From April 19 to 24, 2026, Professor Wei Yiming, Director of the Beijing Laboratory for System Engineering of Carbon Neutrality at Beijing Institute of Technology, gave popular‑science lectures on energy for high‑school students at No. 2 High School of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Urumqi No. 1 High School, Lanzhou No. 1 High School, and the High School Affiliated to Northwest Normal University.
With the title “Energy: Past and Future”, the lecture unfolded along three dimensions: the definition of energy, energy‑driven changes in human life, and prospects for the future of energy.Starting with the definition and characteristics of energy, Professor Wei vividly illustrated how energy revolutions reshape production and lifestyles with typical examples from lighting, agriculture and industry. He also looked ahead to the green, low‑carbon, intelligent and coordinated development trends of future energy systems, covering smart energy, the Energy Internet, and source‑grid‑load‑storage coordination.
During the lecture, he used thought‑provoking questions to guide students to understand energy, reflect on the significance of energy transitions, and imagine future forms of energy. In the subsequent Q‑and‑A session, students raised active questions concerning the impact of geopolitics on the energy landscape, pathways for renewable‑energy replacement of fossil fuels, and development trends of new‑energy vehicles. Drawing on global energy situations and cutting‑edge technological advances, Professor Wei shared his insights and perspectives. The event was highly interactive with frequent applause. After the lecture, many students stayed behind for further in‑depth exchanges with him.
Throughout this visit, Professor Wei also discussed innovative talent cultivation with school leaders and key teachers from the four high schools. He presented each school with the popular‑science book Illustrated Energy Revolution, co‑authored by himself, Shen Meng and Cheng Jiujun. This activity has broadened students’ scientific horizons and further inspired their internal motivation to pay attention to major national strategic needs and engage in science‑and‑technology innovation practice.
