STRENGTHS FOR THE AWARD

1. Strong Academic Background
   Alex Tro-Cabrera holds a Master’s in Research in Energy Efficiency and Sustainability from the University of the Basque Country (EHU/UPV) and a Bachelor’s in Renewable Energy Engineering from the same institution. His academic progression demonstrates a clear focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.
2. Active Research Contributions
   He is currently a doctoral researcher in Electronic Technology at the University of the Basque Country and is part of the EKOPOL research group, recognized by the Basque Government. His work focuses on photovoltaic integration in buildings, energy communities, and sustainability impacts, aligning well with modern energy transition challenges.
3. Publications in High-Impact Journals
   • “A methodology for assessing rooftop solar photovoltaic potential using GIS open-source software and the EROI constraint” (Energy and Buildings, 2025)
   • “Energy rehabilitation of a construction quality control laboratory” (Engineering Thermodynamics Conference, 2022)
   • “Optimización de la instalación PV del LCCE” (2022, Universidad del País Vasco)
     These works highlight his expertise in GIS-based solar energy assessments, photovoltaic optimization, and building energy efficiency, demonstrating both theoretical and applied research impact.
4. Industry & Professional Experience
   • Worked at the Instituto de Ingeniería Energética (Universitat Politècnica de València) as a Thermal Lab Technician (2017).
   • Interned at DEBEGESA, analyzing microgrid viability (2019).
     His past industry experience, coupled with his academic research, makes him a well-rounded candidate for the award.
5. Research Funding and Recognition
   He is funded by the Eusko Jaurlaritza’s Programa Investigo (2022-2024), which supports outstanding early-career researchers. His involvement in a government-backed project (EHUkhi) further solidifies his research credibility.

AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT

• Broader International Exposure: While he has strong regional recognition, increased collaboration with international research institutions or projects would strengthen his global impact.
• Diversification of Research Publications: Expanding publications in high-impact international journals and participating in leading global conferences could enhance his academic profile.

EDUCATION 🎓

• Máster en Investigación en Eficiencia Energética y Sostenibilidad – Universidad del País Vasco (2022)
• Grado en Ingeniería de Energías Renovables – Universidad del País Vasco (2021)
• Técnico Superior en Energías Renovables – CIPFP Catarroja (2017)

EXPERIENCE 🏆

• Investigador predoctoral – Universidad del País Vasco (2022–Present)
• Investigador en prácticas – DEBEGESA (2019)
• Técnico Superior en Investigación – Instituto de Ingeniería Energética, UPV (2017)

AWARDS AND HONORS 🏅

• Programa Investigo – Eusko Jaurlaritza (2022–2024)

RESEARCH FOCUS 🔬

• Renewable Energy – Photovoltaics, Micro-wind, Biomass
• Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) – Environmental and social impacts
• Energy Communities – Collective self-consumption models
• Sustainability & Ecologism – Green energy transitions

PUBLICATION TOP NOTES 📄

• A methodology for assessing rooftop solar photovoltaic potential using GIS open-source software and the EROI constraint – Energy and Buildings (2025)
• Optimización de la instalación PV del LCCE – Universidad del País Vasco (2022)
• Energy rehabilitation of a construction quality control laboratory – Conference on Engineering Thermodynamics (2022)

CONCLUSION

Alex Tro-Cabrera is an outstanding researcher in renewable energy, photovoltaics, and energy sustainability. His combination of academic excellence, impactful research, practical experience, and government-backed projects makes him a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. With further international collaborations and diversified high-impact publications, he can establish himself as a leading expert in sustainable energy solutions.