The 4th ISETS International Conference

“The 2030 Energy System: Energy Transition in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”

21-24 August 2025

China University of Petroleum (Beijing), Beijing, China

The 4th ISETS International Conference (ISETS 2026) will be held on August 21–24, 2026 at the China University of Petroleum (Beijing), China.

ISETS 2026 will focus on the structural transformation of power systems toward 2030, with particular attention to AI-driven electricity demand growth, deep decarbonisation, system flexibility, and market reform. The conference aims to provide a high-level international platform for academic exchange and policy dialogue.

The conference will explore the structural redesign of power systems toward 2030 in response to rapid growth in AI-driven electricity demand and the need for deep decarbonisation.

Topics include (but are not limited to):

  • Energy transition economics, policy and finance

  • Modelling and pathways to carbon neutrality

  • AI-assisted decision-making and power system modelling

  • AI-driven electricity demand growth and load forecasting

  • Energy, carbon, electricity and stock markets

  • Energy security, risks and digital resilience

  • Green finance and energy investment

  • Energy pricing and market dynamics

  • Environmental impacts, governance and ESG

  • Social impacts and transition management

  • Innovation, artificial intelligence, research and demonstration

  • Critical minerals and energy transition supply chains

  • Built environment and end-use electrification

  • Sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) and low-carbon transport

  • Electricity market reform and power system transformation

  • Fossil fuel power generation transition and asset-level phase-down

Interdisciplinary research, model-driven analysis, AI applications, and policy-oriented studies are particularly encouraged.

Organizers:

  1. China University of Petroleum (Beijing)

  2. International Society for Energy Transition Studies (ISETS)

  3. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou)

(Further details on the organisational structure will be announced in the Second Announcement.)

 

Honorary Conference Chairs

Nobuo Tanaka, Co-Chairman, ISETS; Executive Director Emeritus, International Energy Agency

Xiansheng SUN, Co-Chairman, ISETS; Former Secretary General, International Energy Forum, China

Conference Chairs

Xunpeng (Roc) SHI, ISETS President; Professor, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Australia

 


Scientific Committee

Chairs

 

Members

Weerawat CHANTANAKOME, Ministry of Energy, Thailand

James CHEONG, Hang Seng University of Hong Kong, China

Phoumin HAN, Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA)

Kebing He, Tsinghua University, China

Satoshi Honma, School of Political Science and Economics, & Executive Director, TRIES, Tokai University, Japan

Llewelyn HUGHES, Australian National University, Australia

Shabbir H. GHEEWALA, Joint Graduate School of Energy and Environment (JGSEE), Thailand

Fukunari KIMURA, IDE-JETRO, Japan

Tatiana MITROVA, Columbia University, USA

Victor NIAN, Centre for Strategic Energy and Resources (CSER), Singapore

Jinho PARK, Korea Energy Economics Institute (KEEI), South Korea

Maxensius Tri SAMBODO, Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Indonesia

Vinod SHARMA, Indira Gandhi Institute of Development Research (IGIDR), India

Yongping SUN, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China

Fushuan WEN, Director of the Institute of Power Economics and Information, Zhengjiang University, China

Jinjun XUE, Professor and Director, Nagoya University and SinoCarbon Carbon Neutral Innovation Joint Laboratory

Naoyuki Yoshino, Professor Emeritus, Keio University, & Chief Advisor, Financial Research Center, FSA (Financial Services Agency), Government of Japan

Jian YU, Central University of Finance and Economics, PR China

Yongping ZHAI, Tencent, China

Dayong ZHANG, Professor, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, China

 

Program Committee

Chairs

Qiang JI, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

 

Members

Xingyu DAI, Nanjing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics

Yanfang ZHANG, Nanjing University of Aeronautics & Astronautics

International Organising Committee

Chair

Muyi YANG, Ember, UK

Members

Pei Duan, Shanxi University of Finance and Economics

Local Organising Committee

Chairs

Daniel del Barrioalvarez, University of Tokyo

Taghizadeh Hesary Farhad, Tokai University

Members

Guests of Honour:

