Methane hydrates are present in substantial quantities in Northeast Asia and have the potential t... more Methane hydrates are present in substantial quantities in Northeast Asia and have the potential to disrupt global energy markets once economical extraction methods are identified and developed. Any Northeast Asian country that is able to exploit its methane hydrate resources will potentially alter its need for hydrocarbon imports. This would greatly impact future energy trade relations between Northeast Asia and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries participants and could result in a shift from a broader bilateral energy trade relationship into a narrow one. Demand would decrease and hydrocarbon price fluctuations would affect revenue streams as well as international trade partnerships. In this study, we attempt to present a conceptual operational research cost model for methane hydrate integration into the energy mix in the Northeast Asian countries. Our approach takes into account key parameters including the volume of estimated reserves to minimize the cost per unit o...
Metal oxides have been proposed as an alternative channel material to hydrogenated amorphous sili... more Metal oxides have been proposed as an alternative channel material to hydrogenated amorphous silicon in thin film transistors (TFTs) because their higher mobility and stability make them suitable for transistor active layers. Thin films of indium zinc oxide (IZO) were deposited using a High Target Utilization Sputtering (HiTUS) system on various dielectrics, some of which were also deposited with the HiTUS. Investigations into bottom-gated IZO TFTs have found mobilities of 8 cm2V1s-1 and switching ratios of 106. There is a variation in the threshold voltage dependent on both oxygen concentration, and dielectric choice. Silica, alumina and silicon nitride produced stable TFTs, whilst hafnia was found to break down as a result of the IZO.
United Arab Emirates is a unique transport market; it stems from a strong end user ownership and ... more United Arab Emirates is a unique transport market; it stems from a strong end user ownership and allows for extensive user ship owing to a well develop transport infrastructure, making transport sector as the second highest pollutant. In order to curb its greenhouse gas emissions and meet its pre-allotted quota of Kyoto protocol and COP21 targets, alternative routes via greener solution integration into the status quo is a need and a necessity. In this work, we focused on zero emission electric vehicles and evaluated its market penetration by observing GHG emission behavioral response via three-prong transport-energy-greenhouse gas emissions strategy. First, we studied the transport and energy sectors mutually exclusively with in-depths analysis of market trends, trends by manufacturers, emission standards and prioritized advancements for each as a theoretical study. Second, we calculated the overall GHG emission patterns via EV penetration as a macro-level analysis for the entire of the United Arab Emirates transport industry using 1e10% market penetration from both the transport and energy industry independently, in which we observed conflicting emission trends. This was performed to understand the overall impact of electric vehicle on the pollution statistics. Thirdly, we integrated the macro findings with private vehicle market in Abu Dhabi using residential statistics as a case study, using building specifications as input in DesignBuilder and simulated using EnergyPlus, to understand the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions impact on the micro-level, where we recorded a 6.7e8.4% emission differential with only a 5% market penetration, as a n example, over long-term using LEAP. Which makes belief that the current ecosystem is not suitable for EVs in UAE and that major improvements across government/private platforms are needed as reflected in various major policy recommendations to government entities.
An apparent transformation of energy trade in developing countries such as the UAE directly impac... more An apparent transformation of energy trade in developing countries such as the UAE directly impacts and influences the global energy dynamics. UAE is the largest global exporter of fossil fuel for energy generation and it is therefore a necessity to analyze the regional in-house energy market as a first from the demand-side improvement perspective. Due to the arid climatic nature of the country, we performed simulations on air-conditioning unit performance, for the largest emirate of Abu Dhabi, using a convoluted parametric effect of coefficient-of-performance and set-point temperature to understand the longterm impact on energy operation and its monetary implications to the UAE economy. The targeted sectors included commercial and residential as leading energy hungry consumers. An assessment of the present situation to optimally determined using DesignBuilder and EnergyPlus, indicated clear change in energy generation, consumption and greenhouse gas emission reduction. The effects were forecasted using long-range energy alternatives planning simulation tool to predict the national wealth savings and to assist in governmental policy making until 2030 as per the Abu Dhabi Vision. The savings amounted to millions of dirhams per sector based on the unique upfront tariff & subsidy structure of the UAE and an emission reduction of approximately 2500 thousand metric tons of CO2 equivalent per sector by 2030 as per the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030.
