Lifetime Achievement for the Advancement of Education for Future Energy Leaders

Professor Xudong Zhao

Professor of Engineering/ Director of Research at the University of Hull

Professor Xudong Zhao is a leading figure in the field of renewable energy and energy efficiency, renowned for his innovative research and impactful contributions to sustainable technologies. He is the Founding Director of the Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies (CSET) and formerly served as Deputy Director of the Energy and Environment Instituteatthe Universityof Hull. With over 37 years of experience, Professor Zhao has established a global reputation for his work on integrating renewable energy sources into decentralised heating, cooling, and power systems, contributing to the development of low-carbon, off-grid energy solutions.

Throughout his distinguished career, Professor Zhao has led or been involved in 68 research projects with a total value of £28 million and has managed 40 engineering consultancy projects worth £5 million. His groundbreaking work has resulted in 14 patents and has earned him a place on the 2017 list of the world’s most highly cited researchers. His research spans solar PV, solar thermal, photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) systems, heat pumps, and sustainable heating and cooling technologies, all of which have achieved world-leading standards. Professor Zhao’s contributions have been recognised with numerous awards, including the 2018 UK Rushlight Innovation Award, the 2019 Newton Prize Finalists Award, and the European Dragon-STAR Innovation Silver Award in 2015. His innovative approach has also been honored with multiple awards from the World Society of Sustainable Energy Technologies in consecutive years.

In his academic leadership roles, Professor Zhao has made significant strides in advancing the University of Hull’s research and academic profiles. As the Director of Research at the School of Engineering from 2016 to 2019, he was instrumental in achieving a REF score of 92.4%, surpassing many prestigious Russell Group universities. He has also developed and taught an MSc program, created eight teaching modules, and supervised 31 post-doctoral research fellows and 41 PhD students. Professor Zhao is a Fellow of Royal Academy of Engineering, the European Academy of Sciences, the Energy Institute, and the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers, among others. He has played key roles in various national and international organizations, including the UK’s EPSRC Engineering Prioritization Panel and the European District Heating and Cooling Technology Platform.

Driven by a long-term vision to position CSET at the forefront of green energy research and innovation, Professor Zhao is dedicated to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, advancing technology development, and providing policy advisory services. His work continues to influence the transition towards a low-carbon economy, both in the UK and globally.