Featured Speakers (To be updated):

Kebin He (贺克斌)

Dean, Institute for Carbon Neutrality, Tsinghua University

He Kebin is a professor of the School of Environment and Dean of the Institute for Carbon Neutrality at Tsinghua University, Academician of Chinese Academy of Engineering; Vice Chairman of the National Expert Committee for Ecology and Environmental Protection; the Chairman of the National Teaching Steering Committee on Environmental Science and Engineering. Prof. He focused on the research of complex air pollution. He conducted researches on the fields of the identification of particulate matters and complex air pollution, characterization of complicated emission sources and multi-pollutant control, and the coordinated control of air pollution and greenhouse gases. He was selected as Elsevier Most Cited Chinese Researchers in 2014-2023 and Clarivate Global Highly Cited Researchers in 2018-2023.

Weerawat Chantanakome

Ministry of Energy, Thailand

Dr. Weerawat Chantanakome is the Ministry Counselor for International Affairs at Thailand’s Ministry of Energy. Previously, he served as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Brunei National Energy Research Institute (BNERI) and as Senior Team Leader at the Asia-Pacific Energy Research Centre (APERC). From 2004 to 2009, he was the Executive Director of the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE). With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Weerawat has led multi-disciplinary energy projects with major organisations such as the United Nations, World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), International Energy Agency (IEA), and International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

Llewelyn Hughes

Director, Institute for Climate, Energy, and Disaster Solutions (ICEDS), Australian National University

Dr. Hughes is a Professor at the Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University (ANU) and senior consultant in energy & environment for GR Group, a government affairs and public policy consultancy headquartered in Tokyo. His academic work is on how public policies affect, and are affected by, the low-carbon energy transition, with a particular focus on the Asia-Pacific region. An ongoing project examines how the rise of Global Value Chains affect the ability of governments to promote green growth industries. Before joining the ANU Dr. Hughes worked at the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University (GWU) in Washington DC, and before that the Consortium for Energy Policy Research at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University. He has also been a visiting fellow at the Institute of Advanced Sustainability Studies in Potsdam, the Environmental Policy Research Centre (Forschungszentrums für Umweltpolitik) at Freie Universität, the Centre of Geopolitics of Energy and Raw Materials (CGEMP) at Université Paris Dauphine, Tokyo Foundation, Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), and the Japan Institute for Energy Economics (IEEJ).

Jiahua Pan (潘家华)

Vice Chair, National Expert Panel on Climate Change; Professor, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (GuangZhou)

PAN Jiahua, Professor, Hong Kong University of Science & Technology (GuangZhou), and Special Advisor to the President of HKUSTGZ; Vice chair, China’s National Expert Panel on Climate Change. Lead author, IPCC Working Group III on Mitigation (AR6, 2021), Member, Independent Group of Scientists (appointed by UN Secretary General) for preparation of Global Sustainable Development Report 2023. Former director-general, Institute of Eco-civilization Studies, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (2008-2020); director, Institute of Eco-civilization Studies, Beijing University of Technology (2021-2025); member of Foreign Policy Advisory Group (2010-2014), Ministry of Foreign Affairs; President, Chinese Society of Urban Economists (2918-2023). Research areas including on sustainable development economics, energy & climate policy studies, and new thinking in ecological economics. 16 books and over 300 papers published in both English and Chinese. As a member of the IPCC awarded Nobel Peace Prize 2007, Sun Yefang Prize of Economic Science (2010).