American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences , 2017
Methane hydrates are present in substantial quantities in North East Asia and have the potential ... more Methane hydrates are present in substantial quantities in North East Asia and have the potential to disrupt global energy markets once economical extraction methods are identified and developed. Any NEA country that is able to exploit its methane hydrate resources will potentially alter its need for hydrocarbon imports. This would greatly impact future energy trade relations between NEA and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries participants and could result in a shift from a broader bilateral energy trade relationship into a narrow one. Demand would decrease and hydrocarbon price fluctuations would affect revenue streams as well as international trade partnerships. In this study, we attempt to present an optimized operational research cost model suing single well analysis for methane hydrate integration into the energy mix in the North East Asian countries. Our model takes into account key parameters including the volume of estimated reserves, the state of current technology & future developments for exploration and production, infrastructure & investment availability, resource allocation, private/public collaborative partnership and costing/pricing in a reservoir dynamics-based analysis under market constraints. Finally, we propose policy recommendation based on our analysis.
19th International Conference on Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (ICHEV), World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology (WASET), At Paris, France, 2017
The United Arab Emirates is clearly facing a multitude of challenges in curbing its greenhouse ga... more The United Arab Emirates is clearly facing a multitude of challenges in curbing its greenhouse gas emissions to meet its pre-allotted framework of Kyoto protocol and COP21 targets due to its hunger for modernization, industrialization, infrastructure growth, soaring population and oil and gas activity. In this work, we focus on the bonafide zero emission electric vehicles market penetration in the country's transport industry for emission reduction. We study the global electric vehicle market trends, the complementary battery technologies and the trends by manufacturers, emission standards across borders and prioritized advancements which will ultimately dictate the terms of future conditions for the United Arab Emirate transport industry. Based on our findings and analysis at every stage of current viability and state-of-transport-affairs, we postulate policy recommendations to local governmental entities from a supply and demand perspective covering aspects of technology, infrastructure requirements, change in power dynamics, end user incentives program, market regulators behavior and communications amongst key stakeholders.
Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and hafnium oxide (HfO2) have been grown, using atomic layer deposition (A... more Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and hafnium oxide (HfO2) have been grown, using atomic layer deposition (ALD), as single and bi-layer gate dielectric films. Electrical and structural characterization indicates that the material properties depend on layer thickness and growth order, when deposited as bi-layers. Charge trapping at the interface between the bi-layer stacks results from the Maxwell-Wagner (MW) instability, which states a difference of conductivities at the dielectric-dielectric interface with respect to the bulk dielectric films. Hence a build-up of this interface charge compensates for the condition that the current densities of individual dielectric films match that of the overall stack. This causes electrical instabilities in stack behavior. Bottom-gate amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide thin-film transistors are fabricated with these gate oxides, single and bi-layer stacks, with low VTH and gate leakage current to understand this instability. By empirically adopting ideal MOSFET equations and single gate dielectric film behavior as a reference, this MW instability in bi-layer gate dielectric stacks has been accounted for in amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide thin-film transistor transfer characteristics with a good fit in both above threshold and sub-threshold regimes.
