The International Scientific and Practical Conference on Energy Production, Conservation, and Efficiency

The International Scientific and Practical Conference on Energy Production, Conservation, and Efficiency is the special edition of the International Conference "Physical and Chemical Geotechnologies". It is a significant event in honor of the 125th anniversary of Dnipro University of Technology and the 50th anniversary of the Faculty of Management at AGH University of Krakow. The conference will continue its legacy of fostering collaboration, particularly focusing on innovations in sustainable energy production, efficient energy conservation strategies, and the enhancement of energy system effectiveness. It will feature diverse thematic sessions, including advanced technologies in energy production, renewable energy applications, and energy security.

Ukraine has suffered enormous losses in its economic potential due to Russian aggression. The country has also endured significant environmental destruction. Now, Ukraine faces the unique challenge of large-scale reconstruction, requiring the implementation of high technologies, innovative solutions, and human capital development, along with the consolidation of international efforts to restore the environment. This monumental task – reviving the economy in a new reality – is not only Ukraine's responsibility but also that of European nations, international partners, scientists, and educators.

The world has experienced global upheavals, including alarming climate change, biodiversity loss, poverty, and the rapid spread of infectious diseases. For the first time since 1945, Europe has encountered large-scale aggression and war in Ukraine, negatively affecting its economy and security. The inability to achieve sustainable development goals in the EU and other developed countries is becoming increasingly evident.

Europe faces real and pressing challenges that manifest in various forms – from Russia's aggressive war against Ukraine to declining energy security and cyberattacks on critical infrastructure. To effectively counter these threats, European countries are strengthening their economies and defense industries.

Ukraine's reconstruction is focused on modern, high-tech, and competitive industries. The role of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine and universities in implementing economic recovery principles – in cooperation with businesses and with government support – is crucial. Universities are known for their innovative solutions, interdisciplinary approaches, and expertise in intellectual property management. They nurture talent, provide a strong foundation of knowledge, and train scientists and specialists for high-tech industries and the digital economy. These institutions generate new technologies, ideas, and solutions to pressing economic problems, positioning themselves as centers of innovation and laboratories for shaping Ukraine's new economy and society.

In this context, Ukraine is undergoing an economic transformation. The country possesses advanced technologies in key economic sectors, unique mineral and rare-earth metal deposits, significant renewable energy resources, and achievements in the development and implementation of new systems, materials, and digital technologies. Thanks to its scientific and educational potential, Ukraine can ensure the scientific support and further development of these critical components of a modern economy.

The key priority in Ukraine's post-war economic recovery is the energy sector, which, in line with global trends, is transitioning into an "intelligent," resource-independent system with distributed generation, a high share of renewable energy sources, advanced information resources, and power electronics. This aligns with the energy development strategies of European and global economies.

The Future of Ukraine's Energy Sector

Accessibility, reliability, efficiency, and security have become defining requirements for participants in today's electricity market. Improving energy efficiency is a strategic step for reducing the energy intensity of the economy. Achieving this goal follows the well-known principles of decarbonization, decentralization, and digitalization. The global trend toward decarbonization (shifting to low-carbon energy) entails a transition to widespread use of electricity as the primary energy source. A key driving force in energy development will be mitigating climate change by systematically reducing greenhouse gas emissions. High technologies aimed at developing "smart" energy systems and networks will play a decisive role in addressing urgent energy challenges.

The continuous expansion of renewable energy capacity necessitates the transformation of the existing generation structure. Ukraine is successfully adopting global energy trends by transitioning from a fossil fuel-dominated energy system with large integrated energy companies to a flexible energy system. This shift includes increasing the share of renewable and distributed generation, utilizing artificial intelligence and digital tools for energy system monitoring and protection.

The decentralized energy market is also gaining momentum, with the development of "smart" electricity grids (Smart Grid concept), modern monitoring and management technologies, and energy storage solutions. The synchronization of Ukraine's United Energy System with the European energy system has been successfully implemented. This new system's structure significantly enhances energy efficiency, reliability, and resilience.

