Home \ Faculty Details \ Muhammad Imran Khan
Faculty Img

  • Phone:

    +966-13-849-5436

  • Email:

    mkhan8@pmu.edu.sa

  • Office No:

    S042

  • Muhammad Imran Khan

  • Job Title :

    Professor

  • College :

    College of Engineering


  • Department :

    Mechanical Engineering


Dr. Muhammad Imran Khan is working as Full Professor at Mechanical Engineering Department, Prince Mohammad Bin Fahd University, Saudi Arabia. He holds PhD in Energy and Environmental Engineering from University of Reading, UK. Dr. Khan has over 16 years’ industry/research/teaching experience in the fields of engineering operations, sustainable energy development, energy planning & policy, environmental management and commissioning of major projects within the energy sector. Prior to his role at PMU, Dr. Khan served as Associate Dean for Research at CECOS University, Pakistan and held research fellowship at Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar. Dr. Khan's research work is renowned for its applied, multi-disciplinary approach, integrating engineering, economics, and regulatory science to advance sustainable development in low carbon energy systems. The scientific relevance of his research activity is demonstrated by the publication of over 150 peer-reviewed articles in the world's top energy journals (some of which have an acceptance rate of less than 5%), 25 of which have been cited more than 100 times each. Moreover, 12 of his publications are rated by the Web of Science ESI (Essential Science Indicators) as Highly Cited Papers (top 1% citation in the chosen field). In terms of scholarly impact, Dr. Khan maintains an impressive H-index of 60, with over 8719 citations. This outstanding achievement places him among the top 0.3% of scientists worldwide, as demonstrated by the "2022 Global Scientists Influence Ranking" conducted by Stanford University, where he holds the 29,170th position out of nearly 7 million scientists. Dr. Khan's professional credentials include being a Chartered Engineer (CEng) of Engineering Council, UK, a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) of Engineers Australia, and a Professional Engineer (PE) of Pakistan Engineering Council. He is also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), UK, which demonstrates his commitment to professionalism in teaching and learning within higher education. His noteworthy contributions to the energy field have been acknowledged through various prestigious national and international awards, such as the Energy Engineer of the Year by the Association of Energy Engineers, USA. Dr. Khan's expertise and achievements have led to his election as a Fellow of prestigious engineering / scientific organizations worldwide, including the Institution of Mechanical Engineering (UK), Engineers Australia; Institute of Engineering and Technology (UK); Engineers Ireland; Institution of Gas Engineers and Managers (UK); Australian Institute of Energy and the Pakistan Academy of Engineering, among others.

 