Transactions on Business and Economics, World Scientific and Engineering Academy and Society (WSEAS), 2017
Methane hydrates are present in substantial quantities in Northeast Asia and have the potential t... more Methane hydrates are present in substantial quantities in Northeast Asia and have the potential to disrupt global energy markets once economical extraction methods are identified and developed. Any Northeast Asian country that is able to exploit its methane hydrate resources will potentially alter its need for hydrocarbon imports. This would greatly impact future energy trade relations between Northeast Asia and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries participants and could result in a shift from a broader bilateral energy trade relationship into a narrow one. Demand would decrease and hydrocarbon price fluctuations would affect revenue streams as well as international trade partnerships. In this study, we attempt to present a conceptual operational research cost model for methane hydrate integration into the energy mix in the Northeast Asian countries. Our approach takes into account key parameters including the volume of estimated reserves to minimize the cost per unit of methane hydrate in upstream processes while considering natural gas accounting as a reference point, in a reservoir dynamics-based analysis under market constraints. Finally, we propose policy recommendation based on our analysis.
Transactions on Environment and Development, World Scientific and Engineering Academy and Society (WSEAS), 2017
Northeast Asian (NEA) region has been one of the biggest fossil fuel clients of the Gulf Cooperat... more Northeast Asian (NEA) region has been one of the biggest fossil fuel clients of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The emergence of unconventional hydrocarbons, such as shale (oil & gas), coalbed methane, methane hydrates, biogas, coal gasification, etc. will naturally have an effect on the ongoing bilateral trade relations between the two regions. The development of such fossil fuel alternatives and more important the notion that the NEA is taking such alternatives into considerations poses a threat to GCC economy and the social welfare of the states in the region. In this study, we highlight the historical energy trade partnership between the two regions, the evolution and scientific basics of an alternative fuel source, primarily methane hydrate, a literature review on the methods of methane hydrate extraction, the challenges faced and most importantly, the uncertainty underlying the pricing of an alternative source which has yet not reached commercial production and consumption. Methane hydrates are present in substantial quantities in NEA and have the potential to disrupt global energy markets once economical extraction methods are identified and developed. Any NEA country that is able to exploit its methane hydrate resources will potentially alter its need for hydrocarbon imports, greatly impacting any future energy trade relations between NEA and GCC countries. However, one must account for the time period required for the development of methane hydrates as well as the ensuing political and technical challenges that could hinder it. A key question is: to what extent would GCC economies be affected by NEA unconventional gas development? GCC hydrocarbon exports would have to be modified to accommodate a change in customer demand. Demand would decrease and hydrocarbon price fluctuations would affect revenue streams as well as international trade partnerships. We attempt to answer these questions by developing an investment based methane hydrate model using metrics of oil & gas industry to understand the effect of such a change and its potential market penetration on the GCC region as a whole.
Proceedings in 32nd UK Performance Engineering and Cyber Security Workshop (UKPEW & CyberSecW), Bradford, United Kingdom, 2016
In this study, we understood the engineering concepts of power systems, design and functionality,... more In this study, we understood the engineering concepts of power systems, design and functionality, to establish a system-level breakdown for assessing the " reliability " of a power system based " vulnerability " , the " energy systems management " and the " stability " & " security " of the hardware layer in our multi-layered " layer-by-layer " approach. We dissected the system into variables of communication layer, the energy management layer and finally, the power system layer, in a hierarchical method of approach, which has not been reported in literature. Our work showcases the extent of a cyber intrusion affect for a physical infrastructure, which causes monetary implications to nations of the world. We further redefined power system basics of " reliability " after assessing classical power system theory throughout the energy-value chain, the " vulnerability " of the communication layer, the " energy management " capability of the monitoring & controlling software layer and the " physical parametric of a power system " in the physical hardware layer. Our approach redefined classical power system dynamics at every level, in a step-wise manner, using a " layer-by-layer " movement of information protocol. " Reliability " of a power system is crucial and critical for infrastructure security, protection, meeting consumer energy demand and economic longevity against cyber-attacks of any country's sustainable future.
