Electrónica de Potencia; Modular Multilevel Converters; Transmisión HVDC

Dr. Ricardo Lizana Fuentes, a distinguished researcher in electronics engineering, has made significant contributions to the development of human capital, particularly in the fields of energy systems and green hydrogen. His leadership roles, such as Director of the "Human Capital Committee in the Green Hydrogen Industry" for CORFO Biobío and Director of the Energy Center at UCSC, have promoted initiatives that align education and research with industry demands, addressing critical workforce needs in renewable energy and green hydrogen technologies.

Dr. Lizana leads the 2024-2025 Bienes Publicos Project in the Biobío region, which focuses on designing an educational module on energy and green hydrogen tailored to Technical and Vocational High Schools (Liceos Técnico Profesionales) across Chile. This project, mandated by the Ministry of Energy, aims to integrate cutting-edge knowledge into the national education system. In collaboration with the Municipality of Mulchén, Dr. Lizana has also spearheaded an alternation process for Technical and Vocational High Schools in the area, providing training on energy topics to over 400 students and teachers from both high schools and primary schools.

Furthermore, Dr. Lizana was trained by GiZ in Germany for 20 days to become the leader of their global "Train of Trainers" program. This role enabled him to train public and private sector representatives in Chillán and Biobío regions, on Power to X technologies, emphasizing their importance in advancing Chile's energy transition.

Dr. Lizana has played a pivotal role in designing and directing academic programs, such as the certification program in Local Energy Management and the Master’s in Environment at UCSC, which equip professionals with specialized knowledge to tackle energy transition challenges. His efforts in project leadership, including the construction of a green hydrogen production plant and the development of hybrid energy storage systems, have translated into hands-on opportunities for students and professionals to engage with cutting-edge technologies.

Regionally, Dr. Lizana has driven innovation and capacity building in Biobío, a hub for renewable energy in Chile. His projects have boosted local expertise in sustainable energy technologies, suporting economic development and reinforcing Chile’s position as a leader in green hydrogen. Nationally, his contributions to strategic initiatives, including the formulation of the Chilean Green Mining Strategy, have strengthened the integration of academia, government, and industry to address decarbonization and technological challenges.

Dr. Lizana’s seminars and research dissemination efforts further extend his impact by educating and inspiring professionals across Chile. Recognized with prestigious awards and grants, his work underscores a commitment to advancing the nation’s capacity to meet future energy and sustainability needs.

Dr. Ricardo Lizana Fuentes has played a crucial role in the dissemination and transfer of knowledge in the fields of energy systems, power electronics, and green hydrogen. His efforts have had a significant impact at regional, national, and international levels, fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government.

Regionally, Dr. Lizana has been a key figure in the Biobío region, leading initiatives such as the development of a green hydrogen production plant at UCSC, aimed at promoting industrial applications and strengthening local capacities in renewable energy. Through his collaboration with municipalities such as Mulchén, he has trained over 400 students and teachers from Technical and Vocational High Schools, advancing knowledge on energy systems and green technologies in local communities.

Nationally, Dr. Lizana’s leadership extends to strategic programs like the Ministry of Energy-mandated project to design educational modules on energy and green hydrogen for Technical and Vocational High Schools across Chile. Additionally, his participation in national seminars, such as the G9 Universities Network events, has positioned him as a thought leader in sustainable innovation and energy transition.

On an international scale, Dr. Lizana has made significant contributions to research on HVDC (High-Voltage Direct Current) transmission systems, specifically focusing on hybrid modular multilevel converters. This innovative work has advanced the field of power transmission and earned Dr. Lizana the Second Place Prize Paper Award in 2015 from IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics. Additionally, his contributions to electromobility, particularly in developing fast-charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, have been globally recognized. In 2022, he was awarded the First Place Prize Paper Award from IEEE Industrial Electronics Magazine for his outstanding work on electric vehicle charging infrastructure, further solidifying his reputation as a leader in this domain.

Dr. Lizana’s participation in international conferences, such as IECON and ECCE, has allowed him to share groundbreaking research with global audiences, enhancing Chile’s presence in the international scientific community. Furthermore, his collaboration with institutions such as Duke University and Ryerson University underscores his commitment to advancing global knowledge in sustainable energy.

His work not only advances academic understanding but also bridges the gap between research and real-world application. By integrating cutting-edge technologies into educational programs and collaborating with diverse sectors, Dr. Lizana has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability on a global scale.