 

Ye QI (齐晔)

Dean, Society Hub, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (Guangzhou)

Prof. Qi received his Ph.D. in Environmental Science from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry and Syracuse University in 1994. Before joining HKUST, he was the Cheung Kong Professor of Environmental Policy and Management at Tsinghua University’s School of Public Policy and Management, and the Volkswagen Professor of Sustainability at Schwarzman College. Between 2014 and 2019, he was a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and the Director of the Brookings-Tsinghua Center for Public Policy. He taught ecosystem management and climate change science at the Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management at the University of California, Berkeley from 1996 to 2003, and was a faculty scientist at Cornell University’s Engineering and Theory Centre from 1995 to 1996. He conducted post-doctoral research under Charles D. Keeling at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC San Diego. Prof. Qi is a globally recognized environmental scientist and policy expert and has led research and writing of the Annual Review of Low-Carbon Development in China. As an experienced scholar, he led groups of academics to make several breakthrough achievements in the Chinese environmental and climate policy and governance, sustainability science, and sustainable Urbanization.

Xiansheng Sun (孙贤胜)

Chairman, ISETS Council; Former Secretary-General, International Energy Forum (IEF)

Dr. Xiansheng Sun is the Chairman of the International Society for Energy Transition Studies (ISETS) and previously served as the fourth Secretary-General of the International Energy Forum. He has extensive experience with the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), where he played a pivotal role in negotiating and signing numerous collaborative contracts for projects both domestically and internationally. Additionally, Dr. Sun served as President of the CNPC Research Institute of Economics and Technology (RIET), the corporation’s think tank, until the end of 2015.

Nobuo Tanaka

Co-Chair, ISETS Council; Executive Director Emeritus, International Energy Agency (IEA)

Nobuo Tanaka is the Executive Director Emeritus of the International Energy Agency (IEA) and currently serves as Chairman of the steering committee for the Innovation for Cool Earth Forum (ICEF). As IEA’s Executive Director (2007-2011), he led the collective release of oil stocks in 2011. Beginning his career in 1973 at Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), he held key roles, including Director-General of the Multilateral Trade System Department. As Minister for Industry, Trade, and Energy at Japan’s Embassy in Washington DC, he addressed major US-Japan trade issues. He also twice served as Director for Science, Technology, and Industry at the OECD in Paris. Now CEO of Tanaka Global Inc, he advises Japanese and international companies.

Fushuan Wen

Professor and Director, Institute of Power Economics and Information, Zhejiang University, China; IEEE Fellow

Fushuan Wen has been a Full Professor and the Director of the Institute of Power Economics and Information at Zhejiang University (China) since 1997, and a Full Professor at Hainan Institute, Zhejiang University, since 2022. He is also the Director of the Sanya Global Energy Institute (China) and a Visiting Principal Research Scientist at the Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society (China). Professor Wen has held teaching and research positions at leading universities across Asia, Australia, and Europe, including the National University of Singapore, University of New South Wales, Queensland University of Technology, Technical University of Denmark, and CSIRO.

Professor Wen has published over 400 SCI-indexed papers, more than 750 EI-indexed papers, and over 870 Scopus-indexed papers, with his publications cited more than 23,800 times. He has completed and is currently undertaking more than 200 research grants and projects funded by governmental organizations and industry. He has been listed among “Most Cited Chinese Researchers” for ten consecutive years since 2015 by Elsevier.

He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of Energy Conversion and Economics (IET), Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Automation of Electric Power Systems and Smart Power & Energy Security, and as a Subject Editor for power system economics at IET Generation, Transmission & Distribution. He is also a member of the editorial boards of more than ten journals.

In recognition of his contributions to fault diagnosis in power grids, Professor Wen was elected as an IEEE Fellow.

Yin Wu (吴吟）

FORMER DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL ENERGY ADMINISTRATION, CHINA

Yin Wu holds a Ph.D. in Management and is a Senior Economist with extensive expertise in the energy sector, with a long-standing focus on energy strategy and planning. With rich experience in the field, he has led research projects that have received over ten provincial and ministerial awards, and his policy recommendations have been acknowledged by leaders of the State Council more than ten times. He has held several prominent positions, including Deputy Director of the Energy Department of the National Development and Reform Commission, Chief Engineer of the National Energy Administration, Deputy Director of National Energy Administration, and Research Fellow of the Counselors’ Office of the State Council. Under his leadership, the Administration has been responsible for drafting and reviewing laws and regulations related to energy development and its supervision, implementing energy development strategies, and addressing major issues. Additionally, during his tenure, the Administration proposed industry policies and relevant standards for coal, petroleum, natural gas, electricity, and renewable energies. His leadership and decision-making have had a profound impact on the development of China’s energy industry.