Proceedings in 4th International Renewable and Sustainable Energy Conference (IRSEC), Marrakech, Morocco, 2016
An apparent transformation of energy trade in developing countries such as the UAE directly impac... more An apparent transformation of energy trade in developing countries such as the UAE directly impacts and influences the global energy dynamics. UAE is the largest global exporter of fossil fuel for energy generation and it is therefore a necessity to analyze the regional in-house energy market as a first from the demand-side improvement perspective. Due to the arid climatic nature of the country, we performed simulations on airconditioning unit performance, for the largest emirate of Abu Dhabi, using a convoluted parameter effect of coefficient-of-performance and set-point temperature to understand the long-term impact on energy operation and its monetary implications to the UAE economy. The targeted sectors included commercial, residential and retail as they are the leading energy customers. The model impact was forecasted using long-range energy alternatives planning simulation tool to predict the national wealth savings and to assist in governmental policy making until 2030 as per the Abu Dhabi Vision. The study covered the energy value-chain from generation to consumption for end-user and the carbon emissions.
(Invited) Proceedings in Recent Advances on and Life Sciences, 9th International Conference on Energy, Development, Environment and Biomedicine (EDEB), World Scientific and Engineering Academy and Society (WSEAS), Seoul, South Korea, 2015
The rapid population growth and economic development in the U.A.E.; brought on by a sharp rise in... more The rapid population growth and economic development in the U.A.E.; brought on by a sharp rise in oil revenues; has led to increased urbanization and industrialization. Consequently, the energy demand has augmented, at present consumption rate an energy supply-demand deficit is eminent by 2030. The country has begun working, both on increasing its generation capacity as well as diversifying the electricity portfolio through renewables and nuclear, with the ultimate aim of decreasing dependency on natural gas, which currently represents 98% of power generation feedstock and has to be partially imported. Therefore, it is important that the electricity balance challenge is not merely an issue of energy security but also of national wealth. In this paper, we empirically and numerically model the economics of " efficiency enhancements in the current electricity value chain " – from primary energy extraction to power generation to electricity end-user. The potential national wealth savings as a result of such interventions were calculated in terms of fossil fuel subsidy savings (FFSS), opportunity cost savings (OCS), electricity tariff subsidy savings (TSS) and break-even investment (BEI).
The Northeast Asian (NEA) region has been one of the biggest fossil fuel customers of the GCC. Th... more The Northeast Asian (NEA) region has been one of the biggest fossil fuel customers of the GCC. The emergence of unconventional hydrocarbons, such as shale, coalbed methane, and methane hydrates, will naturally have an effect on the ongoing bilateral trade relations between the two regions. The development of such energy sources to be used by NEA countries will have a direct impact on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), compromising the social welfare of the region. In this chapter, we highlight the historical energy trade relationship between the two regions, the evolution and scientific basics of an alternative fuel source, primarily methane hydrate, a literature review on the methods of methane hydrate extraction, the challenges faced, and the pricing of such an alternative. Methane hydrates are present in substantial quantities in NEA and have the potential to disrupt global energy markets once economical extraction methods are identified and developed. Any NEA country that is able to exploit its methane hydrate resources will potentially alter its need for hydrocarbon imports. This would greatly impact future energy trade relations between NEA and GCC countries and could result in a shift from a broader bilateral energy trade relationship into a narrow one. However, one must account for the time period required for the development of methane hydrates as well as the ensuing political and technical challenges that could hinder it. A key question is: to what extent would GCC economies be affected by NEA unconventional gas development? GCC hydrocarbon exports would have to be modified to accommodate a change in customer demand. Demand would decrease and hydrocarbon price fluctuations would affect revenue streams as well as international trade partnerships. We attempt in this chapter to present the state of the art in terms of methane hydrates as an alternative hydrocarbon source as well as the current barriers and cost variations to full exploitation of this alternative energy source. Finally, we propose policy recommendation based on our analysis.
