EFE 2026 is an interdisciplinary scientific event addressing key issues related to energy transition, fuel technologies and environmental protection.

The conference is designed as a platform for presenting research results, exchanging experience and building cooperation among scientists, industry representatives, public administration and stakeholders from the socio-economic environment.

The scope of the conference includes both fundamental and applied topics, with particular emphasis on low-emission energy systems, future fuels, combustion processes, emission and pollution control, environmental monitoring, remediation technologies, recovery of resources and energy, energy policy and economics, and implementation of solutions consistent with sustainable development and circular economy principles.

EFE 2026 aims to integrate diverse research and implementation perspectives and to support discussion on the role of science and technology in developing safe, efficient and environmentally responsible energy and industrial systems.

The abstract submission deadline is 10 September 2026

The key topics of EFE 2026 will include the following:

ENERGY: power and heat technologies; efficiency and innovation in the energy sector; intelligent energy management systems; nuclear energy; renewable energy technologies; energy storage and harvesting.

FUELS: fossil fuels technologies; problems regarding clean fuel development and management; biofuels and the production of fuels from waste materials; CO₂ use for fuel production; industrial catalysis.

HYDROGEN: hydrogen production, storage and applications.

ENVIRONMENT: the energy sector’s impact on the environment; climate change and global warming; methods of identification for new contaminants; the circular economy; environmental protection; monitoring; diagnostics; energy efficiency; district heating; industrial systems; failure prevention; emission standards.

CATALYSIS: Exploring the frontier of catalysis in fuel production: innovations and challenges in enhancing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

NUCLEAR ENERGY: nuclear energy technologies; small modular reactors; large-scale reactors; advanced reactor concepts; reactor safety; nuclear fuel cycles; radioactive waste management; radiochemistry; radiation protection; and dosimetry.

ECOLOGICAL TRANSPORT: electrification of transport; hydrogen applications in transport; alternative and low-emission fuels; directions for the reduction of contaminations from transport fuels, charging and refuelling infrastructure; reduction of pollutant and greenhouse gas emissions from transport.

ENERGY AND ECOLOGICAL POLICY: conditions and directions of development in fuel and energy management; the relationship between the energy sector and the advancement of the country’s economy; the role of the state in shaping the development of fuel and energy markets.

ECONOMY: economic problems of fuel and energy management; conditions and potential for financing innovative projects; markets and risks in the fuel and energy sectors; energy system modelling for decision support, the functioning of fuel and energy companies in the energy market.

MATERIALS FOR ENERGY CONVERSION AND STORAGE: advanced materials for energy conversion and storage; next-generation materials for batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells and electrolyzers; thermoelectric materials; materials for photovoltaics, solar energy systems and wind turbine applications.
The above list is not exhaustive, and research on other topics associated with advances in power, fuels and environment technologies are also welcome.
The abstract submission deadline is 10 September 2026.

Sessions

Environment, Emissions and Pollution Control in the Era of Energy Transition and Circular Economy – prof. Katarzyna Styszko
This session focuses on the environmental consequences of energy transition, the energy crisis and geopolitical changes affecting economy, industry and energy sources. These processes shape emission patterns, industrial practices, resource management and circular economy development, with direct implications for environmental quality, human health and quality of life. The session addresses emissions and pollution affecting air, water and soil, including monitoring, chemical characterization, risk assessment, mitigation and pollution control technologies. It welcomes contributions on water and wastewater treatment, remediation, recovery and reuse processes, circular economy solutions, advanced analytical tools and environmental diagnostics. Special attention will be given to emerging contaminants and micropollutants, including microplastics, as well as to air quality, particulate matter, chemical composition of atmospheric aerosols, source apportionment and health effects related to environmental pollution.
Energy Transition: System Modelling, Policy and Economics – prof. Artur Wyrwa
This session focuses on the systemic dimensions of the energy transition, with particular emphasis on energy systems analysis, modelling, optimization, energy policy and energy economics. It addresses the integration of renewable energy sources, low-carbon technologies, energy storage and sector coupling, as well as their implications for energy security, system flexibility, investment planning and market design. The session welcomes contributions on technological, economic and policy challenges associated with the transition towards sustainable, resilient and low-carbon energy systems.

