Women's Energy In Transition - Polish Edition

1st place – Barbara Sznyrowska, Wrocław University of Science and Technology

Design and Energy Analysis of Tandem Solar Cells Using New Optoelectronic Materials

Engineer Barbara Sznyrowska, a graduate of Renewable Energy Sources at the Faculty of Mechanical and Power Engineering at Wrocław University of Science and Technology, is currently a master's student at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany.

In her engineering thesis, she designed and conducted an energy analysis of a tandem solar cell, comparing its efficiency with a traditional photovoltaic cell. Her work was recognized for its thoroughness and its focus on innovative technology.

In addition to continuing her studies, she is interning at Westinghouse in Mannheim, where she is involved in the development of nuclear projects in Poland. She is also a scholarship holder at the Max Planck School at the Institute of Photonics. In 2022, she took third place in the European BEST Engineering Competition for her design of an intelligent cooling system for beehives.

Her interests include photography, travel, reading, hiking, and playing the guitar.

2nd place – Angelika Ligman, Wrocław University of Science and Technology

Conceptual Design for Green Hydrogen Production from a Solar-Powered Electrolyzer

Angelika Ligman, an engineer, graduated in Renewable Energy Sources from the Faculty of Mechanical and Power Engineering at Wrocław University of Science and Technology. She is pursuing her Master's degree in Climate Neutrality at the Faculty of Environmental Engineering at the same university. Her motivation for pursuing this degree was concern for the environment and a desire to learn practical tools for improving the energy system.

Her engineering thesis explored the conversion of electrical energy in photovoltaic installations into the chemical energy of gas (hydrogen). Her work was recognized for its meticulousness and for going beyond the scope of engineering studies.

In addition to her master's degree, she works as a junior specialist in renewable energy sources, focusing on, among other things, designing concepts for large-scale energy storage facilities. For her achievements, she received a scholarship from the Rector of Wrocław University of Science and Technology. She is also a Santander scholarship holder and won second place in the EBEC and Young Lean Leader engineering competitions.

She is interested in dance, psychology, playing the piano, and singing, and is also involved in charity work.

3rd place, joint – Anna Stodulska, Poznań University of Technology

Energy Assessment of a Warehouse Building in Two Building Standards with Heat Source Selection

Engineer Anna Stodulska, a graduate of Environmental Engineering at Poznań University of Technology, is pursuing a Master's degree in the same field, specializing in Heating Supply, Air Conditioning, and Air Protection.

In her engineering thesis, she designed a heating and ventilation system for a warehouse building in two building standards – traditional and passive – to conduct comprehensive energy calculations and compare their efficiency. The thesis is distinguished by its high level of expertise and explores the possibilities of implementing innovative technologies.

Anna Stodulska is already a finalist in the Veolia competition for the best thesis for students at Poznań University of Technology. She also serves as secretary of the Environmental Engineering Student Research Group at her university and organizes training sessions for students with companies operating in the installation industry. Her interests include large-scale construction, energy efficiency, sports, and travel.

3rd place, joint – Olga Pęczalska, Cracow University of Technology

Assessment of the potential for increasing the calorific value of sewage sludge by adding biomass of energetic algae

Engineer Olga Pęczalska, a graduate of the Faculty of Energy (specializing in unconventional energy) at Cracow University of Technology, is pursuing a master's degree in nuclear energy at the same university.

Her engineering thesis focused on the use of alternative energy sources to demonstrate whether biomass of energetic algae (obtained in laboratory conditions) can contribute to increasing the calorific value of sewage sludge.

Her thesis was recognized for its research-based nature, as it required laboratory work, including developing a research concept, constructing algae cultivation stations, monitoring the cultivation, and conducting tests related to the combustion and determination of the calorific value of sewage sludge mixtures. Olga Pęczalska demonstrated a high level of knowledge and the ability to independently design experiments and critically evaluate the obtained results.

Additionally, Olga Pęczalska gained organizational experience through her work in research teams and her involvement in the Council of Student Research Groups at the Cracow University of Technology. She is also the chair of the Student Research Group for Environmental Protection and Energy.

1st place – Maja Owczarek, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin

The estimation of the Efficiency of Biogas Production from Agri-Food Waste

Maja Owczarek, Master of Science in Engineering, graduated with a degree in Chemical Technology from Wrocław University of Science and Technology and a Master of Science in Renewable Energy Sources from the West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin; she is a PhD candidate at the same university in the Faculty of Environmental, Mining, and Energy Engineering.