Methane hydrates are present in substantial quantities in Northeast Asia and have the potential t... more Methane hydrates are present in substantial quantities in Northeast Asia and have the potential to disrupt global energy markets once economical extraction methods are identified and developed. Any Northeast Asian country that is able to exploit its methane hydrate resources will potentially alter its need for hydrocarbon imports. This would greatly impact future energy trade relations between Northeast Asia and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries participants and could result in a shift from a broader bilateral energy trade relationship into a narrow one. Demand would decrease and hydrocarbon price fluctuations would affect revenue streams as well as international trade partnerships. In this study, we attempt to present a conceptual operational research cost model for methane hydrate integration into the energy mix in the Northeast Asian countries. Our approach takes into account key parameters including the volume of estimated reserves to minimize the cost per unit o...
Metal oxides have been proposed as an alternative channel material to hydrogenated amorphous sili... more Metal oxides have been proposed as an alternative channel material to hydrogenated amorphous silicon in thin film transistors (TFTs) because their higher mobility and stability make them suitable for transistor active layers. Thin films of indium zinc oxide (IZO) were deposited using a High Target Utilization Sputtering (HiTUS) system on various dielectrics, some of which were also deposited with the HiTUS. Investigations into bottom-gated IZO TFTs have found mobilities of 8 cm2V1s-1 and switching ratios of 106. There is a variation in the threshold voltage dependent on both oxygen concentration, and dielectric choice. Silica, alumina and silicon nitride produced stable TFTs, whilst hafnia was found to break down as a result of the IZO.
United Arab Emirates is a unique transport market; it stems from a strong end user ownership and ... more United Arab Emirates is a unique transport market; it stems from a strong end user ownership and allows for extensive user ship owing to a well develop transport infrastructure, making transport sector as the second highest pollutant. In order to curb its greenhouse gas emissions and meet its pre-allotted quota of Kyoto protocol and COP21 targets, alternative routes via greener solution integration into the status quo is a need and a necessity. In this work, we focused on zero emission electric vehicles and evaluated its market penetration by observing GHG emission behavioral response via three-prong transport-energy-greenhouse gas emissions strategy. First, we studied the transport and energy sectors mutually exclusively with in-depths analysis of market trends, trends by manufacturers, emission standards and prioritized advancements for each as a theoretical study. Second, we calculated the overall GHG emission patterns via EV penetration as a macro-level analysis for the entire of the United Arab Emirates transport industry using 1e10% market penetration from both the transport and energy industry independently, in which we observed conflicting emission trends. This was performed to understand the overall impact of electric vehicle on the pollution statistics. Thirdly, we integrated the macro findings with private vehicle market in Abu Dhabi using residential statistics as a case study, using building specifications as input in DesignBuilder and simulated using EnergyPlus, to understand the energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions impact on the micro-level, where we recorded a 6.7e8.4% emission differential with only a 5% market penetration, as a n example, over long-term using LEAP. Which makes belief that the current ecosystem is not suitable for EVs in UAE and that major improvements across government/private platforms are needed as reflected in various major policy recommendations to government entities.
An apparent transformation of energy trade in developing countries such as the UAE directly impac... more An apparent transformation of energy trade in developing countries such as the UAE directly impacts and influences the global energy dynamics. UAE is the largest global exporter of fossil fuel for energy generation and it is therefore a necessity to analyze the regional in-house energy market as a first from the demand-side improvement perspective. Due to the arid climatic nature of the country, we performed simulations on air-conditioning unit performance, for the largest emirate of Abu Dhabi, using a convoluted parametric effect of coefficient-of-performance and set-point temperature to understand the longterm impact on energy operation and its monetary implications to the UAE economy. The targeted sectors included commercial and residential as leading energy hungry consumers. An assessment of the present situation to optimally determined using DesignBuilder and EnergyPlus, indicated clear change in energy generation, consumption and greenhouse gas emission reduction. The effects were forecasted using long-range energy alternatives planning simulation tool to predict the national wealth savings and to assist in governmental policy making until 2030 as per the Abu Dhabi Vision. The savings amounted to millions of dirhams per sector based on the unique upfront tariff & subsidy structure of the UAE and an emission reduction of approximately 2500 thousand metric tons of CO2 equivalent per sector by 2030 as per the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030.