Hisashi Yoshikawa

Hisashi Yoshikawa, University of Tokyo, Japan

Mr Hisashi Yoshikawa is a Project Professor at the Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Tokyo, and is affiliated with the Policy Alternatives Research Institute. Prior to joining the university in September 2011, he held positions at prominent organizations. He served as Senior Advisor for Long-Term Policy at the International Energy Agency (IEA) and as Deputy Director of the Directorate of Science, Technology and Industry (STI) at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Additionally, he gained experience working in the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of the Japanese Government, where he held directorial roles including Director of the Service Affairs Policy Division and Director of the Petroleum Distribution Division. Mr. Yoshikawa’s expertise lies in policy planning and implementation, with a focus on the energy sector. He obtained a master’s degree from the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, in 1987 and a bachelor’s degree in law from the University of Tokyo in 1981. Currently, he also serves as an Advisor for the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) and a Senior Research Fellow at the Canon Institute for Global Strategy (CIGS).

Publication Opportunities

 

Journal Special Issues

  1. Energy and Climate Management

Special Issue Title:
“Pathways for Power Transition towards China’s 2035 NDCs”

Selected high-quality papers will be invited for submission to this Special Issue, subject to peer review.

  1. Science, Engineering, and Policy Innovations Driving the Global Energy Transition

 

Strategic Partner Journals

  • Journal of Global Information Management (ABDC-A)

  • Journal of Organizational and End User Computing (ABDC-B)

Editors will participate in dedicated sessions, and selected papers may be fast-tracked for review.

Outstanding papers will also have the opportunity to be recommended for publication in the Journal of Chinese Economic and Foreign Trade Studies (SSCI)

 

Please note: Participation does not automatically guarantee publication. All submissions must meet the standard requirements of the respective journals.

Important dates:

  • Abstract submission deadline: 30 May 2026

  • Notification of acceptance: 15 June 2026

  • Special Concurrent Session proposal deadline: 15 July 2026

  • Early bird registration deadline: 30 June 2026

  • Registration deadline for programme inclusion: 15 July 2026

Conference Schedule

  • Registration & Arrival: 21 August 2026

  • Pre-conference Workshop: 21 August 2026

  • Main Conference: 22–23 August 2026

  • Technical Visit / Study Tour: 24 August 2026

Submission Guide [Please use the templates]

Please note that all attendees （except for “Call for Special Concurrent Session” participants）, whether making a presentation or not, need to go through the submission process.

Setp 1: Registration

Click on “LOGIN/REGISTER” on this conference website. Log in to your member portal. If you are new, you need to register. If you forget your password, please reset it. Your username is the one you chose during registration. You can also use your email address as your username.

Click on the “Personal Account” section in the upper right corner of the webpage. (If this is your first time registering, your personal name will be displayed as “[Empty Empty]” instead of your “[First name Given name]”. You only need to click on “ACCOUNT” in the “Personal Account” section to modify it.) Then, click on “My Events” to submit your paper and register for attendance. In “My Events,” select “The 2nd ISETS International Conference” under “AVAILABLE EVENTS” and click on “Register Now.”

 

You need to refresh the webpage and click on “CURRENT EVENTS” in the “MY EVENTS” section. You will then find an additional event titled “The 3rd ISETS International Conference, Tokyo” If this event title does not appear, please refresh the webpage again until it does. Then, click on the blue button labeled “ADD SUBMISSION.”

