Maryam Rahou

I decided to undertake my PhD at RMIT because it's a pioneer in the field of energy conservation and renewable energy systems.

Most of the research and development projects are also supported by well-known organisations such as CSIRO. RMIT also has access to the most updated facilities in the field.

Increasing global demand for sources of energy will significantly accelerate depletion of fossil fuel reserves and emission of greenhouse gas. The solution is to develop renewable and sustainable approaches, including solar power which is available on a broad scale. However, this has not yet, reached its full potential for use - mainly because of high cost associated with capturing it in a useful form.

My research looks at how to transfer the radiation of concentrated solar energy to thermal applications through innovative and cost-effective methods including optical fibres. This is part of the Micro Urban Solar Integrated System (MUSIC) project which is funded by Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

The outcomes of my research have the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse emissions on a large scale. Wide-scale adoption of this technology in the global setting would benefit the nation by reducing the costs incurred due to climate change and by economic returns on the intellectual capital

I love what I do because by improving my skills and knowledge of renewable energy and sustainable development, I’ll be able to create a better world for future generations.“