American Scientific Research Journal for Engineering, Technology, and Sciences , 2017
Methane hydrates are present in substantial quantities in North East Asia and have the potential ... more Methane hydrates are present in substantial quantities in North East Asia and have the potential to disrupt global energy markets once economical extraction methods are identified and developed. Any NEA country that is able to exploit its methane hydrate resources will potentially alter its need for hydrocarbon imports. This would greatly impact future energy trade relations between NEA and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries participants and could result in a shift from a broader bilateral energy trade relationship into a narrow one. Demand would decrease and hydrocarbon price fluctuations would affect revenue streams as well as international trade partnerships. In this study, we attempt to present an optimized operational research cost model suing single well analysis for methane hydrate integration into the energy mix in the North East Asian countries. Our model takes into account key parameters including the volume of estimated reserves, the state of current technology & future developments for exploration and production, infrastructure & investment availability, resource allocation, private/public collaborative partnership and costing/pricing in a reservoir dynamics-based analysis under market constraints. Finally, we propose policy recommendation based on our analysis.
19th International Conference on Hybrid and Electric Vehicles (ICHEV), World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology (WASET), At Paris, France, 2017
The United Arab Emirates is clearly facing a multitude of challenges in curbing its greenhouse ga... more The United Arab Emirates is clearly facing a multitude of challenges in curbing its greenhouse gas emissions to meet its pre-allotted framework of Kyoto protocol and COP21 targets due to its hunger for modernization, industrialization, infrastructure growth, soaring population and oil and gas activity. In this work, we focus on the bonafide zero emission electric vehicles market penetration in the country's transport industry for emission reduction. We study the global electric vehicle market trends, the complementary battery technologies and the trends by manufacturers, emission standards across borders and prioritized advancements which will ultimately dictate the terms of future conditions for the United Arab Emirate transport industry. Based on our findings and analysis at every stage of current viability and state-of-transport-affairs, we postulate policy recommendations to local governmental entities from a supply and demand perspective covering aspects of technology, infrastructure requirements, change in power dynamics, end user incentives program, market regulators behavior and communications amongst key stakeholders.
Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and hafnium oxide (HfO2) have been grown, using atomic layer deposition (A... more Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) and hafnium oxide (HfO2) have been grown, using atomic layer deposition (ALD), as single and bi-layer gate dielectric films. Electrical and structural characterization indicates that the material properties depend on layer thickness and growth order, when deposited as bi-layers. Charge trapping at the interface between the bi-layer stacks results from the Maxwell-Wagner (MW) instability, which states a difference of conductivities at the dielectric-dielectric interface with respect to the bulk dielectric films. Hence a build-up of this interface charge compensates for the condition that the current densities of individual dielectric films match that of the overall stack. This causes electrical instabilities in stack behavior. Bottom-gate amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide thin-film transistors are fabricated with these gate oxides, single and bi-layer stacks, with low VTH and gate leakage current to understand this instability. By empirically adopting ideal MOSFET equations and single gate dielectric film behavior as a reference, this MW instability in bi-layer gate dielectric stacks has been accounted for in amorphous indium-gallium-zinc-oxide thin-film transistor transfer characteristics with a good fit in both above threshold and sub-threshold regimes.
Transactions on Business and Economics, World Scientific and Engineering Academy and Society (WSEAS), 2017
Methane hydrates are present in substantial quantities in Northeast Asia and have the potential t... more Methane hydrates are present in substantial quantities in Northeast Asia and have the potential to disrupt global energy markets once economical extraction methods are identified and developed. Any Northeast Asian country that is able to exploit its methane hydrate resources will potentially alter its need for hydrocarbon imports. This would greatly impact future energy trade relations between Northeast Asia and Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries participants and could result in a shift from a broader bilateral energy trade relationship into a narrow one. Demand would decrease and hydrocarbon price fluctuations would affect revenue streams as well as international trade partnerships. In this study, we attempt to present a conceptual operational research cost model for methane hydrate integration into the energy mix in the Northeast Asian countries. Our approach takes into account key parameters including the volume of estimated reserves to minimize the cost per unit of methane hydrate in upstream processes while considering natural gas accounting as a reference point, in a reservoir dynamics-based analysis under market constraints. Finally, we propose policy recommendation based on our analysis.
