On Tuesday, 22 October, the courtyard of the Gdańsk University of Technology bustled with life! Students from Tri-City universities gathered to take part in the “Release the Energy” conference, where the theme was energy in the broadest sense. From green solutions to the latest technologies, the discussions were full of ideas on how to meet the challenges of the future.

Young speakers took to the stage to share their innovative ideas on energy transformation and green technologies. On behalf of the Gdańsk University of Technology, the guests were welcomed by the Vice-Rector for Student Affairs, Barbara Wikiel Ph.D., Associate Professor of the Gdańsk Tech, and Vice-Rector for Science, prof. Dariusz Mikielewicz. The meeting was a unique opportunity to share experience and think together about how we can use energy in the modern world. 

– Today's conference was about energy in the broadest sense, which we encounter every step we take. A theme which unites three completely different academic communities. We wanted to create a common space to exchange experience and integrate our universities. We believe that we have succeeded in achieving this –said Bogumiła Szymendera, Ambassadress of the Fahrenheit Students Union.

The meeting brought together many talented young people, who presented a variety of approaches to energy, which made the discussions extremely inspiring. Participants had the chance to present their research and exchange ideas. The best poster and the best presentation, selected by the Research Committee, were awarded prizes sponsored by Aramco Europe, a partner of the event.

– We tried to combine an approach to energy by three different universities, because each of us has a slightly different nature. Some people are more into psychology, some into engineering, and some into medical issues, so it was a really interesting experience for us to combine this conference into something that really works and is interesting for everyone – said Anna Suchecka, a representative of the Organisation Committee.

There was much going on, from talks on biodegradation to presentations on the latest developments in biomicrogels. Students had the chance to broaden their horizons and benefit from a wealth of knowledge and inspiration from experts, such as Łukasz Dąbrowski of the Office of the Governor of the Pomeranian Region and Łukasz Długowski of the mikrowyprawy.com blog.

– The “Release the Energy” conference not only served the exchange of knowledge, but, above all, was a space for addressing topics important to the students’ community, which determine their future – emphasised prof. Adriana Zaleska-Medynska, Director of the Fahrenheit Universities. – The young organisers’ passionate commitment confirms their determination and sense of responsibility for our future. Their energy and creativity are invaluable in building a community that not only thinks about today, but also about the consequences of decisions or actions taken.

The opening lecture of the conference was delivered by Łukasz Długowski, author of the mikrowyprawy.com blog. He presented the challenges of survival in a changing world, using examples from nature. The speaker referred to three ecosystems and species – the Białowieża Primeval Forest, wolves and bisons which have survived for thousands of years owing to the ability to adapt. He emphasised that the key to survival is not the elimination of weaknesses, but their skilful use and adaptation to change.

Then Szymon Niewdana, B.Sc., moderated a panel entitled the “Energy Cooperative and the hidden potential of the energy transformation”. During his speech, he presented the important role of energy cooperatives in the energy transformation process and highlighted how local initiatives can contribute to a more sustainable and efficient use of renewable energy sources. He discussed not only the challenges, but also the many benefits of developing this model, and pointed out its huge potential for building the future based on clean energy.

In turn, the presentation by Łukasz Dąbrowski of the  Office of the Governor of the Pomeranian Region concerned the development of energy islands and energy strategies in Pomerania. The speaker mentioned the Pomeranian Archipelago of Energy Islands, which is part of a larger Green Deal strategy and the region’s objectives to 2030. A key element was the idea of energy islands, i.e. local systems connecting energy producers, consumers and prosumers to increase local energy independence. 

Innovative biomicrogels that can significantly support the biodegradation of oil-based pollutants were discussed by Marina Galanina and Pavel Tumialis. As part of the discussion, they presented the key aspects of the activity of those biomaterials and their potential applications in environmental protection.

The last panel titled the “Energy Consumption in both - private and professional lives” was chaired by Łukasz Olechnowicz. He talked about the impact of new technologies and artificial intelligence on efficiency and increasing energy consumption. The speaker emphasised that although technologies should make life easier, in reality they often lead to longer working hours. He highlighted historical changes in work, from the invention of the light bulb to mobile phones, and encouraged reflection on how to use technology to work not more, but more efficiently.

The meeting was full of inspiration, ideas and positive energy. Certainly, the “Release the Energy” conference showed that the younger generation has much to say about sustainable future. And this is just the beginning!

In the poster session, presentations were presented by: Michał Jakubowski, Natalia Łukasik, Aleksandra Małachowska (“Hydrogen Generation on Request – Metaloorganic Skeletons as Catalysts in the Sodium Hydrobromite Hydrolysis Reaction”), Mateusz Michalski (“Methanol as the Green Hydrogen Chemical Store”), Wojciech Bącalski (“A Better Look Inside – DEIS Based Monitoring for RFBs”), Marcin Gontarek (“Recycling of Worn-Out Lithium-Ion Batteries: Progress, Issues and Future Directions”), Damian Makowski, Julia Dunajska, Dawid Strzelecki (“Photoelectrocathalysis – Green Hydrogen Generation Technologies”) Remigiusz Izbaner, Jakub Labudda (“The Modelling of Electrochemical Electric Energy Stores on the Basis of Experimental Research”), Michał Dominów, Dzmitry Dauhalevich, Łukasz Arcimowicz, Rafał Kowalski (“Thrash In, Gas Out (TIGO) – Integration of AI in pyrolysis of organic and polymer waste for hydrogen production”).

The conference was organised by the following Ambassadors of the Fahrenheit Students’ Union:

Anna Suchecka, Dorota Nagórska and Aleksandra Paluch of the Gdańsk Tech;

Bartosz Chojnacki, Hubert Czyż and Piotr Patalas of the UG;

Patrycja Jachimek and me, Bogumiła Szymendera of the MUG.

fot. Gregmar