The widespread adoption of distributed generation in developed countries is driven by the need to meet growing electricity demand, address environmental concerns, and achieve economic benefits through innovative solutions and new energy sources. "Smart" energy systems provide a high level of protection against various disruptions, monitoring of different operating modes, self-diagnosis, and management capabilities. The implementation of such technologies and management principles is crucial in critical situations, including military aggression, terrorist attacks, and unforeseen climate changes.

International Cooperation and Innovation for Economic Renaissance of Ukraine

Recovery programs require new organizational approaches and the creation of a post-war global cooperation framework. These initiatives aim to develop a national innovation ecosystem for the digital economy, leveraging cutting-edge technologies, intellectual capital, and domestic resources.

The proposed scientific and practical conference on current issues in energy production, conservation, and efficient use is intended to discuss and assess prospects for addressing contemporary global challenges. It will also define the highest-level criteria for international cooperation in utilizing energy advancements to achieve economic recovery.

Conference presentations will provide a detailed and systematic analysis of pressing issues, including the development of mobile resonant high-voltage generation systems for non-destructive diagnostics of power equipment insulation, the design of power supply systems with quality control and management capabilities, research on partial discharges in cross-linked polyethylene insulation of high-voltage cables, justification of optimal parameters for hybrid heat pump heating systems, assessment of zero-sequence parameters during ground faults in consumer zones, improving the efficiency of hydropower plants in electricity markets, and calculating and forecasting energy losses in distribution networks and other actual problems of energy and fuel sector.

The Conference Scope Description

The conference presentations systematically addressed the analysis and solutions to pressing issues in electrical energy and mining. Topics included the development of mobile resonant electrical systems for high-voltage generation used in non-destructive insulation diagnostics of high-power electrical equipment and the design of power supply systems for special complexes with provision control and quality management of electric power. The study of partial discharges in XLPE insulation of high-voltage cables, including computer simulations, was presented. The research also explored peculiarities of resonance phenomena occurring at the points of connection of solar power plants to the electric power system, along with methods to improve the efficiency of hydropower plants (HPPs) in the electricity market of Ukraine.

Key focus was on energy efficiency, forecasting, and automation. The conference featured insights into the calculation and forecasting of electrical energy losses in distribution networks using deep neural networks, as well as intelligent electricity load forecasting methods based on ARIMA-LSTM-Random Forest models. Researchers presented strategies for reducing hot blast emissions through the implementation of automated control systems and enhancing the performance of hybrid heat pump heating schemes. The importance of zero-sequence parameter evaluation in cases of ground faults in consumer zones was discussed.

Sustainability and renewable energy integration played a central role in the discussions. Presentations covered smart monitoring of local electricity systems incorporating renewable energy sources, physicochemical technologies of biomass transformation, and coal and biomass gasification. The advancements in underground and open-pit mining, particularly in the context of sustainability and energy efficiency, were highlighted. Innovations in the management of productive processes and the role of modern digital technologies in optimizing energy consumption were examined.

The conference also explored modern approaches to infrastructure protection and industrial applications. One key topic was the formation of the protective potential of underground steel pipelines, particularly considering advancements in modern converter technologies. Researchers emphasized the role of simulation and predictive modeling in improving industrial safety and efficiency. These discussions underscored the growing significance of integrating artificial intelligence and automation into energy and mining sectors to enhance operational reliability and sustainability.

We extend our gratitude to all contributors, researchers, and participants for their invaluable insights and efforts. The speakers expressed confidence in the feasibility of implementing a future economic model in Ukraine within the European community of democratic nations, supported by international cooperation. This will undoubtedly have a positive impact on strengthening the economic potential of the European Union. As we look ahead, we invite you to join us in future editions, where together, we will shape the future of mining and energy for a sustainable world.

International Conference on Energy Production, Conservation, and Efficiency