Transactions on Environment and Development, World Scientific and Engineering Academy and Society (WSEAS), 2017
Northeast Asian (NEA) region has been one of the biggest fossil fuel clients of the Gulf Cooperat... more Northeast Asian (NEA) region has been one of the biggest fossil fuel clients of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The emergence of unconventional hydrocarbons, such as shale (oil & gas), coalbed methane, methane hydrates, biogas, coal gasification, etc. will naturally have an effect on the ongoing bilateral trade relations between the two regions. The development of such fossil fuel alternatives and more important the notion that the NEA is taking such alternatives into considerations poses a threat to GCC economy and the social welfare of the states in the region. In this study, we highlight the historical energy trade partnership between the two regions, the evolution and scientific basics of an alternative fuel source, primarily methane hydrate, a literature review on the methods of methane hydrate extraction, the challenges faced and most importantly, the uncertainty underlying the pricing of an alternative source which has yet not reached commercial production and consumption. Methane hydrates are present in substantial quantities in NEA and have the potential to disrupt global energy markets once economical extraction methods are identified and developed. Any NEA country that is able to exploit its methane hydrate resources will potentially alter its need for hydrocarbon imports, greatly impacting any future energy trade relations between NEA and GCC countries. However, one must account for the time period required for the development of methane hydrates as well as the ensuing political and technical challenges that could hinder it. A key question is: to what extent would GCC economies be affected by NEA unconventional gas development? GCC hydrocarbon exports would have to be modified to accommodate a change in customer demand. Demand would decrease and hydrocarbon price fluctuations would affect revenue streams as well as international trade partnerships. We attempt to answer these questions by developing an investment based methane hydrate model using metrics of oil & gas industry to understand the effect of such a change and its potential market penetration on the GCC region as a whole.
Proceedings in 32nd UK Performance Engineering and Cyber Security Workshop (UKPEW & CyberSecW), Bradford, United Kingdom, 2016
In this study, we understood the engineering concepts of power systems, design and functionality,... more In this study, we understood the engineering concepts of power systems, design and functionality, to establish a system-level breakdown for assessing the " reliability " of a power system based " vulnerability " , the " energy systems management " and the " stability " & " security " of the hardware layer in our multi-layered " layer-by-layer " approach. We dissected the system into variables of communication layer, the energy management layer and finally, the power system layer, in a hierarchical method of approach, which has not been reported in literature. Our work showcases the extent of a cyber intrusion affect for a physical infrastructure, which causes monetary implications to nations of the world. We further redefined power system basics of " reliability " after assessing classical power system theory throughout the energy-value chain, the " vulnerability " of the communication layer, the " energy management " capability of the monitoring & controlling software layer and the " physical parametric of a power system " in the physical hardware layer. Our approach redefined classical power system dynamics at every level, in a step-wise manner, using a " layer-by-layer " movement of information protocol. " Reliability " of a power system is crucial and critical for infrastructure security, protection, meeting consumer energy demand and economic longevity against cyber-attacks of any country's sustainable future.
Proceedings in 4th International Renewable and Sustainable Energy Conference (IRSEC), Marrakech, Morocco, 2016
An apparent transformation of energy trade in developing countries such as the UAE directly impac... more An apparent transformation of energy trade in developing countries such as the UAE directly impacts and influences the global energy dynamics. UAE is the largest global exporter of fossil fuel for energy generation and it is therefore a necessity to analyze the regional in-house energy market as a first from the demand-side improvement perspective. Due to the arid climatic nature of the country, we performed simulations on airconditioning unit performance, for the largest emirate of Abu Dhabi, using a convoluted parameter effect of coefficient-of-performance and set-point temperature to understand the long-term impact on energy operation and its monetary implications to the UAE economy. The targeted sectors included commercial, residential and retail as they are the leading energy customers. The model impact was forecasted using long-range energy alternatives planning simulation tool to predict the national wealth savings and to assist in governmental policy making until 2030 as per the Abu Dhabi Vision. The study covered the energy value-chain from generation to consumption for end-user and the carbon emissions.