PhD Energy and Environmental Engineering, University of Reading, UK

Selected Publications

  • Khan, M.I., Gutiérrez-Alvarez, R., Asfand, F., Bicer, Y., Sgouridis, S., Al-Ghamdi, S.G., Jouhara, H., Asif, M., Kurniawan, T.A., Abid, M. and Pesyridis, A., 2024. The economics of concentrating solar power (CSP): Assessing cost competitiveness and deployment potential. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 200, p.114551. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 16.3)
  • Khan, M.I., Asfand, F., Al-Ghamdi, S.G., Bicer, Y., Khan, M., Faqooq, M. and Pesyridis, A., 2025. Realizing the promise of concentrating solar power for thermal desalination: A review of technology configurations and optimizations. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 208, p.115022. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 16.3)
  • Akhtar MUS, Asfand, Mishamandani A, Mishra R. and Khan, M.I., 2025. Hydrogen as a Sustainable Combustion Fuel: Performance, Challenges, and Pathways for Transition to Low-Carbon Propulsion Systems. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 200, p.114551. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 16.3)
  • Khan, M.I., Reshaeel, M., Asfand F., Al-Ghamdi S., Farooq M., Khan M., Tahir F., Bicer Y., Asif M., and Rehan M, 2025. Harnessing Solar Thermal Energy for Freshwater Production: A Techno-Economic Review of Desalination Technologies. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 208, p.115022. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 16.3)
  • Khan, M.I., Yasmin, T. and Shakoor, A., 2015. Technical overview of compressed natural gas (CNG) as a transportation fuel. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 51, pp.785-797. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 16.3)
  • Khan, M.I., Yasmeen, T., Shakoor, A., Khan, N.B. and Muhammad, R., 2017. 2014 oil plunge: Causes and impacts on renewable energy. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 68, pp.609-622. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 16.3)
  • Khan M.I., Yasmeen T, Khan MI, Farooq M, Wakeel M. Research progress in the development of natural gas as fuel for road vehicles: A bibliographic review (1991–2016). Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 2016 Dec 1;66:702-41. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 16.3)
  • Ja'fari, M, Khan, MI, Al-Ghamdi, SG, Jaworski, AJ and Asfand, F, 2023. Waste heat recovery in iron and steel industry using organic Rankine cycles. Chemical Engineering Journal, p.146925. (ISI-indexed Q1   Journal, Impact Factor 15)
  • Khan, M.I. and Al-Ghamdi, S.G., 2023. Hydrogen economy for sustainable development in GCC countries: A SWOT analysis considering current situation, challenges, and prospects. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 48(28), pp.10315-10344. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 8.3)
  • Khan, M.I., Mishamandani, A.S., Asfand, F., Fadlallah, S. and Kurniawan, T.A., 2024. Solar driven calcium-looping for thermochemical energy storage system and carbon capture in power and cement industry: A review. Process Safety and Environmental Protection. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 7.8)
  • Khan, M.I., Yasmeen, T., Khan, M., Hadi, N.U., Asif, M., Farooq, M. and Al-Ghamdi, S.G., 2025. Integrating industry 4.0 for enhanced sustainability: Pathways and prospects. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 54, pp.149-189. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 10.3)
  • Khan, M.I., Al Huneidi, D.I., Asfand, F. and Al-Ghamdi, S.G., 2023. Climate change implications for optimal sizing of residential rooftop solar photovoltaic systems in Qatar. Sustainability, 15(24), p.16815. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 4.1)
  • Khan, M.I., Bicer, Y., Asif, M., Al-Ansari, T.A., Khan, M., Kurniawan, T.A. and Al-Ghamdi, S.G., 2024. The GCC’s path to a sustainable future: Navigating the barriers to the adoption of energy efficiency measures in the built environment. Energy Conversion and Management: X, p.100636. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 7.6)
  • Asif, M., Khan, M.I. and Pandey, A., 2024. Navigating the inclusive and sustainable energy transitions in South Asia: Progress, priorities and stakeholder perspectives. Energy Conversion and Management, 313, p.118589. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 10.5)
  • Khan, M.I, and Al-Ghamdi, SG, 2024. Enhancing Energy System Resilience: Navigating Climate. Climate Change Resilience of the Built Environment: Basics, Approaches, and Applications, p.227, (Book Chapter, Wiley)
  • Khan, M.I, Al Huneidi, DI, Asfand, F and Al-Ghamdi, SG, 2023. Climate Change Implications for Optimal Sizing of Residential Rooftop Solar Photovoltaic Systems in Qatar. Sustainability, 15(24), p.16815. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 4.1)
