Dr. Felix Vega

Dr Felix Vega is responsible for the research and development of high-power electromagnetics sources, innovative radar, and sensing systems. This work extends from fundamental physics and theoretical problems to experimental physics. He also is a Professor of Electromagnetic Fields and Antennas at the National University of Colombia, Bogotá. His research interests include high-power electromagnetic sources, antennas, and effects on systems, ground-penetrating radar for landmine detection, and plasma physics. Since 2019, he has served as Secretary of the IEEE Antennas and Propagation Society. He is Associate Editor at the IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation and the IEEE Open Journal on Antennas and Propagation. Dr Vega earned his Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology of Lausanne (Switzerland), and a second Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from the National University of Colombia. He received the ‘Young Scientist Award’ from URSI (Radio Science International Union) in 2008, the ‘Frank Gunther Award’ from the Radio Club of America (RCA) in 2011, the ‘Best Applied Paper Award’ from the SUMMA Foundation series of Notes 2010-2012 in 2012, and the ‘John Howard Memorial Award’ from the IEEE - EMC Society in 2015.

Session Overview

Wednesday, 6 November

13:30

Energy ai Conference Energy AI Theatre 13:30 - 14:00

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Energy AI Talk: Sustainable solar innovation with Kardinia Energy

Solar energy is pivotal for promoting sustainable electricity generation, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving clean energy goals. Solar panels have long relied on silicon for light absorption. While effective, this rigid and heavy technology is being reshaped by innovation. Printed solar cells make it possible to generate solar power on previously untapped surfaces; such as low weight-bearing industrial and warehouse building structures, an uncompeted global market exceeding 4 billion m2. This breakthrough transforms how we think about energy generation, expanding renewable power’s reach in ways once thought impossible.

Kardinia Energy’s revolutionary Printed Solar technology uses carbon-based semiconducting polymers combined with advanced reel-to-reel printing techniques to create flexible, lightweight solar panels. These panels, printed on recyclable PET plastic, boast low material and energy costs, making them a cost-effective, sustainable alternative to silicon-based solar panels. With emissions intensity of less than 11 g CO₂-e/kWh, they offer an environmentally friendly solution for scalable energy production.

In this Energy AI Talk, Professor Paul Dastoor, Co-Founder, Chief Scientific Officer and Inventor of Printed Solar technology at Kardinia Energy will addresses how Printed Solar technology stands ready to redefine solar’s role in a clean-energy future. He will also highlight the need for recyclable, low-emission energy while enhancing accessibility in renewable energy solutions.