JOHOR BAHRU, May 18 – Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), through the Centre For River and Coastal Engineering (CRCE), successfully organised The International Seminar on Renewable Energy 2026 on 18th May 2026 at the Smart Classroom, Faculty of Civil Engineering (FKA), UTM Johor Bahru. The seminar gathered researchers, industry experts, academicians, and students from both local and international institutions to discuss the latest advancements, challenges, and opportunities in renewable energy and sustainable development.

The program commenced with a registration and networking breakfast session before the official opening ceremony. The welcoming address was delivered by the Director of Research Institute for Sustainable Environment (RISE), Prof. Ts. Dr. Muhammad Zaly Shah Muhammad Hussein, who highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts in accelerating renewable energy innovation and supporting global sustainability goals.

The seminar featured several distinguished keynote speakers and industry experts from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom. Director of the Centre for Offshore Renewable Energy (CEFORE), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Asamudin A. Rahman delivered the first keynote session on “Offshore Renewable Energy: Harnessing Ocean Energy for Future Sustainability,” sharing valuable insights into the potential of offshore renewable energy technologies in supporting sustainable energy development. This was followed by a presentation from energy transition expert and former senior general manager of Petronas, Ir. Mohammad Faudzi Mohd. Yasir on marine and port decarbonisation pathways towards cleaner and greener energy systems.

One of the highlights of the seminar was the keynote session by UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, Department of Engineering Science, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Christopher Vogel from the University of Oxford, who presented “Multi-scale Fluid Mechanics for Offshore Renewable Energy.” His session explored advanced fluid mechanics applications and innovative engineering approaches aimed at improving offshore renewable energy technologies, particularly wave and tidal energy systems.

The seminar also featured an insightful presentation by the Head of Research Centre (Decarbonisation and Renewable Energy), Ir. Ts. Noraziah Muda Omar from TNB Research Sdn. Bhd. titled “Beyond Renewable Power: Green Hydrogen and CO₂ Utilisation Pathways Towards Net-Zero 2050.” The session highlighted TNB’s initiatives in green hydrogen production, carbon capture technologies, and renewable energy integration in support of Malaysia’s National Energy Transition Roadmap and Net Zero 2050 aspirations.

Another impactful keynote session was delivered by Dr. Ir. Ahmad Mukhlis Firdaus from Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), who shared Indonesia’s experiences and research developments in tidal stream energy through his presentation on physical model testing for tidal stream proposals.

The afternoon sessions featured presentations by experts from Marine Technology Centre (MTC), UTM,  Prof. Dr. Omar Yaakob and Director of Ocean Thermal Energy Centre (OTEC0, Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Sathiabama T. Thirugnana, focusing on the future potential of marine renewable energy in tropical regions and the role of OTEC technology in driving energy security, affordability, and sustainability.

Both sessions emphasised innovation, strategic collaboration, and sustainable technology development in achieving long-term environmental resilience and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Overall, the seminar successfully served as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange, networking, and international collaboration in renewable energy research. The programme further reinforced UTM’s commitment towards advancing sustainable innovation, strengthening industry-academia partnerships, and supporting global efforts towards a greener and more sustainable future.