  • Khan, M.I, Al-Ghamdi SG, Progress in Research and Technological Advancements of Concentrated Solar Thermal Power Plants. Solar Energy, 2022. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 7.5)
  • Khan, M.I, Al-Ghamdi. Hydrogen economy for sustainable development in GCC Countries: A SWOT analysis considering current situation, challenges, and prospects. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2022,  (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 8.3)
  • Khan, M.I,  Asfand, F. and Al-Ghamdi, S.G., 2022. Progress in Research and Development of Phase Change Materials for Thermal Energy Storage in Concentrated Solar Power. Applied Thermal Engineering, p.119546. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 6.9)
  • Khan, M.I, Asfand, F., Al-Ghamdi, S.G., 2022. Progress in research and technological advancements of thermal energy storage systems for concentrated solar power. Journal of Energy Storage, 55, p.105860. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 9.8)
  • Khan, M.I., Al-Ghamdi S. G., 2022. Progress in Technology Advancements for Next Generation Concentrated Solar Power Using Solid Particle Receivers. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessment, 54, p.102813. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 7.5)
  • Khan M.I, Yasmin T, Shakoor A. Technical overview of compressed natural gas (CNG) as a transportation fuel. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 2015 Nov 1;51:785-97. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 17)
  • Khan M.I, Khan MI, Al-Ghamdi SG. Computational analysis of solar thermal system with Prandtl nanofluid. Scientific Reports. 2022 Jun 21;12(1):1-2. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 5)
  • Khan M.I, Shahrestani M, Hayat T, Shakoor A, Vahdati M. Life cycle (well-to-wheel) energy and environmental assessment of natural gas as transportation fuel in Pakistan. Applied Energy. 2019;242:1738-52. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 11.4)
  • Khan M.I. Comparative Well-to-Tank energy use and greenhouse gas assessment of natural gas as a transportation fuel in Pakistan. Energy for Sustainable Development. 2018 Apr 1;43:38-59. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 5.6)
  • Khan M.I. Evaluating the strategies of compressed natural gas industry using an integrated SWOT and MCDM approach. Journal of Cleaner Production. 2018 Jan 20;172:1035-52. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 5)
  • Khan M.I. Falling oil prices: Causes, consequences and policy implications. Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering. 2017 Jan 20;149:409-27. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 5.2)
  • Khan M.I. Identifying and addressing barriers for the sustainable development of natural gas as automotive fuel. International journal of hydrogen energy. 2017 Oct 5;42(40):25453-73. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 7.1)
  • Khan M.I. Policy options for the sustainable development of natural gas as transportation fuel. Energy Policy. 2017 Nov 1;110:126-36. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 7.6)
  • Khan M.I., Yasmin T, Khan NB. Safety issues associated with the use and operation of natural gas vehicles: learning from accidents in Pakistan. Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering. 2016 Dec;38(8):2481-97. (ISI-indexed Q2 Journal, Impact Factor 2.5)
  • Khan M.I., Yasmin T. Development of natural gas as a vehicular fuel in Pakistan: issues and prospects. Journal of natural gas science and engineering. 2014 Mar 1;17:99-109. (ISI- indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 5.3)
  • Khan M.I., Khan MA, Shakoor A. A failure analysis of the exhaust valve from a heavy duty natural gas engine. Engineering Failure Analysis. 2018 Mar 1;85:77-88. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 3.6)
  • Khan, N., Khan, A., Khan, D., Riaz, F., Farooq, M., Hadi, N.U. and Khan, M.I., 2025. The impact of digitalization and trade openness on energy efficiency: A comparative analysis across low, middle, and high-income countries. Energy Conversion and Management: X, p.101089. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 7.6)
  • Asif, M., Sharieff, R., Olawale, M. and Khan, M.I., 2025. Unlocking the potential of unregulated rooftops for solar PV on residential buildings: Identifying and addressing key challenges. Energy Nexus, 18, p.100447. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 6.5)
  • Goh, K.C., Kurniawan, T.A., Mohamed, S., Zhang, D., Khan, M.I., Othman, M.H.D., Aziz, F., Anouzla, A. and Onn, C.W., 2025. Techno-economic assessment and life cycle analysis of restaurant food waste-to-electricity conversion in Malaysia and Singapore within a circular bioeconomy framework. Biomass and Bioenergy, 197, p.107771. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 5.8)
