Professor Dr. Alar Konist and Dr. Alejandro Lyons Cerón participated as invited speakers, representing the Department of Energy Technology. The official invitation was extended by Prof. Hem Raj Pant, Vice Chancellor of Far Western University. The conference was organized under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Kishan Datta Bhatta, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Far Western University.

Keynote Contributions

• Prof. Dr. Alar Konist, delivered the keynote lecture entitled: “Carbon-Negative Combustion Technologies for Sustainable Heritage and Innovation”. His presentation addressed carbon-negative combustion systems, sustainable energy technologies, and their role in supporting climate-neutral development pathways.
• Dr. Alejandro Lyons Cerón delivered the keynote lecture entitled: “Chemical Looping Gasification of Biomass and Mineral-Rich Oil Shale: Recent Advances and Opportunities”. The presentation focused on recent advancements in chemical looping technologies, mineral-based oxygen carriers, and their relevance for low-carbon energy systems and circular economy strategies.

New Forms of Collaboration
A significant outcome of the conference was the establishment of a new international academic initiative titled “Collaborative Platform Beyond Borders.” The platform is designed to promote structured international research collaboration, facilitate joint projects and academic exchanges, strengthen institutional capacity building, encourage interdisciplinary innovation, and support long-term cooperation between Europe and Asia.

Participating Institutions and Delegates
The founding discussion included representatives from:

• Prof. Hem Raj Pant – Vice Chancellor, Far Western University, Nepal
• Prof. Dr. Kishan Datta Bhatta – Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Far Western University, Nepal
• Professor Alar Konist and Dr. Alejandro Lyons Cerón – Department of Energy Technology, Tallinn University of Technology, Estonia
• Dr. Tashi – College of Science and Technology, Royal University of Bhutan
• Dr. Rajendra Khanal – Tribhuvan University, Nepal
• Dr. Sanjeev Humagain – Nepal Open University, Nepal
• Dr. Kulanthayan KC Mani – Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia
• Dr. MD. Kamranul Baset – International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT), Bangladesh
• Dr. Vijayapala Sinnathamby – University of Colombo / UNOPS, Sri Lanka
• Dr. Jennifer Tamayo Pitero – Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Philippines
• Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohani – Amrit Campus, Tribhuvan University, Nepal

Strengthening International Academic Cooperation
The participation of the Department of Energy Technology reinforces TalTech’s expanding engagement in Asia and strengthens international collaboration in sustainable energy systems, innovation, and interdisciplinary research. The newly established Collaborative Platform Beyond Borders provides a structured basis for future joint research proposals, academic mobility, and collaborative capacity-building initiatives among the participating institutions.