(Invited) Proceedings in Recent Advances on and Life Sciences, 9th International Conference on Energy, Development, Environment and Biomedicine (EDEB), World Scientific and Engineering Academy and Society (WSEAS), Seoul, South Korea, 2015
The rapid population growth and economic development in the U.A.E.; brought on by a sharp rise in... more The rapid population growth and economic development in the U.A.E.; brought on by a sharp rise in oil revenues; has led to increased urbanization and industrialization. Consequently, the energy demand has augmented, at present consumption rate an energy supply-demand deficit is eminent by 2030. The country has begun working, both on increasing its generation capacity as well as diversifying the electricity portfolio through renewables and nuclear, with the ultimate aim of decreasing dependency on natural gas, which currently represents 98% of power generation feedstock and has to be partially imported. Therefore, it is important that the electricity balance challenge is not merely an issue of energy security but also of national wealth. In this paper, we empirically and numerically model the economics of " efficiency enhancements in the current electricity value chain " – from primary energy extraction to power generation to electricity end-user. The potential national wealth savings as a result of such interventions were calculated in terms of fossil fuel subsidy savings (FFSS), opportunity cost savings (OCS), electricity tariff subsidy savings (TSS) and break-even investment (BEI).
The Northeast Asian (NEA) region has been one of the biggest fossil fuel customers of the GCC. Th... more The Northeast Asian (NEA) region has been one of the biggest fossil fuel customers of the GCC. The emergence of unconventional hydrocarbons, such as shale, coalbed methane, and methane hydrates, will naturally have an effect on the ongoing bilateral trade relations between the two regions. The development of such energy sources to be used by NEA countries will have a direct impact on the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), compromising the social welfare of the region. In this chapter, we highlight the historical energy trade relationship between the two regions, the evolution and scientific basics of an alternative fuel source, primarily methane hydrate, a literature review on the methods of methane hydrate extraction, the challenges faced, and the pricing of such an alternative. Methane hydrates are present in substantial quantities in NEA and have the potential to disrupt global energy markets once economical extraction methods are identified and developed. Any NEA country that is able to exploit its methane hydrate resources will potentially alter its need for hydrocarbon imports. This would greatly impact future energy trade relations between NEA and GCC countries and could result in a shift from a broader bilateral energy trade relationship into a narrow one. However, one must account for the time period required for the development of methane hydrates as well as the ensuing political and technical challenges that could hinder it. A key question is: to what extent would GCC economies be affected by NEA unconventional gas development? GCC hydrocarbon exports would have to be modified to accommodate a change in customer demand. Demand would decrease and hydrocarbon price fluctuations would affect revenue streams as well as international trade partnerships. We attempt in this chapter to present the state of the art in terms of methane hydrates as an alternative hydrocarbon source as well as the current barriers and cost variations to full exploitation of this alternative energy source. Finally, we propose policy recommendation based on our analysis.
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Papers by Ahmed Kiani
A conceptual cost minimization model for estimating methane hydrate upstream activity in NEA for policy-making. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315685132_A_conceptual_cost_minimization_model_for_estimating_methane_hydrate_upstream_activity_in_NEA_for_policy-making [accessed Mar 29, 2017].
Conference Presentations by Ahmed Kiani
Books by Ahmed Kiani
A conceptual cost minimization model for estimating methane hydrate upstream activity in NEA for policy-making. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/315685132_A_conceptual_cost_minimization_model_for_estimating_methane_hydrate_upstream_activity_in_NEA_for_policy-making [accessed Mar 29, 2017].