production, electrochemical CO₂ conversion, smart grids, energy storage, nuclear safety, and sustainable-energy systems.
The highest journal impact factor among the Center’s 2025 publications was 26.8, demonstrating the quality and international visibility of its research output.
Innovation and Intellectual Property
The Center achieved four patent outcomes during 2025:
Three granted United States patents
One published United States patent application
These innovations addressed thermal-energy storage, particle-handling systems, material characterization, and photoelectrochemical water splitting.
Funded Research Projects
SET secured three funded research projects with a combined value of SAR 3,748,150.
The projects addressed:
Concentrated solar-power technologies
Thermoelectric energy conversion
Nuclear safety and radiation applications
These projects were supported by national and institutional partners, including the Saudi Arabian Mining Company, King Saud University’s Institutional Funding Program, and the WAED research program.
Research Funding Secured in 2025
| Project area | Funding |
|---|---|
| Concentrated Solar Power | SAR 3,428,150 |
| Thermoelectric Energy | SAR 200,000 |
| Nuclear Safety | SAR 120,000 |
International Engagement and Partnerships
SET researchers participated in 11 local and international conferences, scientific meetings, and professional workshops during 2025.
The Center’s international research network extended to more than 15 countries, supporting joint publications, knowledge exchange, scientific visits, and collaborative research in sustainable-energy technologies.
Books and Scientific Contributions
The Center’s researchers contributed to:
Two scientific books
Six peer-reviewed book chapters
These publications covered smart grids, renewable-energy integration, optimization of energy systems, energy management, and sustainable power systems.
Education and Capacity Building
SET continued to contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate education through teaching, research supervision, laboratory training, technical development, and community engagement.
Key educational indicators included:
More than 16 credit hours of teaching
25 undergraduate students under research supervision
More than 10 master’s and doctoral students under supervision
More than 90 hours of practical training
44 beneficiaries of specialized technical training
Education and Capacity Building in 2025
| Indicator | Beneficiaries |
|---|---|
| Sustainable-energy awareness and guidance | 60 |
| Technical-training beneficiaries | 44 |
| Undergraduate students supervised | 25 |
| Postgraduate students supervised | 10+ |
Community Engagement
The Center delivered eight community and educational activities during 2025. These included sustainable-energy awareness programs, technical guidance, support for talented students, and participation in national and international science competitions.
SET also supported:
60 beneficiaries through awareness and educational activities
Students participating in the National Olympiad for Scientific Creativity
Four Mawhiba students participating in national innovation activities
Four students participating in the International Science and Engineering Fair
Laboratory characterization services for researchers within King Saud University
Cumulative Impact 2012–2024
Over the period from 2012 to 2024, the Center achieved:
567 published scientific papers
Six registered patents
Support and completion of 40 master’s and doctoral theses
Research support for eight postdoctoral researchers
Multiple nationally and institutionally funded research projects
Strategic projects in battery testing, solar desalination, concentrated solar power, and other sustainable-energy technologies
These cumulative achievements demonstrate the Center’s sustained growth and its contribution to scientific research, innovation, researcher development, and energy technology advancement.
Featured Research Areas
SET’s achievements span a broad range of strategic fields, including:
Green hydrogen and fuel cells
Solar photovoltaic and concentrated solar power
Energy storage and advanced batteries
Wind energy and smart grids
Electrochemical CO₂ conversion
Thermoelectric materials
Biomass and waste-to-energy
Peaceful nuclear energy and radiation safety
Sustainable desalination technologies
Advanced materials and energy-system optimization
Building Future Impact
SET will continue strengthening its research output, intellectual-property portfolio, strategic partnerships, postgraduate education, and engagement with industry and government organizations. The Center aims to translate high-quality research into prototypes, technical solutions, and sustainable-energy technologies that respond to national priorities.
Explore and Collaborate
Learn more about SET’s publications, patents, funded projects, research facilities, and opportunities for scientific and industrial collaboration.