Her winning thesis offers real solutions for the circular economy and demonstrates that burdensome agri-food residues can become a valuable resource. She was recognized for her innovative approach to estimating the energy potential of waste and combining chemical analyses with mathematical modeling.

Maja Owczarek has experience as a laboratory technician, and her research currently focuses on waste valorization in the context of the circular economy, with particular emphasis on hydrothermal insorption processes. She is also the winner of a paid internship as part of a project implemented during the Hydrogen Academy entitled "Photobiological Hydrogen Production from Algae."

2nd Place – Marta Iwachów, Silesian University of Technology

Research and Construction of a Pico-Water Turbine

Marta Iwachów, Master of Science in Engineering, graduated from the Silesian University of Technology in Energy. Her distinguished engineering thesis analyzes the legal aspects of the development of the photovoltaic market in Poland and presents innovative scenarios for the development of PV installations, based on risk assessment methods and considering their impact. She was recognized for her thoroughness and research into a real-world problem. The distinguished master's thesis, in turn, focused on the construction of a pico-water turbine and was recognized as outstanding due to the author's above-average commitment and considerable effort.

Marta Iwachów has 2.5 years of experience in a design office, where she prepares feasibility studies and technical and economic analyses for energy projects. She has worked on various investments involving renewable energy sources, plant modernizations, and innovative energy technologies. In 2018-2019, she was a recipient of a scholarship from the Prime Minister.

She enjoys the gym and yoga, and her hobbies include mountain hiking, cooking, and learning foreign languages.

3rd place – Daria Sikorska, Wrocław University of Science and Technology

Analysis of the Distribution of Radioactive Elements in Technological Waste in the Context of the Potential for Sustainable Production of Fuel for Nuclear Power Plants

Daria Sikorska, a Master of Science in Engineering, graduated from Wrocław University of Science and Technology with a degree in Biomedical Engineering and a Master of Science in Nuclear Energy. As a student, she participated in the prestigious nuclear energy exchange program at KINGS in South Korea.

This distinguished work represents a valuable contribution to the development of methods for radioactive isotope analysis and technological waste research. It was recognized for its innovative, experimental approach and its analytical-experimental nature.

Daria Sikorska currently works as a project engineer for the AP1000 reactor at Westinghouse in Sweden, where she verifies the quality and technical requirements for the company's projects.

In 2025, she was named one of the Top 4 Best Students in the W9 program at Wrocław University of Science and Technology. She received the Dean's Official Award for her academic achievements and student activities, and graduated with distinction.

Her interests include public speaking, management, hiking, and dancing.

DISTINCTION – Lina Amro, Poznań University of Technology

Sustainable Materials Based on Lignin for Electrochemical Capacitors

Lina Amro, Master of Science in Engineering, holds a degree in Chemical Industrial Engineering from Al-Balqua University in Amman and a Master of Science in Chemical Technology, specializing in composites and nanomaterials.

Her master's thesis, devoted to lignin, explores the potential use of this natural polymer in electrochemical capacitors. She was recognized for her contributions to research on this material, her hard work, and her knowledge of electrochemical techniques.

Lina Amro is currently planning to pursue a doctoral degree. She is passionate about research and materials engineering, with a particular focus on the energy storage capabilities of materials.

Winners of the I edition of Women's Energy in Transition - Polish Edition:

1st place 

• Wiktoria Kapuścik "Analiza wybranego systemu ciepłowniczego czwartej generacji"

2nd place 

• Joanna Biegańska "Analysis of Biomass Storage for Pellet production"

3rd place ex aequo

• Katarzyna Kauch "Mikrobiologiczne ogniwa paliwowe zasilane wybranymi rodzajami biomasy jako źródło bioelektryczności"
• Oliwia Baszczeńska "Analiza termodynamiczna nowoczesnej elektrowni gazowo-parowej współspalającej zielony wodór”

Congratulations! 

The evaluation was conducted by a jury consisting of: Baptiste Calvet, Andrzej Goździkowski, Monika Żak, Agata Machelska from Dalkia Polska Dr. Eng. Marek Rojczyk from the Silesian University of Technology