The Brazilian Solar Energy Congress (CBENS) is a traditional biennial event promoted by the Brazilian Solar Energy Association (ABENS), and its eighth edition will be held at the Federal University of Ceará, under the coordination of the Mechanical Engineering Graduate Program Faculty Members, in association with the International Solar Energy Society (ISES).

The 8th CBENS shall endeavour to further the interchange of information and experience between universities, research institutes, businesses, government entities, energy sector professionals and civilian associations. The event comprises guest talks, technical and scientific presentations, round tables, short courses and a technological fair, and the fields of study include all forms of direct or indirect solar energy conversion, namely: thermal and photovoltaic conversion of solar energy, wind power, energy-oriented biomass harnessing, small hydroelectric plants, tidal and wave power, fuel cells and a number of other fields.

Its scientific and technological focus notwithstanding, the Congress also touches upon the ongoing energy policy discussions in Brazil, and hence enables more interaction between researchers, political agents, investors and professionals in the energy industry, which in turn is expected to yield benefits vis-à-vis knowledge, quality, competitiveness and productivity in the Brazilian energy sector.

Most important is the vital involvement of graduates, undergraduates and even high-schoolers, all of which are prospective researchers, entrepreneurs and decision-makers in various sectors of the energy industry. Such participants will also benefit from a variety of short course offerings in the Congress’ fields of interest. Furthermore, it is our intent to stress that there has been remarkable student engagement in revious congresses, thus evincing the event’s commitment to human resource development, one that has unswervingly come to fruition over the years.

On behalf of the ABENS Board of Directors and the Organizing Committee, we are pleased and honoured to invite all those actively engaged in studying and developing renewable energies to submit scientific and technical papers to the 8th CBENS, and to participate in the Congress in the beautiful city of Fortaleza/CE.