Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane (AUI) has confirmed its scientific leadership by hosting, on February 5 and 6, the inaugural edition of the International Conference on the Future of Energy (ICEF’26), a global showcase for energy innovation.
For two days, the Al Akhawayn University campus transformed into a true global crossroads for energy discourse. Organized in partnership with Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University (PMU) in Saudi Arabia, this first edition gathered researchers, policymakers, and experts from around the world to collectively envision tomorrow’s energy solutions.
In a hybrid format, over 150 participants from 20 countries—including Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Canada, the United States, and Malaysia—engaged in discussions, underscoring Morocco’s role as a strategic regional hub for scientific research and sustainable innovation.
Conceived as a center of excellence dedicated to energy transition and climate resilience, ICEF’26 facilitated a convergence of academic expertise, institutional perspectives, and industrial applications.
According to AUI, the event also highlights its growing commitment to actively contribute to tangible solutions addressing global energy and climate challenges.
An International Scientific Recognition
The enthusiasm surrounding the conference reflects its broad appeal: 373 scientific papers were submitted by researchers worldwide. Following a rigorous review process conducted by international committees, 156 articles were accepted, yielding a selective acceptance rate of 41.8%, spread over nine thematic sessions focused on next-generation energy technologies, innovations, and strategies.
Notably, for the first time in Morocco at a conference of this scale, all accepted contributions will be published in scientific proceedings indexed in Scopus by the American publisher Materials Research Forum.
Additionally, 35 outstanding articles will receive extended publication in leading international journals, including Engineering Research Express (IOP Publishing) and Energy Exploration & Exploitation (SAGE Publishing).
Influential Voices to Guide the Future of Energy
The conference featured several prominent figures in the sector, including the General Director of the Institute for Research in Solar Energy and New Energies (IRESEN), Samir Rachidi, along with Soukaina Boudoudouh (IRESEN), Yassine Zegzouti (GIZ), and Kwan San Hui (PMU).
Their contributions shed light on key issues such as energy storage, sustainable innovation, and energy transition, particularly concerning Africa and emerging economies.
A Strategic Academic Partnership between Morocco and Saudi Arabia
Beyond scientific exchanges, ICEF’26 strengthened institutional cooperation between AUI and PMU. The presence of the presidents and senior academic officials from both universities during the official ceremony highlighted a shared ambition: to accelerate collaborative research, energy innovation, and academic mobility between the two countries.
The participation of an official Saudi delegation, comprising academic leaders and energy experts, further solidified these strategic ties. The conference concluded with an awards ceremony celebrating the most remarkable scientific contributions.
“ICEF 2026 is particularly significant as it represents the first edition of the International Conference on the Future of Energy, jointly organized by AUI and PMU,” emphasized Professor Jamal Nayfeh, Dean of Engineering at PMU, in a statement from AUI, adding that “the past experiences and the hospitality of Morocco continue to strengthen the deep ties between our two institutions.”
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