  • Zaidi, A.A., Khan, S.Z., Almohamadi, H., PB Filho, E., Akber, N.S., Imran, M., Riaz, F. and Farooq, M., 2025. Enhancing Bio-Hydrogen and Biogas Yields through Optimized Ultrasonic Pretreatment of Algal Biomass for Sustainable Energy Production. Energy Nexus, p.100430. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 9.5)
  • Salsabila, N., Anwar, A., Shubbar, H.T., Khan, M.I., Al-Ansari, T. and Bicer, Y., 2025. Comparative sustainability assessment of hybrid desalination systems for freshwater production. Energy Nexus, p.100440. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 9.5)
  • Goh, K.C., Kurniawan, T.A., AlSultan, G.A., Othman, M.H.D., Anouzla, A., Aziz, F., Ali, I., Casila, J.C.C., Khan, M.I., Zhang, D. and Onn, C.W., 2025. Innovative circular bioeconomy and decarbonization approaches in palm oil waste management: A review. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, 195, p.106746. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 7.8)
  • Teja, D.H., Muvvala, P., Nittala, N.A.P., Bandhu, D., Khan, M.I., Saxena, K.K. and Khan, M.I., 2024. Comparative performance analysis of recuperative helium and supercritical CO₂ Brayton cycles for high-temperature energy systems. Energy, 312, p.133469. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 9.4)
  • Goh, K.C., Kurniawan, T.A., Sarpin, N., Masrom, M.A.N., Othman, M.H.D., Anouzla, A., Aziz, F., Ali, I., Casila, J.C., Khan, M.I. and Zhang, D., 2024. Combating microplastic pollution in Malaysia's marine ecosystems using technological solutions, policy instruments, and public participation: A Review. Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances, p.100542. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 7.7)
  • Ghaleb, B., Khan, M.I. and Asif, M., 2024. Application of PV on Commercial Building Facades: An Investigation into the Impact of Architectural and Structural Features. Sustainability, 16(20), p.9095. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 4.1)
  • Kurniawan, T.A., Ali, M., Mohyuddin, A., Haider, A., Othman, M.H.D., Anouzla, A., Goh, H.H., Zhang, D., Dai, W., Aziz, F. and Khan, M.I., 2024. Innovative transformation of palm oil biomass waste into sustainable biofuel: Technological breakthroughs and future prospects. Process Safety and Environmental Protection. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 7.8)
  • Akhtar, M.U.S., Asfand, F., Khan, M.I., Mishra, R. and Ball, A.D., 2025. Performance and emissions characteristics of hydrogen-diesel dual-fuel combustion for heavy-duty engines. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 8.3)
  • Debella, H.A., Ancha, V.R., Atnaw, S.M., Sundar, L.S., Asfand, F. and Khan, M.I., 2025. Evaluating the combustion characteristics of Prosopis Juliflora biodiesel with diethyl ether additives in diesel engines. Energy, 316, p.134397. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 9.5)
  • Goh, K.C., Kurniawan, T.A., Othman, M.H.D., Anouzla, A., Aziz, F., Ali, I., Casila, J.C., Khan, M.I., Zhang, D., Dai, W. and Onn, C.W., 2025. Reinforcing Urban Resilience through Sound Landfill Management: Addressing Global Climatic Challenges with Novel Solutions. Process Safety and Environmental Protection, p.106789. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 7.8)
  • Akhtar, M.U.S., Fadlallah, S.O., Khan, M.I., Asfand, F., Al-Ghamdi, S.G. and Mishra, R., 2024. Sustainable humidity control in the built environment: Recent research and technological advancements in thermal driven dehumidification systems. Energy and Buildings, 304, p.113846. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 7.1)
  • Mushtaq, K., Waris, A., Zou, R., Shafique, U., Khan, N.B., Khan, M.I., Jameel, M. and Khan, M.I., 2024. A comprehensive approach to wind turbine power curve modeling: Addressing outliers and enhancing accuracy. Energy, 304, p.131981. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 9.4)
  • Sulochana, G., Prasad, C.V., Bhatti, S.K., Madhav, V.V., Saxena, K.K., Khan, M.I., Aloui, Z., Prakash, C. and Khan, M.I., 2024. Impact of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) on hybrid biodiesel blends for cleaner combustion in CI engines. Energy, 303, p.131911. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 9.4)
  • Goh, K.C., Kurniawan, T.A., Goh, H.H., Zhang, D., Jiang, M., Dai, W., Khan, M.I., Othman, M.H.D., Aziz, F., Anouzla, A. and Meidiana, C., 2024. Harvesting valuable elements from solar panels as alternative construction materials: A new approach of waste valorization and recycling in circular economy for building climate resilience. Sustainable Materials and Technologies, p.e01030. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 9.2)
  • Goh, K.C., Kurniawan, T.A., Goh, H.H., Zhang, D., Jiang, M., Dai, W., Khan, M.I., Othman, M.H.D., Aziz, F., Anouzla, A. and Meidiana, C., 2024. Strengthening infrastructure resilience for climate change mitigation: Case studies from the Southeast Asia region with a focus on wastewater treatment plants in addressing flooding challenges. ACS ES&T Water, 4(9), pp.3725-3740. (ISI-indexed Q1 Journal, Impact Factor 4.3)

