Muruj Kassem

Artificial Intelligence Specialization · Cohort 2026

Optimization of Data Center Siting in Saudi Arabia for Future Energy Mix Planning

Efficient planning is necessary to ensure sustainable energy utilization with the rapid expansion of data centers and the increasing need for a reliable digital infrastructure. This project is intended to optimize the siting of data centers in Saudi Arabia by evaluating suitable locations and evaluating potential energy mix scenarios using the PLEXOS modeling platform. In the first phase of the project, a first PLEXOS model skeleton was developed and the data sets required were collected and organized, including electricity demand, power generation technologies, renewable energy resources and energy mix data. These early results lay the groundwork for future model implementation, scenario analysis and optimization. The project is expected to support informed decisions for the sustainable deployment of data centers aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

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Energy Transition Specialization · Cohort 2025

Exploring Cathode Materials for High-Performance Water-Base Batteries

This work investigates vanadium oxides and other cathode materials for Zn-ion batteries, comparing their capacity, cycle life, and stability to advance next-generation sustainable energy storage. The goal is to identify the best-performing cathode material with the highest capacity and longest cycle life by optimizing cycling conditions through systematic testing at various voltages and current densities.

Mentor: Wandi Wahyudi

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See it in the program report (PDF)