The Department of Electrical Engineering at UM recently welcomed Prof. Zhao-Xia Xiao as part of ongoing research within the DISTRICT project. This project, funded through the SINO-MALTA Fund 2023 Call by the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST) and the Ministry for Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China (MOST), aims to accelerate the green transition in port operations by focusing on the decarbonisation of both current and future activities.
Prof. Xiao's visit was a significant step toward advancing the project’s key objectives. DISTRICT focuses on two major research areas: the development of port microgrids to support onshore activities, including the provision of green shore power to berthed ships, and the creation of offshore renewable energy stations to supply power to ships anchored off the coast.
These innovative technologies are set to transform how ports integrate renewable energy, making a major stride toward achieving carbon neutrality in maritime operations. During the visit, Prof. Xiao collaborated closely with Maltese Principal Investigator Prof. Alexander Micallef and the UM research team to share insights, refine design models, and explore potential future partnerships that will enhance Malta’s and China’s leadership in sustainable maritime solutions.
The research conducted during this visit is vital to the success of the DISTRICT project, which envisions ports as key players in global decarbonisation efforts, aligning with both European and international climate goals.
For more information about the DISTRICT project, please visit the webpage.