  • Elected Fellow (FIMechE)        Institution of Mechanical Engineers, UK (Credential ID:  80636559)
  • Elected Fellow (FIEAust)          Engineers Australia (Credential ID: 8663950)
  • Elected Fellow (FIET)               Institute of Engineering & Technology (IET), UK (Credential ID:  1100972560)
  • Elected Fellow (FIEI)                Engineers Ireland (Credential ID: 502560)
  • Elected Fellow (FAIE)               Australian Institute of Energy (AIE), Australia (Credential ID:  1007278)
  • Elected Fellow (FPAE)              Pakistan Academy of Engineering
  • Elected Fellow (FIGEM)            Institution of Gas Engineers & Managers (IGEM), UK (Credential ID: M-47426)
  • Fellow (FHEA)                           Higher Education Academy, UK (Credential ID: PR244189)
  • Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng)      Engineers Australia (Credential ID: 8663950)
  • Professional Engineer (PE)        Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Pakistan (Credential ID Mech/20681)
  • Member (MIETI)                         International Engineering and Technology Institute (IETI) (Credential ID: 1233144/M/IETI)

 

 

Awards & Achievements
 
Nominated by Higher Education Commission (HEC), Govt of Pakistan for Tamgha-i-Imtiaz (medal of excellence) - Pakistan 4th highest Civil award, 2021
 
Energy Engineer of the Year - 2021 by US Association of Energy Engineers, USA 
Award Statement: This award is presented to an individual for outstanding accomplishments in promoting the practices, principles and procedures of energy engineering.
 
Young Researcher Award – 2023 by International Engineering & Technology Institute (IETI), Hong Kong
Award Statement: This award recognizes an academic researcher under the age of 45 whose innovative and compelling research has had a positive impact on the world. The IETI is a non-profit international academic organization consisting of six Nobel prize laureates, three Turing award laureates, one Fields medal laureate, three Wolf prize laureates, among many others. 
 
World Top 2% Scientists - 2021, 2022 by Stanford University, USA 
Award Statement: The US-based Stanford University has recently released the global list that represents the top 2% of the influential scientists in various disciplines chosen from nearly 7 million scientists.
 
Young Energy Professional of the Year - 2018 by US Association of Energy Engineers, USA 
Award Statement: This award is presented to individuals 35 years of age or younger who has made outstanding contributions to the energy profession in any or all of these areas: educational and collegiate achievements; professional and technical society activities; civic and humanitarian activities, continuing competence; energy management achievements; climate change activities and achievements.
 
GRIT Award – 2018  by Experience Energy, USA
Award Statement: A GRIT award is for the unsung leader who is down in the trenches getting the job done regardless of what recognition may come their way. The furthest thing from a ceremonial award, the GRIT awards recognize leaders who boldly step up to the occasion, whatever it may be.  
 
Research Productivity Award – 2017 by Pakistan Council for Science & Technology, Govt. of Pakistan
Awards Statement: These awards have been running for 18 years and  the evaluation of winners are based on research related parameters including authorship of books, cumulative impact factor and citations for the papers published in impact factor journals, patents granted, awards won and winning of competitive grants.
 
Young Professional Green Energy Award: Academic Award – 2018 (Finalist) by Scottish Renewables, UK
Award Statement: The Award recognizes those who have achieved outstanding performance in PhD Research pertinent to energy related area.
 
Top Peer Reviewer Award -2019 in Engineering category by Web of Science Group, USA
Award Statement: The Award recognizes the top 1% of reviewers in 22 different academic fields who performed the most verified peer reviews of academic research work. 
 
Study UK Alumni Award: Category - Science and Sustainability -2023 (Finalist) by British Council, UK
Award Statement: These awards recognize and honor the outstanding achievements made by international alumni of a UK higher education. Award winners and finalists are leaders in their fields who have used their experience of studying at a UK university to make a positive contribution to their communities, professions and countries. 
 

 

 

  • Energy Systems
  • Hydrogen Economy
  • Life Cycle Assessment
  • Energy Policy and Planning
  • Concentrated Solar Power
  • Sustainable Development
  • Decision Support Systems