Advanced Materials for Energy Conversion, Storage, and Utilization – prof. Kun Zheng, dr Anna Niemczyk
This session focuses on the critical role of advanced materials in shaping the future of energy systems. It covers innovations in materials for energy conversion and storage, including electrochemical devices, hydrogen technologies, catalysis, and renewable energy applications. Emphasis is placed on improving efficiency, enabling clean fuel production, and supporting low-emission technologies such as photovoltaics, fuel cells, and nuclear energy systems. The session also explores how material design contributes to environmental protection, circular economy strategies, and the overall transition toward a resilient and low-carbon energy sector.

Advanced Thermal Technologies for High-Efficiency Cooling and Heating Systems – prof. Karol Sztekler
This session focuses on the development and application of advanced cooling and heating systems aimed at improving energy efficiency and system performance. Particular attention is given to innovative thermal technologies, including adsorption and absorption systems, heat pumps, and hybrid configurations. The session also covers thermal energy storage technologies, including phase change materials (PCM) and methods for heat and cold storage. Additional topics include advanced ventilation and air-conditioning systems, modern HVAC solutions, system integration, and intelligent energy management and control strategies. Contributions may include both experimental and numerical studies, as well as real-scale implementations and industrial applications.

Catalysis in Industry and the Energy Sector – prof. Marek Inger
The session will highlight the pivotal role of catalysis in modern industry, with a particular focus on its applications in the energy sector. Catalysis is fundamental to enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of fuel production, from the refining of conventional fossil fuels to the development of renewable biofuels and synthetic fuels. Catalytic processes also hold significant potential for driving industrial decarbonisation. Experts will present advancements in catalytic technologies, addressing topics such as catalyst design, the role of catalysis in biomass conversion, and catalytic methods for CO2 utilization. The session will further explore current challenges and future directions in catalysis aimed at achieving cleaner fuel production and improved energy efficiency.

Hydrogen Energy Session – prof. Magdalena Dudek
The session will address innovative hydrogen storage technologies, application in transportation, developing energy infrastructure, industrial processes, fuel cells research and ecological and sustainable development aspects. Challenges and prospects associated with hydrogen technology development will be discussed, creating a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experiences in this dynamically evolving field. All researchers and industrial partners working in the hydrogen value chain are welcome.

Next-Generation Renewable Energy and Storage Technologies for the Energy Transition – prof. Krzysztof Sornek
This special session focuses on cutting-edge developments in renewable energy and energy storage technologies that are driving the global energy transition toward sustainability and climate neutrality. The scope of the session includes innovative solutions in renewable energy systems such as solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and hybrid systems, as well as advanced energy storage technologies, including electrochemical, thermal and mechanical storage. The session highlights applications across multiple sectors, including buildings and construction, industry, transportation, and distributed energy systems. It aims to bring together researchers, engineers, and industry experts to present recent advances, exchange ideas, and discuss emerging challenges in the field. Contributions addressing both theoretical and practical aspects are welcome, including experimental studies, system design, optimization, and real-world applications.

30^th Anniversary of the Department of Sustainable Energy Development – prof. Tadeusz Olkuski
The history of the Department of Sustainable Energy Development began in 1995. At that time, a group of faculty members, primarily from the Institute of Mineral Resources and Energy of the Polish Academy of Sciences, established the Department of Energy Policy, headed by Professor Roman Ney. At the same time, the Department of Energy Utilization was also established, headed by Professor Adam Guła, who headed the Foundation for Efficient Energy Utilization. These departments formally began teaching at the then Faculty of Fuels and Energy in October 1996. In 2007, the departments merged to form the current Department of Sustainable Energy Development. As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the department, it is worth recalling its origins and the outstanding scientists who contributed to its achievements.

Microsymposium – prof. Piotr Burmistrz
Presentation of current achievements and discussions between representatives of science and industry on development directions in the use of pyrolysis and gasification processes are key topics of the event.