Setp 2: Step for individual participants who are only attending the conference without making a presentation 

Please write down “I attend the 3rd ISETS International Conference without presenting” in the “Title” and “Abstract” blanks. Please also fill in the remaining blanks with your information.

You may upload a blank (newly created) Word file in the “Files” field.

Once you have filled in all the submission information, click “SAVE” to complete the process.

Setp 3: Step for individual participants who are both attending the conference and making a presentation

 

Please complete all required information and submit your manuscript using the abstract template. If the download link for the Abstract Template does not appear, you can either refresh the webpage or click here to download it. Once you have filled in all the submission information, click “SAVE” to complete the process.

 

Setp 4: Pay the conference fee

After completing the submission information, the submission information in the “CURRENT EVENTS” section of your “MY EVENTS” column will be updated as shown in the figure below. The “SUBMISSION STATUS” will change to a gray “To be determined” button. At this point, the ISETS conference committee will review your submission and decide whether to accept or reject it.

 

After received an accepted email from ISETS2025 office. Your “SUBMISSION STATUS” will update to green “Approved”, and you can click “PAY NOW” to pay the conference fee. However, if you receive a rejected email from ISETS2025 office, you cannot find a “PAY NOW” button.

Please feel free to contact us when you meet any problems.

 

Contact Person: Dr Yanfang Zhang

Email: isets2025@hotmail.com

isets@isets.org

Please note that all attendees（except for “call for session” participants), whether making a presentation or not, need to go through the submission process. Please see the Submission Guide column firstly.

Registration Fees for Conference Participation:

Important Guidelines:

  1. Advance Payment Required: All registration fees must be paid in advance. Please note that onsite registration will not be available.
  2. Paper Inclusion in Program: To include a paper in the conference program, at least one author must register by 15 September 2024. For multiple accepted submissions, a different author is required to register and present each paper. Failure to comply will necessitate the withdrawal of one or more papers.
  3. Student Status Verification: Full-time students (excluding post-doctoral researchers) must provide proof of their status, such as a valid student ID card or a letter from the head of their institution or program director.
  4. Payment Methods: Fees should be paid online. In exceptional cases, payment via Bank Transfer can be arranged.

I. Bank Transfer

Bank: National Australia Bank
BSB (bank, state, branch): 082-356
BIC/SWIFT code: NATAAU3303M
Account number: 909690445
Beneficiary name and address: International Society for Energy Transition Studies, 5 Barraba Place, Bella Vista, NSW 2153, Australia.

When making a bank transfer payment, please include the attendee’s name in the Remittance Information. After completing the payment, log in to the system with your account, fill out the registration form, and upload a photograph or scanned copy of the remittance.

II. QR Code payment

When using QR code payment, please write the attendee’s conference registration email and name on the message board. Send the payment confirmation screenshot to isets2025@hotmail.com, and include the attendee’s conference registration email and name in the email.

Cancellations Policy
Once the registration fee is confirmed, no refunds can be issued from the original payment under any circumstances. However, if you are unable to attend, you may transfer your fully paid registration to another member of your organization. This substitution is allowed until September 30, 2025.

The Third ISETS International Conference

Welcome to Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan’s vibrant capital, is a dynamic metropolis where cutting-edge innovation meets centuries-old tradition. As one of the world’s leading global cities, Tokyo offers a unique blend of futuristic infrastructure, historical landmarks, and a deeply rooted cultural heritage. Known for its efficient public transport, world-class hospitality, and exceptional safety, Tokyo is an ideal destination for international conferences and academic gatherings.

Beyond its urban sophistication, Tokyo is home to tranquil gardens, ancient temples, and a UNESCO-recognized culinary scene. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Shibuya, the historic charm of Asakusa, or the academic hubs of Bunkyo and Chiyoda, the city offers endless opportunities for inspiration and discovery.

As a global leader in technology and sustainability, Tokyo provides an exceptional backdrop for critical dialogue on energy policy and engineering. We look forward to welcoming you to this dynamic city at the crossroads of tradition and innovation.

Visa & Entry

Transport from Airports

Tokyo is served by two international airports: Haneda and Narita. Both are well connected to the city center via a wide range of public transport options, including trains (operated by multiple companies), buses, and taxis. Note that taxi fares, especially from Narita, can be very costly.

Visa Requirements

Please confirm visa requirements with your local Japanese embassy. The Visit Japan Web service allows travelers to complete immigration and customs procedures online and generate a QR code for faster clearance. This service also enables tax-free shopping for foreign visitors.

Important Travel Note

Importing meat, sausages, and fresh vegetables into Japan is strictly prohibited and regularly checked at customs (including by sniffer dogs).

Getting Around Tokyo

Public Transport

Tokyo’s public transport system is highly developed, particularly its rail network. However, it’s important to note that services are operated by multiple companies with different fare structures. Transfers between networks may incur additional costs.

You can purchase single tickets or use smart cards like PASMO and SUICA, which can be recharged at most stations (note: many machines do not accept credit or QR payment).

Apps & Maps

Recommended mapping and route-planning tools:

  • Google Maps – Real-time public transit and walking directions
  • Yahoo Japan Maps – Local app with rich data
  • Japan Transit Planner (Jorudan/Navitime): https://world.jorudan.co.jp/mln/en/

Taxi & Ride-Hailing

Ride-hailing apps like Uber or Grab primarily book regular metered taxis (with a service fee).

Bus Services

Bicycle Sharing

Currency & Payment

International credit cards are widely accepted, though some small shops still prefer cash. QR payments are growing in popularity but may vary depending on the location and app.

Climate & Weather

Tokyo in November–December offers cool, comfortable weather with average temperatures that are not too hot or cold. Rain is possible but less frequent than during Japan’s rainy season.

What to pack:

  • Layered clothing
  • A warm coat or jacket

More info: JAL Travel Guide – Weather in Japan

Electricity

  • Voltage: 100V
  • Frequency: 50Hz (Eastern Japan, including Tokyo)
  • Plug Types: A (2 flat pins) and B (3 pins, less common)
    Most electronic devices with universal adapters should work fine.
    More info: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2225.html

The 3rd ISETS International Conference, 28 November-1 December 2025, Tokyo

Program Overview

 

28 November 2025
14:00 –19:00 Conference Registration

Venue

14:50 –19:00 Pre-conference workshop (registration is essential)

Theme: tbc

Venue: University of Tokyo Hongo Campus

16:00 –18:00 Committee and Council Meeting (Exco and Council Member only)
29 November 2025
9:00 – 12:30 Opening Sessions

Plenary Sessions

13:30 – 17:00 Thematic Plenary Sessions

Concurrent sessions
17:00 – 18:00 Annual General Meeting
17:30-20:30 Conference Reception & Networks Dinner

Venue: University of Tokyo Hongo Campus
30 November 2025
9:00 – 10:30 Plenary Sessions
10:30 – 17:00 Thematic Plenary Sessions

Concurrent sessions
1 December 2025
9:00 – 17:00 Fieldwork

(Participants are requested to arrive at Sendai Station on their own. Registration is essential.)

Time Activity
09:00 Gather at Sendai Station – Start of the fieldwork
09:20 Bus departs from Sendai Station
10:00 Arrive at biomass power plant
11:30 Depart from the power plant
12:15 Arrive in Matsushima
13:30 Begin boat tour
15:30 Depart from Matsushima
16:30 Arrive at Sendai Station – End of the fieldwork and tour

 

 

 

Conference Address

Location

University of Tokyo – Hongo Campus

Nearest Stations

  • Hongo-sanchome Station (Marunouchi and Oedo Lines) – Closest to the venue
  • Todaimae Station (Namboku Line) – ~10-15 minute flat walk
  • Additional options (longer walks, with slopes): Kasuga and Ueno Stations

Accommodation

Nearby Hotels (5–10 min walk to campus)